Our guide to Masterton and The Wairarapa
Wildlife
Centre national de la faune de Pūkaha
85379 State Hwy 2If you love quirky beachside settlements, you'll love Ngawi. This small fishing village is an hour from Martinborough, on the way to Cape Palliser, the southern-most point of the North Island.
Ngawi has more tractors per head of population than anywhere else in the world. These trusty old machines haul the fishing boats in and out of the wild waves of Cook Strait - quite a sight! Ngawi had its heyday as a processing centre for crayfish (rock lobster) in the 1980s. Now it's a rugged retreat for local holidaymakers.
11 habitants recommandent
Ngawi
If you love quirky beachside settlements, you'll love Ngawi. This small fishing village is an hour from Martinborough, on the way to Cape Palliser, the southern-most point of the North Island.
Ngawi has more tractors per head of population than anywhere else in the world. These trusty old machines haul the fishing boats in and out of the wild waves of Cook Strait - quite a sight! Ngawi had its heyday as a processing centre for crayfish (rock lobster) in the 1980s. Now it's a rugged retreat for local holidaymakers.
For a wonderful animal experience, take a 1.5 hour guided interactive alpaca farm tour where you'll discover the amazing alpaca.
Meet our mums and their babies,and the majestic males.
Alpacas are very gentle, so you'll be able to get up close and personal to our friendly alpacas! Take an alpaca for a walk!
Discover a little about alpacas and the Wairarapa connection to their arrival in N.Z, and then to the western world.
The Alpaca Place
365 Bluff Rangitumau RdFor a wonderful animal experience, take a 1.5 hour guided interactive alpaca farm tour where you'll discover the amazing alpaca.
Meet our mums and their babies,and the majestic males.
Alpacas are very gentle, so you'll be able to get up close and personal to our friendly alpacas! Take an alpaca for a walk!
Discover a little about alpacas and the Wairarapa connection to their arrival in N.Z, and then to the western world.
Sightseeing
A ride on the historic miniature train at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton is loved by both kids and adults and a must-do when your in Masterton.
The miniature train is open between 11am and 4pm on weekends, public holidays and every day in the school holidays (weather and volunteers permitting). All tickets are $1.
While your at Queen Elizabeth Park you can also ride on a pedal boat, play a round of mini golf, feed the ducks, walk over the swing bridge to visit the deer and take a walk around Queen Elizabeth Park's beautiful trees.
It's the perfect place to bring kids with a huge playground, flying fox, and BMX and skate park.
20 habitants recommandent
Parc Queen Elizabeth, Masterton
Dixon StreetA ride on the historic miniature train at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton is loved by both kids and adults and a must-do when your in Masterton.
The miniature train is open between 11am and 4pm on weekends, public holidays and every day in the school holidays (weather and volunteers permitting). All tickets are $1.
While your at Queen Elizabeth Park you can also ride on a pedal boat, play a round of mini golf, feed the ducks, walk over the swing bridge to visit the deer and take a walk around Queen Elizabeth Park's beautiful trees.
It's the perfect place to bring kids with a huge playground, flying fox, and BMX and skate park.
Seals, stunning walks, and the spiffiest lighthouse in the country - you'll find them all at Cape Palliser. It's just an hour's drive from Martinborough, with unforgettable sea views along the way.
A grand old lady of a lighthouse cast iron Cape Palliser lighthouse has stood on the cliffs here since 1897 - and she's still shining strong. Climb the 253 steps to see her up close. And spare a thought for the early lighthouse keepers who had to haul oil and kerosene cans up a dirt track before the steps went in!
The Cape is also home to the North Island's largest fur seal colony. If you're here November to January you might just spot some pups.
31 habitants recommandent
Phare de Cape Palliser
Seals, stunning walks, and the spiffiest lighthouse in the country - you'll find them all at Cape Palliser. It's just an hour's drive from Martinborough, with unforgettable sea views along the way.
A grand old lady of a lighthouse cast iron Cape Palliser lighthouse has stood on the cliffs here since 1897 - and she's still shining strong. Climb the 253 steps to see her up close. And spare a thought for the early lighthouse keepers who had to haul oil and kerosene cans up a dirt track before the steps went in!
The Cape is also home to the North Island's largest fur seal colony. If you're here November to January you might just spot some pups.
Just half an hour's drive from Martinborough is Lake Ferry, a sleepy beach village on the shores of Lake Onoke where it empties into rugged Palliser Bay.
