DHL Lions Series - Ultimate Route

Day 7: Napier to Masterton

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Napier - Hastings 0.75 hr  20/13 Hastings - Masterton 2.75 hrs  216/135   Totals for Day 3.5 hrs  236/148

Napier - Hastings - Masterton

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
Heritage Attractions (1)

Tour and Sightseeing

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

Napier - Hastings - Masterton

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

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

Tour and Sightseeing

Hawkes Bay
Farms (1), Gardens (1)