Transport options in Wairarapa
A rental car is a traveller's best friend around the Wairarapa region. The roads
are well maintained and uncrowded, and you'll have the flexibility to stop whenever
you see something interesting. Your feet will also come in handy - particularly
for exploring the wineries of Martinborough wine village. You can walk from one
winery to the next, without any risk of overexertion.
Getting to and from Wairarapa
By Air
International and Trans-Tasman flights arrive at Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington,
Hamilton and Palmerston North. Domestic flights are available directly between Auckland and Masterton. Alternatively Wellington and Palmerston North are close domestic airports, linking with coach, rail or rental car to Wairarapa.
By Road
From Auckland or Rotorua
Drive via Hawke's Bay or Tongariro National Park. Just south of Mangaweka turn
off onto State Highway 54 and follow signs for Cheltenham, Ashhurst, Manawatu
Gorge, Woodville and Masterton.
From Wellington and the South Island
Wellington provides the Cook Strait ferry link with the South Island. Take State
Highway 2 to Wairarapa, a route that includes a 30 minute scenic drive through
the re-generating forest of the Rimutaka Range.
From Palmerston North
Follow State Highway 3 to Woodville, where you'll connect with State Highway
2 to Masterton.
Scheduled InterCity coach services run from Palmerston North to Masterton via Woodville.
Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
Wairarapa is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, a driving route that
runs from Hawke's Bay to Marlborough.
Drive times:
- Auckland to Wairarapa - 9 hours and 20 minutes
- Hawke's Bay to Wairarapa - 3 hours
- Wairarapa to Wellington - 1 hour 30 minutes
- Palmerston North to Masterton - 1 hour 15 minutes
By Rail
The train journey from Wellington to Wairarapa is an attraction in itself. It
takes you through the Rimutaka Tunnel, emerging to spectacular views across Lake
Wairarapa to Palliser Bay and the Aorangi Ranges. The daily rail service links Wellington with the Wairarapa towns of Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, and Featherston, connecting with local bus services to Martinborough.
Getting around Wairarapa
Rental cars are available from Masterton, the region's largest town.
Tranzit Coachlines provide services Monday to Friday between Martinborough, Featherston
and Masterton and return on a regular timetable.
There are also time-tabled coach services from Martinboroough to Featherston,
connecting with the morning and evening commuter trains to and from Wellington.
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