Go fishing with views of the South Island, try catching whitebait if you're here in spring - or just enjoy a sunset dinner at the Lake Ferry Hotel. They do fab whitebait fritters and flounder!
Swimming in Lake Onoke or from the beach is not recommended. If you're keen to get in the water, check out these great swimming spots around the region.
14 habitants recommandent
Lake Ferry
Just half an hour's drive from Martinborough is Lake Ferry, a sleepy beach village on the shores of Lake Onoke where it empties into rugged Palliser Bay.
Go fishing with views of the South Island, try catching whitebait if you're here in spring - or just enjoy a sunset dinner at the Lake Ferry Hotel. They do fab whitebait fritters and flounder!
Swimming in Lake Onoke or from the beach is not recommended. If you're keen to get in the water, check out these great swimming spots around the region.
Castlepoint has been voted one of the country's top 10 most loved beaches. Just an hour from Masterton, it's the perfect getaway, with swimming, surfing, walking trails galore and a rugged east coast vibe.
21 habitants recommandent
Castlepoint
Castlepoint has been voted one of the country's top 10 most loved beaches. Just an hour from Masterton, it's the perfect getaway, with swimming, surfing, walking trails galore and a rugged east coast vibe.
For millennia people have gazed in awe at Stonehenge and other great stone circles, often totally unaware of how these structures were used. Now a full-scale working adaptation of Stonehenge has been built right here in Aotearoa, allowing all New Zealanders to experience the wonders of stone circles for themselves.
Situated in the Wairarapa countryside, a short distance from Wellington, Stonehenge Aotearoa is a window into the past where the visitor can rediscover the knowledge of their ancestors. It incorporates ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Indus Valley astronomy, Polynesian navigation, and Celtic and Maori starlore. Built on the same scale as Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in England.
Stonehenge Aotearoa is not a replica. It is a complete and working structure designed and built for its precise location in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand. In this awe-inspiring place, people young and old can explore the mysteries of our past and learn how early cultures, including New Zealand Maori, used the Sun, Moon and stars for life and survival.
20 habitants recommandent
Stonehenge Aotearoa
For millennia people have gazed in awe at Stonehenge and other great stone circles, often totally unaware of how these structures were used. Now a full-scale working adaptation of Stonehenge has been built right here in Aotearoa, allowing all New Zealanders to experience the wonders of stone circles for themselves.
Situated in the Wairarapa countryside, a short distance from Wellington, Stonehenge Aotearoa is a window into the past where the visitor can rediscover the knowledge of their ancestors. It incorporates ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Indus Valley astronomy, Polynesian navigation, and Celtic and Maori starlore. Built on the same scale as Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in England.
Stonehenge Aotearoa is not a replica. It is a complete and working structure designed and built for its precise location in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand. In this awe-inspiring place, people young and old can explore the mysteries of our past and learn how early cultures, including New Zealand Maori, used the Sun, Moon and stars for life and survival.
The Putangirua Pinnacles near Cape Palliser are some of the most amazing rock formations you will ever see. Put on your sturdy walking shoes and do a day trip, or bring the family camping here. Doing this walk early morning is best for the affect of the early sunshine coming through the rock formations and generally avoiding the heat of the day on this walk.
17 habitants recommandent
Putangirua Pinnacles
The Putangirua Pinnacles near Cape Palliser are some of the most amazing rock formations you will ever see. Put on your sturdy walking shoes and do a day trip, or bring the family camping here. Doing this walk early morning is best for the affect of the early sunshine coming through the rock formations and generally avoiding the heat of the day on this walk.
Food scene
A boutique wine producer set in the heart of Martinborough’s prime vineyards, Poppies Martinborough is a purpose-built venue for tastings and celebrations.
Poppy makes the wines and Shayne manages the vines - it’s the only place you can find exclusive Poppies Martinborough wines. Relax in the stylish tasting room or under a pergola with wine and a platter of local, seasonal foods.
30 habitants recommandent
Poppies Martinborough
91 Puruatanga RdA boutique wine producer set in the heart of Martinborough’s prime vineyards, Poppies Martinborough is a purpose-built venue for tastings and celebrations.
Poppy makes the wines and Shayne manages the vines - it’s the only place you can find exclusive Poppies Martinborough wines. Relax in the stylish tasting room or under a pergola with wine and a platter of local, seasonal foods.
