Wellington - Taupo - Wellington

Day 2: Martinborough to Palmerston North

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Martinborough - Masterton 0.5 hr  45/28 Masterton - Palmerston North 1.25 hrs  101/63   Totals for Day 1.75 hrs  146/91

Martinborough - Masterton - Palmerston North

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.

Enjoy the clean, green scenery as you drive north through the friendly townships of the Wairarapa. In Featherston you’ll find an interesting locomotive museum. Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum – take yourself on a self-guided walk. Carterton is a good place to shop for paua shell souvenirs – it’s also a place to enjoy daffodils in the spring.

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

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 (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Wairarapa
Wineries (3)

Martinborough - Masterton - Palmerston North

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.

On the drive to Palmerston North, you’ll encounter a wildlife sanctuary at Mt Bruce and the legendary town of Eketahuna (in kiwi slang Eketahuna is the archetypal hick town). The Tararua Windfarm is a little further north – to see it, follow the road to Ballance. After the antique shops of Woodville you’ll launch into the scenery of the Manawatu Gorge – keep an eye out for adventure opportunities such as rock-climbing and bungy jumping.

One of New Zealand’s largest provincial cities, Palmerston North has an attractive historic heart. Many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and now function as boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Rose gardens and museums should also be on your agenda of things to see.

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.

Manawatu gardens
While in Manawatu, make time to stop and smell the roses. In terms of popularity, gardening is up there with rugby in this part of New Zealand.

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

Manawatu
Arts & Crafts (3), Gardens (3), Horse Treks (3)