Greytown - a small and perfectly delicious little town

 Once upon a time there were 2 boxes. These magical boxes held secret and wondrous gifts. One of these special boxes went to the South Island, the other went to the North Island. 

Out of these boxes came gifts and tricks to make New Zealand’s prettiest towns: Arrowtown in the South Island and in the North Island – gorgeous Greytown.

Ok ok – so Greytown (just an hour from Wellington)  is a pretty town with huge old trees, lady-like Victorian wooden homes and upmarket stores showing off nicely down the Main St. 

But looks aren’t everything are they - located at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail,  Greytown is a tasty little jewel too.

Arriving from the north in autumn you hit a little zone of fruit and vegetable  stores –   local winter nellis pears, pumpkins and huge bins of locals apples look and taste great.

Into town and calorie central - pastries at the French Baker. Top tip here is get a selection and have them cut up on a big plate (apparently you then have to share with your chums)  Don’t miss the coffee éclairs and the huge range of artisan breads.

Next door is Bar Salute where the tapas menu shows off  Wairarapa produce and the wine list twinkles with Wairarapa stars. Pistachio and kumara falafels are a must-have by the way.

More treasures include Cahoots Café (full of characters), the Greytown Butchery,   Main Street Deli and  Schoc Chocolates. 

A visit to Schoc is a Life Changing Experience - embrace that lime chili chocolate - extraordinary.

But wait there’s more – Greytown is also home to Lighthouse Gin (providing ‘a beacon of hope for gin-lovers around the world’) and Mela Juice too.

Greytown gourmet- ville is just one hour drive from Wellington (so a great day trip) combine it with a visit to neighbouring Martinborough (just 15 minutes away) . 

On the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Greytown is just 3 and a half hours from Napier.

For information about the Wairarapa visit: www.wairarapanz.com