Wairarapa

By wanderlust

Edit this page

Castlepoint

Vineyards

Wairarapa is home to some of the country’s best wineries and found at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Enjoy fine wine and cheese in this beautiful region surrounded by wide valleys with lush vineyards and olive groves. Also within its boundaries, there are forest parks for picnics as well as a rugged coastline.

The district is made up of towns that are full of charm and character:
Masterton – The largest town and shopping centre, makes a good jump-off point to the rest of the region.
Martinborough – Experience wine tasting at the various cellar doors with more than thirty largely family-owned wineries, most within walking or cycling distance from the village. The village café and wine centre are also cozy alternatives.
Carterton and Gladstone – Go sightseeing at Stonehenge Aotearoa (Kiwi version of the famous landmark) or the different gardens.
Greytown – Discover the quaint cafés, boutiques, galleries, and antique shops along its main street of original Victorian architecture. Great coffee and chocolate too!

Other points of interest are Castlepoint with its picturesque lighthouse and Cape Palliser where you can keep an eye out for native fur seals.


Wairarapa is about an hour from Wellington, with a scenic drive over the Rimutaka mountain range.

If you’d rather just drink and not drive, Metlink offers daily rail service between Wellington and the Wairarapa towns if Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, and Featherston that connects with local bus services to Martinborough.

Guided tours are also offered from the city, either by private shuttle or train/coach packages.
Gourmet Wine Escape

From Auckland, direct Air New Zealand flights to Masterton are available.




Edit this page