Top Region scenic highlights
The untouched nature of Wairarapa's wild areas lets you enjoy landscapes unlike
anything you've seen before. Put time aside to explore the refreshing parks and
reserves.
Selected highlights at a glance
Waiohine Gorge
Waiohine Gorge, carved by the Waiohine River, is the spectacular south eastern
entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. A swing bridge forms an impressive gateway.
Several tracks into the Tararua Forest Park begin here.
The river is popular for rafting, kayaking and river bugging. There are two abseiling
platforms (with secure anchor points) and several safe swimming pools suitable
for swimmers of all ages. The gorge is a popular camping and recreation area.
Castlepoint Scenic Reserve
Castlepoint, with its fossil-rich limestone reef and magnificent Castle Rock
(162 metres), is one of the most spectacular sights along the Wairarapa coastline.
Long stretches of beach and a sheltered lagoon provide opportunities for fishing,
surfing and jet skiing. Operational since 1913, Castlepoint Light was one of the
last manned lighthouses to be built in New Zealand.
The reserve has several walks and is home to a plant found nowhere else in the
world - a rare shrubby daisy called Brachyglottis compactus. From the beach you'll
see all kinds of seabirds. Dolphins and New Zealand fur seals are other targets
for your camera.
Cape Palliser
The road to Cape Palliser will reward you with dramatic scenery and interesting
heritage sites. The area has a rich history of Maori occupation, overlaid with
a variety of 19th century seafaring disasters.
The Cape Palliser lighthouse was installed in 1897. Visitors can climb the 250
steps and discover a spectacular view of the coast.
The largest breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals in the North Island lives
at Cape Palliser. The coast is popular for surfcasting, diving and surfing. The
nearby Aorangi Forest Park has tracks for walks and mountain biking.
Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve
The 'badlands erosion' of Putangirua Pinnacles is a spectacular landscape feature.
The majestic pinnacles were formed over the past 120,000 years by heavy rain which
gradually eroded an ancient gravel deposit, eventually forming spectacular individual
pinnacles or 'hoodoos'. Three routes lead to the pinnacles - allow 2 to 3 hours
for a round trip. For a longer walk, with excellent views of Palliser Bay, allow
3 to 4 hours for a round trip.
Pukaha/Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
The Wairarapa's 'must see' nature experience. Marvel at New Zealand's most precious
and threatened native birds, including saddlebacks, stitchbirds and kokako. Learn
how the captive breeding research at Mount Bruce is pivotal to the survival of
these species.
Tranquil bush walks lead you through the forest of rimu, rata, kamahi and ancient
plants. Watch the kaka (bush parrots) delight crowds at the daily feed stations.
Marvel at the monster eels and brown trout that gather under the bridge at feeding
time.
Guided scenic walks
Patuna Farm, which is just fifteen minutes from Martinborough, is a magnificent
hill country station where you can take a guided walk through the spectacular
Patuna Chasm. Fossils, stalactites, native eels and waterfalls will keep you entranced.
The southern Wairarapa coast sets the scene for a three-day, guided walking adventure
known as the Tora Coastal Walk. You'll discover wild, untamed coast, fur seals,
lush native forest, windswept ridges, river valleys with spectacular mountain
views and rolling coastal farmland.
|
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Take a fresh look at life in springtime Wairarapa.
Let the sight of newborn lambs restore your spirit and help round up sheep on a 4WD farm-bike.
Listen to the native song birds while afternoon sun filters through the native forest.
If you like to fish, there’s every chance of fresh trout for dinner.
Take a drive out to Middlerun Farm, where you'll find one of the largest flower fields you've ever seen - lose yourself in a sea of daffodils.
| Wairarapa contains many delightful homestays, and bed and breakfasts, and has a number of excellent boutique wineries. |
|
|
|
|
