Wairarapa is tucked away in the south-east corner of the North Island, at the foot of the rugged Tararua Range. Maori called the region "Land of Glistening Waters".
Wairarapa is tucked away in the south-east corner of the North Island, at the foot of the rugged Tararua Range. Maori called the region "Land of Glistening Waters".
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
Days of wine and walkways
If you arrive from Wellington, you’ll wind your way over the Rimutaka hills and
along the route trodden by early European settlers 150 years ago. The vast Wairarapa
valley will open up before you, fringed by mountains to the west and rugged coast
to the east.
European settlement dates back to the 1840s, but Maori history is much older.
Archaeological research has shown that parts of the Wairarapa coast have been
occupied for at least 800 years.
Essentially rural with off-the beaten-track charm, Wairarapa promises a diverse
experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife
and natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, acres of apple orchards, fields of lavender,
olive groves, heritage museums and quaint historic towns combine to make Wairarapa
an appealing destination.
Key Features
Cape Palliser Cape Palliser, complete with lighthouse, is the southernmost point of the North
Island. Highlights include a large breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals and
Maori occupation sites dating from the 12th century.
Martinborough wine village
Approximately 30 wineries surround Martinborough’s charming village square, creating
a unique 'walk the wineries' experience. You can sample premium wines without
the need to drive.
Castlepoint
An hour’s drive east from Masterton, Castlepoint beach is a great day trip. Walk
the boardwalk to the lighthouse or enjoy a longer walk through the scenic reserve
to Castle Rock, named by Captain Cook in 1770.
Key Tips
State Highway 2 through Wairarapa is a scenic route to Wellington, where you
can catch a ferry to the South Island.
Wairarapa is part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail touring route from Hawkes
Bay to Marlborough.
Tranzmetro rail services operate between Wellington and Wairarapa. The views
are amazing as you emerge from the Rimutaka Tunnel.
International and Trans-Tasman flights arrive at Wellington and daily domestic flights run between Masterton and Auckland.
Coach services connect to Wairarapa.
MEMORY: Submitted by Liam Rathbone from United Kingdom
"
New Zeland is truly the most beautiful place on the earth. I hope one day I can return and stay there on a very long holiday....
"
New Zealand Food and Wine Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
•
Food and Wine New Zealand’s fifth-largest wine region is the Wairarapa, with the cluster of vineyards in and around the township of Martinborough forming its most famous wine district.
Accommodation and dining are on offer at the elegant Martinborough Hotel.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Summer in Wairarapa is generally hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often around 30°C.
High sunshine hours and low rainfall have been major factors in the international success of the small boutique wineries in the region. Most wineries are open for tastings while stocks permit, and some are open year-round. The best time to visit is from late October to early March, when new wine stocks have been released. Wairarapa is also a major fruit-growing area.
