Kaitaia - Wellington - Christchurch

Day 7: Napier to Wellington

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Napier - Hastings 0.75 hr  20/13 Hastings - Masterton 2.75 hrs  216/135 Masterton - Martinborough 0.5 hr  45/28 Martinborough - Wellington 1 hr  79/49   Totals for Day 5 hrs  360/225

Napier - Hastings - Masterton - Martinborough - Wellington

In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city of Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the times, and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. To get in touch with the history of this region, visit the Earthquake Exhibition and Nga Tukemata (an exhibition which celebrates the Maori history of the East Coast) at the museum. The vineyards of Hawke’s Bay are all within easy reach of Napier. Another attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

The city of Napier has a twin sister right next door. Hastings is only 20 kilometres to the south. Like Napier, it was devastated by the 1931 earthquake, so has plenty of Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style architecture to see. Fabulous parks and delicious ice cream are two other reasons to visit Hastings. In the apple and pear season, there’s no better place to be – Hastings is New Zealand’s leading pipfruit region.

Scenic Highlights

Cape Kidnappers
Getting to Cape Kidnappers is half the fun. You can walk, ride on a tractor trailer or paddle a kayak.

Napier - Art Deco Architecture
Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference.

Lake Tutira
Lake Tutira is an idyllic place to have a picnic or pitch a tent. Hike the walkway or see how many bird species you can count.

Activities

Hawkes Bay
Farms (1), Gardens (1), Heritage Attractions (3)

Napier - Hastings - Masterton - Martinborough - Wellington

Hastings was devastated by the 1931 earthquake, so has plenty of Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style architecture to see. Fabulous parks, pipfruit and delicious ice cream are three other reasons to visit Hastings.

On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and Waipawa - both have historic buildings to view. In Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians, you can inspect locally made knitwear. Woodville is a place for antique browsing. The Tararua Windfarm is not far from here (it makes electricity out of thin air) – to see it, follow the road to Ballance. Before you reach Masterton, you’ll encounter the legendary town of Eketahuna (in kiwi slang Eketahuna is the archetypal hick town). The wildlife sanctuary at Mt Bruce is an essential stop.

Every year in March, Masterton hosts the international Golden Shears competition. Sheep shearing in the Wairarapa is both a sport and an art form. The town’s main park has an aviary, aquarium, deer park and a small boating lake. Or you could rediscover your childhood at the local toy museum.

Scenic Highlights

Cape Kidnappers
Getting to Cape Kidnappers is half the fun. You can walk, ride on a tractor trailer or paddle a kayak.

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve
At Castlepont you can hunt for one of the world's rarest daisies, climb Castle Rock or watch the waves for dolphins and fur seals.

Holdsworth
Pack a picnic basket for a day trip or gear up for a three day hike - this section of the Tararua Forest Park has something for everyone.

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Cheeky kaka, friendly takahe and giant eels will have you reaching for your camera. Mount Bruce promises you some extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Riversdale Beach
Riversdale Beach is where the people of Wairarapa come to play. It's a great place for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, golf and fishing.

Activities

Hawkes Bay
Farms (1), Gardens (1)

Wairarapa
Arts & Crafts (3), Horse Treks (1)

Napier - Hastings - Masterton - Martinborough - Wellington

Every year in March, Masterton hosts the international Golden Shears competition. Sheep shearing in the Wairarapa is both a sport and an art form. The town’s main park has an aviary, aquarium, deer park and a small boating lake. Or you could rediscover your childhood at the local toy museum.

Enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive south. Carterton is a good place to shop for paua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum – take yourself on a self-guided walk. At Featherston, which has an interesting locomotive museum, you’ll turn left towards Martinborough.

In recent years, Martinborough has become the gourmet capital of the lower North Island. It is home to over 25 boutique vineyards, several fabulous restaurants and a number of upmarket bed and breakfast establishments. From the charming town square, you can walk to most of the local attractions.

Scenic Highlights

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve
At Castlepont you can hunt for one of the world's rarest daisies, climb Castle Rock or watch the waves for dolphins and fur seals.

Holdsworth
Pack a picnic basket for a day trip or gear up for a three day hike - this section of the Tararua Forest Park has something for everyone.

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Cheeky kaka, friendly takahe and giant eels will have you reaching for your camera. Mount Bruce promises you some extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve
You don't have to travel far to find yourself on another planet. The Putangirua Pinnacles are just an hour's drive from Martinborough.

Riversdale Beach
Riversdale Beach is where the people of Wairarapa come to play. It's a great place for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, golf and fishing.

Activities

Wairarapa
Arts & Crafts (3), Wineries (8)

Napier - Hastings - Masterton - Martinborough - Wellington

In recent years, Martinborough has become the gourmet capital of the lower North Island. It is home to over 25 boutique vineyards, several fabulous restaurants and a number of upmarket bed and breakfast establishments. From the charming town square, you can walk to most of the local attractions.

After the town of Featherston, which has an interesting locomotive museum, you’ll climb up and over the Rimutaka Range - great views in every direction. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s easy driving for the rest of your journey. You’ll wind through the picturesque Hutt Valley then a fast moving motorway will whisk you into the city.

Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical performances are a Wellington specialty. As New Zealand’s capital, this city is rich in political history.

Scenic Highlights

Archives New Zealand
At Archives New Zealand, you can view fascinating displays based on historic documents, maps, paintings, photos and films.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Enjoy sweeping views from hiking and riding trails in this historic forest park. Learn about Maori history while you relish the farm-fresh air.

Wellington Walkways
Views, forests, parks and gardens keep things interesting along these signposted Wellington walkways.

Wrights Hill Fortress and Recreation Reserve
Wrights Hill offers 360 degree views of Wellington and the surrounding area, as well as walking tracks and picnic areas.

Zealandia - The Karori Sanctuary Experience
This significant conservation attraction is located in a secluded suburban valley - just 2.5 kilometres from Wellington's central business district.

Makara Track
Makara Walking Track combines spectacular long-range views with a walk along a wild, west coast beach.

Matiu/Somes Island
Maori history, early European history, war stories and wildlife - this island, in the middle of Wellington Harbour, has it all.

National War Memorial and Carillon
In a beautiful art deco setting, learn about defining times in New Zealand's history and discover a huge musical bell instrument.

Mount Victoria
Breathtaking views and great walking tracks reward those who venture to the top of Mount Victoria.

Wellington Central Waterfront
Explore Wellington's waterfront on foot and visit Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina and Oriental Bay.

Old Government Buildings
Feel the grace and elegance of the 1800s at Government Buildings, the largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere.

Wellington Botanic Garden
From ancient forests to colourful flower beds, the Wellington Botanic Garden is a delightful experience, completed by great views of the city and harbour.

Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve
You don't have to travel far to find yourself on another planet. The Putangirua Pinnacles are just an hour's drive from Martinborough.

Red Rocks Reserve
Put half a day aside for this easy coastal walk to Red Rocks and a fur seal colony on the south side of Wellington.

Activities

Wairarapa
Gardens (3), Wineries (8)

Wellington
Arts & Crafts (4), Galleries (4)