Masterton
- Martinborough
45 km (28 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial
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),
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Wineries (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Wairarapa
Wineries (3)
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