Wairarapa
A couple sits beside the path toward Castlepoint Lighthouse to take in the view.

Top things to see and do in Wairarapa

The Wairarapa region has plenty of reasons to visit. Make it a day trip — there are some great champions of food, art, and experiences on offer around the region.

A Kea takes flight in front of trees at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.
Two adults and three children stand in the middle of the forest, admiring the nature at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.
A family of three walking in to the foyer at Aratoi. The gift shop can be seen to the left of the image. The foyer has large modern glass windows and wooden slats near the entrance doors.
The forecourt outside Aratoi. There is a large archway with carved Māori figures and motifs in the middle of the forecourt. A family of three are walking through it. The Aratoi buildings are in the background.
Wooden walkway leading to the Castlepoint lighthouse with hills in background and blue ocean.
Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.
A Kea takes flight in front of trees at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.
Two adults and three children stand in the middle of the forest, admiring the nature at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

85379 State Highway 2, Mount Bruce, Wairarapa

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is an unfenced breeding sanctuary for native wildlife. Located on the border of the Tararua and Wairarapa regions, the 942-hectare site is home to a dense lowland podocarp forest. That forest is home to native wildlife including birds and reptiles. Pūkaha has contributed to the recovery of several endangered native species including kōkako, kākā, whio, pateke and shore plover. The aviaries on-site hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release back into the wild.

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Your Wairarapa winery bucket list

The Wairarapa region is renowned for its award-winning winemakers. There are so many to visit, so you’ll need to make repeat trips. Luckily, many of the wineries have cellar doors and attached restaurants. Sample a drop and grab a bottle to take home.

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A family of three walking in to the foyer at Aratoi. The gift shop can be seen to the left of the image. The foyer has large modern glass windows and wooden slats near the entrance doors.
The forecourt outside Aratoi. There is a large archway with carved Māori figures and motifs in the middle of the forecourt. A family of three are walking through it. The Aratoi buildings are in the background.

Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History

12 Bruce Street, Masterton, Wairarapa

Aratoi Museum of Art and History is a vibrant cultural focal point that showcases the best of what Wairarapa has to offer. The museum houses over 3,000 items, including artworks, historical objects, and taonga Māori. This collection forms the basis for multiple exhibitions across the year. 

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Cobblestones Museum

169 Main Street, Greytown, Wairarapa

Step back in time at Cobblestones Museum in Greytown, where Wairarapa’s early history comes to life. This heritage village gives you a hands-on look at life in the 1800s. The museum has six Heritage NZ grade buildings, including the region’s first church and hospital, plus a school and stables. 

Cobblestones Museum
Wooden walkway leading to the Castlepoint lighthouse with hills in background and blue ocean.
Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

The Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk is a short trail following the cliffs above Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. Winding along a wild, rugged coastline, it leads to one of the most recognisable landmarks in New Zealand.

Built in 1913, the lighthouse is one of the last in the country with a rotating beam. Standing 52m above sea level, it offers breathtaking views over the Wairarapa Coast.

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Star Safari

1169 Ponatahi Road, Carterton, Wairarapa

Explore the grandeur of the universe from one of the world’s official International Dark Sky Reserves. Gaze through high-tech telescopes, listen to expert guides, and discover the secrets of the stars. The Wairarapa reserve is particularly special as it is the closest to a metropolitan area in the world. 

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Two people sit in tall grass and admire a scenic vista with Kapiti Island in the background.

24 hours in the Kāpiti Coast

If you only have a day to spend in the Kāpiti Coast then you’ll need to get cracking. The sunny coast has a great selection of things to see, do, and eat.

Stacks of baked twists and scrolls sit on decorative plates.

Breaking bread: Hutt Valley bakeries

The Hutt Valley has a generous helping of artisan bakeries. From sourdough to pastries, here’s where you can find delicious goods wherever you go.

A cricket game at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on a sunny day.

Basin bites: Where to eat around the Basin Reserve in Wellington

You’ll be bowled over with the cricket season this summer at Wellington’s iconic Basin Reserve. There are plenty of games to catch. If you’re ducking out for a break to find coffee or food, there are some great options nearby. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner, before slipping back in to watch the WHITE FERNS or BLACKCAPS.

Heritage building facades line Jackson Street in Petone, as two people cross the pedestrian crossing with shopping bags.

Places to eat on Petone’s Jackson Street

Home to more than 60 bars, cafes and restaurants in just 800 metres, Petone’s iconic Jackson Street is overflowing with options for every meal. Here’s a helping of tasty places to try in and around the street itself.

A variety of delicious-looking sandwiches on the front counter at Shelly Bay Baker, a bakery in Te Aro, Wellington.

The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

Sometimes all it takes to change your day is a really good sandwich.

The interior of The Botanist in Lyall Bay. The counter has a fake bush attached, and the floor is a black and white pattern.

For the love of vegetables

Remember when your parents told you to eat your greens? Now there’s no excuse - not when Wellington serves up the city’s tastiest vegan and vegetarian dishes bursting with vibrant flavours. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a curious vegetarian, or simply love delicious, plant-based meals, these top-rated eateries are sure to satisfy. Explore Wellington’s vibrant food scene with this meatless guide to the best vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots in town.

A parent taking of a photo of their child posing in the Well_ngton sign on the waterfront.

Getting around Wellington — your guide to seeing the city

When you’re in Wellington the world around you always has something to look at. In and around the city there are many modes of transport where you can slow down and take in a view. Get around with the options below.

Two people in a vibrant restaurant setting, holding burgers smiling at each other

Where to find Wellington’s best burgers

Make a point of visiting a local burger joint for something flavoursome, filling, and fun.

People sit at the information desk of the Wellington isite in Tākina.

Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre

The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre is your first stop for travel advice and bookings for tours, activities, and accommodation.

Outside the Wellington Chocolate Factory, 2 people stand enjoying a coffee. A large black wall is to the left with the business name on it.

24 hours in Wellington

If you’ve only got a day in Wellington and want to get a feel of what the city is like – get ready for a whirlwind tour of tastes, sights, and sounds. If you don’t fit everything in, you can always come back for more.