Wairarapa

Wairarapa’s indulgent country life.

Just over the hills from Wellington, the Wairarapa region brings together all the advantages of country living. Fabulous ingredients are grown on local farms; award-winning wine is made in Martinborough; and historic towns provide excellent restaurants and character accommodation.

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RURAL CHARM

You'll be charmed by the Wairarapa - rolling green hills, rugged coastline, abundant wildlife, fine wine & food and picturesque towns.

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For a couple of surfing dudes who like to cook, Wairarapa was a dream come true. The east coast beaches of Castle Point and Riversdale are known for their delectable waves, while Martinborough, Carterton and Greytown have a lively food and wine culture.

Martinborough’s colonial architecture makes it a picturesque place to visit. The central streets of the town are laid out in the pattern of the Union Jack and the iconic Martinborugh Hotel is famed for the quality of its dining - locally grown ugly mushrooms and olive oil are featured on the menu. From the village square, you can walk to a number of wineries to sample some of the region’s excellent wines - pinot noir, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc do particularly well here.

Carterton and Greytown will charm you with historic buildings, boutique shopping and quaint museums. Accommodation choices are inspiring - historic houses and hotels, self-contained cottages and boutique B & Bs.

Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa - click for more.

These extraordinary towers of rock were formed by water erosion over millions of years.

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North of the wine growing region is Mount Bruce, a wildlife sanctuary where you can see kiwi, kokako, takahe, tuatara and many other rare native species. Eel-feeding time (1.30pm) is a highlight for visitors; it’s also possible to have a close encounter with kaka - the native parrots that clown around in our forests. The Tararua Forest Park is another place to enjoy native flora and fauna. The park has several entry points for day walks or extended hiking trips, including the magnificent Waiohine Gorge near Greytown.

Much of the lower east coast of the North Island is remote and inaccessible, but from Masterton you can drive to Castle Point or Riversdale - beautiful beaches with some great surfing spots. Cape Palliser is another unforgettable coastal experience, complete with a large fur seal colony. And if you’re looking for a great adventure, Wairarapa-style, the three-day Tora Coastal Walk is the region’s signature hiking experience.

Episode 5 - Wairarapa

Sampling the Wairarapa waves was front-of-mind for Bender and Mark, and they found an amazing break on a remote east coast beach. But food was never far from their thoughts - did they have an ulterior motive when they helped a local lobsterman beach his boat? Crayfish (which is how New Zealanders say ‘lobster’) was soon on the menu. Other Wairarapa experiences for the lads included mustering sheep, eeling the Maori way, a shocking introduction to electric fencing and a visit to Greytown’s chocolate shop, where the selection process involved some amusing character analysis.

BEN & MARK'S RECIPES

Check out the recipes cooked in this episode and try to replicate the guy's meals at home using the best of New Zealand's produce.

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Wairarapa

Episode 5 - Wairarapa