Wine
Paulownia Estate is in Opaki, Masterton and produces some beautiful, distinctive Wairarapa wine.
Paulownia Estate pride themselves on being a bit different; their Sauvignon Blanc is decadent and sweet, a dessert wine created by leaving the grapes on the vines for just that little bit longer.
Paulownia Estate
243B Manaia RdPaulownia Estate is in Opaki, Masterton and produces some beautiful, distinctive Wairarapa wine.
Paulownia Estate pride themselves on being a bit different; their Sauvignon Blanc is decadent and sweet, a dessert wine created by leaving the grapes on the vines for just that little bit longer.
Gladstone Vineyard
340 Gladstone RdOpen every day for tastings
Cottier Estate is a boutique vineyard in a magical location next to the Ruamahanga River near Masterton. The vines of Dakins Road enjoy long hot summers and cool winters to create wines with tremendous depth.
Pete and Karen will welcome you and take you through their range of wines. The new “Delle” Rose and the award winning “Emily” Chardonnay are highlights. Beautiful garden areas and inside tasting rooms are available for you to relax in and picnic.
Situated just a short drive off State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton. Turn off State Highway 2 onto East Taratahi Road and follow the road right to the river. Or turn right off Carters Line if you're coming from Gladstone.
Cottier Estate
290 Dakins RdCottier Estate is a boutique vineyard in a magical location next to the Ruamahanga River near Masterton. The vines of Dakins Road enjoy long hot summers and cool winters to create wines with tremendous depth.
Pete and Karen will welcome you and take you through their range of wines. The new “Delle” Rose and the award winning “Emily” Chardonnay are highlights. Beautiful garden areas and inside tasting rooms are available for you to relax in and picnic.
Situated just a short drive off State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton. Turn off State Highway 2 onto East Taratahi Road and follow the road right to the river. Or turn right off Carters Line if you're coming from Gladstone.
Neighbourhoods
Need a break from the city? Masterton has excellent cafes, world-class art and one of the best public parks in the country, with loads of activities in easy walking distance. Make a day of it and bring your bikes!
Take the train from Wellington all the way to Masterton at the end of the line (Sunday services are via bus while KiwiRail does infrastructure improvements and essential track maintenance). It’s a 10 minute walk from the station straight down Perry Street to the town centre. Check out a Wellington to Masterton train timetable.
Fun activities for families in Masterton:
Queen Elizabeth Park has to be your first stop. You'll love the huge playground, flying fox, miniature train and pedal boats, mini-golf, and BMX and skate park.
Check out Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art & History, the largest museum in the Wairarapa and ConArt Gallery & Studios who create and sell artwork from colorful containers, both in the Masterton Arts Quarter.
Nearby at Trust House Recreation Centre are indoor heated pools, a hydro-slide, river ride, and spa and outdoors three pools, a speed slide and diving pool.
Activities at nearby Masterbowl range from bowling, bumper cars, arcade games, basketball and more.
Follow the growth of New Zealand’s shearing and wool industry and the rise to international sports fame for Golden Shears at The Wool Shed.
Walk or cycle around Henley Lake with 43 hectares of wetlands and native planting and over 72 different species of birds.
14 habitants recommandent
Masterton
Need a break from the city? Masterton has excellent cafes, world-class art and one of the best public parks in the country, with loads of activities in easy walking distance. Make a day of it and bring your bikes!
Take the train from Wellington all the way to Masterton at the end of the line (Sunday services are via bus while KiwiRail does infrastructure improvements and essential track maintenance). It’s a 10 minute walk from the station straight down Perry Street to the town centre. Check out a Wellington to Masterton train timetable.
Fun activities for families in Masterton:
Queen Elizabeth Park has to be your first stop. You'll love the huge playground, flying fox, miniature train and pedal boats, mini-golf, and BMX and skate park.
Check out Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art & History, the largest museum in the Wairarapa and ConArt Gallery & Studios who create and sell artwork from colorful containers, both in the Masterton Arts Quarter.
Nearby at Trust House Recreation Centre are indoor heated pools, a hydro-slide, river ride, and spa and outdoors three pools, a speed slide and diving pool.
Activities at nearby Masterbowl range from bowling, bumper cars, arcade games, basketball and more.
Follow the growth of New Zealand’s shearing and wool industry and the rise to international sports fame for Golden Shears at The Wool Shed.
Walk or cycle around Henley Lake with 43 hectares of wetlands and native planting and over 72 different species of birds.
Greytown's known for its great food and sophisticated shopping, cute colonial cottages, historic trees and extra-ordinary chocolate. With its small, owner operated shops that are high quality and distinctive, Greytown offers the antithesis of big box shopping or bland malls you find in many large centres these days. Yep, you need to come and check it out!
32 habitants recommandent
Greytown
Greytown's known for its great food and sophisticated shopping, cute colonial cottages, historic trees and extra-ordinary chocolate. With its small, owner operated shops that are high quality and distinctive, Greytown offers the antithesis of big box shopping or bland malls you find in many large centres these days. Yep, you need to come and check it out!
Martinborough is famous for its 20-odd vineyards, most within walking or cycling distance of the village square.
It's packed with colonial charm, and criss-crossed with walking and cycle tracks to explore.
36 habitants recommandent
Martinborough
Martinborough is famous for its 20-odd vineyards, most within walking or cycling distance of the village square.
It's packed with colonial charm, and criss-crossed with walking and cycle tracks to explore.
Outdoor Activities
The Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington with Wairarapa, winding through a variety of stunning landscapes: a river valley, rolling foothills, bush-clad ranges, old railway tunnels, lake-sides, farm land and a rugged coastline.
One of New Zealand’s Great Rides, this 115km trail is rich in history with diverse terrain rideable by most people. The trail can be accessed in many places so you can tailor your ride to suit your needs and fitness levels.
6 habitants recommandent
Rimutaka Cycle Trail
The Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington with Wairarapa, winding through a variety of stunning landscapes: a river valley, rolling foothills, bush-clad ranges, old railway tunnels, lake-sides, farm land and a rugged coastline.
One of New Zealand’s Great Rides, this 115km trail is rich in history with diverse terrain rideable by most people. The trail can be accessed in many places so you can tailor your ride to suit your needs and fitness levels.
Mount Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of the Tararua Forest Park. Set against the backdrop of some of the highest peaks in the Tararua Range, Holdsworth offers short walks and longer tramps through attractive forest and higher up into the alpine environment.
The picturesque Atiwhakatu Stream passes through the area, which is home to a diverse range of bird and insect life.
There is good riverside camping at Mount Holdsworth with plenty of open space.
Access to Mount Holdsworth is off State Highway 2 down Norfolk Road near Masterton. Follow Norfolk Road for about 20 minutes where it ends at Mount Holdsworth.
6 habitants recommandent
Mount Holdsworth
Mount Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of the Tararua Forest Park. Set against the backdrop of some of the highest peaks in the Tararua Range, Holdsworth offers short walks and longer tramps through attractive forest and higher up into the alpine environment.
The picturesque Atiwhakatu Stream passes through the area, which is home to a diverse range of bird and insect life.
There is good riverside camping at Mount Holdsworth with plenty of open space.
Access to Mount Holdsworth is off State Highway 2 down Norfolk Road near Masterton. Follow Norfolk Road for about 20 minutes where it ends at Mount Holdsworth.
Craft Beer
Looking for a beer lovers' oasis in a town of grapevines? You've found it.
Martinborough Brewery produces premium hand-crafted beer made by two friends. Hayden Frew and Stephen Fox met at Otago University, but their taste in beer has moved a world away from pints at the pub. Today, their focus is quality and flavour. Each small batch is a labour of love - even the capping and labelling is hands-on.
11 habitants recommandent
Martinborough Brewery
10 Ohio StLooking for a beer lovers' oasis in a town of grapevines? You've found it.
Martinborough Brewery produces premium hand-crafted beer made by two friends. Hayden Frew and Stephen Fox met at Otago University, but their taste in beer has moved a world away from pints at the pub. Today, their focus is quality and flavour. Each small batch is a labour of love - even the capping and labelling is hands-on.
Regent 58 Ale House is one of Carterton's little gems. Down an alleyway just off the main street, it's the perfect place to enjoy a pint of craft beer with friends, and chat to brewers Gary and Brent.
You'll find a range of superb English-style ales on tap and bottled here - all unfiltered, unpasteurised and naturally
Regent 58 alehouse
Stubbs LaneRegent 58 Ale House is one of Carterton's little gems. Down an alleyway just off the main street, it's the perfect place to enjoy a pint of craft beer with friends, and chat to brewers Gary and Brent.
You'll find a range of superb English-style ales on tap and bottled here - all unfiltered, unpasteurised and naturally