Wairarapa
Two cyclists are riding through a vineyard in Martinborough, Wairarapa.

Wairarapa

If you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Wairarapa offers a blend of natural wonders and rural charm. It’s flanked by the forested Tararua Range to the west and rugged coastlines to the east. It’s a place of big skies, wild landscapes, delightful villages, delicious food, and award-winning wineries. All just an hour’s drive or train ride from Wellington. 

Discover Wairarapa’s highlights

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Three people walking through the green vineyards in the Wairarapa region

Your Wairarapa winery bucket list

The southern Wairarapa region is renowned for its award-winning winemakers. There are so many to visit, so you’ll need to make repeat trips.

People standing next to a telescope at night at the Star Safari experience in Carterton.

Star Safari

Explore the wonders of the universe from deep within a Dark Sky Reserve with high-tech telescopes, expert guides and a cup of warm cocoa.

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

Top things to see and do in Wairarapa

The top things to do in the Wairarapa region include great food, art, and fun experiences. Take a day trip from Wellington or head out for the weekend.

Three people cycle through a vineyard on a sunny day.

Green Jersey Explorer Tours

Green Jersey Tours are the ultimate Wairarapa adventure. Choose from easy bike rides through vineyards to exhilarating cycle trails along countryside and coast.

Three people and a dog on leash, walking on a gravel path, across a small bridge on the Greytown to Woodside Trail.

Greytown to Woodside Trail

Greytown to Woodside is an accessible walking and biking trail between two Wairarapa towns. The trail weaves through oak trees with views of the Tararua's.

A family walking through the trees of Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

Explore the forest, meet native birds, and learn about our connection to the land at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre at Mount Bruce in the Wairarapa region.

Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk is an easy trail to one of New Zealand's most iconic lighthouses. The short return trip has views over the Wairarapa coastline.

Get a taste of the region

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A server wearing a striped shirt and green apron walks across the empty, set dining room at The Runholder, an upscale restaurant in Martinborough.

The Runholder

Home to wineries Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard, and Lighthouse Gin, The Runholder provides a one-stop shop for great Martinborough fare.

Group of six friends dining and enjoying wine at the Palliser Estate outdoor seating during Summer.

Palliser Estate

Whether you're a wine lover or a foodie, Palliser Estate is a beautiful spot to escape to. Sample their award-winning pinot noir or chardonnay at their cellar door.

Rows of leafy green grape vines at Ata Rangi vineyard.

Ata Rangi

Ata Rangi is known for producing world-class pinot noir. Its award-winning organic vineyard, located in Martinborough, was established in 1980.

2 customers sniff their wine at Karahui wine bar.

Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery

Serving flavourful food and interesting wines, Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery sits in a stunning historic building in the centre of Martinborough, Wairarapa.

Inside Union Square Bar & Bistro, at The Martinborough Hotel, Wairarapa.

Union Square Bistro & Bar

Union Square Bistro & Bar in the historic Martinborough Hotel is bistro dining meets classic country pub. It’s the place to go when in the Wairarapa region.

Elegant tasting platter next to a bottle of Rose at Poppies

Poppies Martinborough

Visit Poppies Martinborough for hand-crafted wines. Enjoy seasonal platters in a tranquil atmosphere under the Wairarapa sun.

Outdoor seating area at Luna Estate with blue umbrellas

Luna Estate

Sip local wines and enjoy modern Asian dining at Luna Estate in Martinborough. The beautiful gardens are a serene spot for a relaxing long lunch or wine tasting.

Looking across the water at lakeside seating with umbrellas outside Urlar Vineyard.

Urlar Gladstone

Urlar Gladstone is an organic vineyard with a beautiful cellar door and award-winning wines.

Wairarapa trails

Explore trails
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A person walking along a swing bridge on the Atiwhakatu track in Tararua Forest Park.

Atiwhakatu Track

Popular with day walkers and families, the Atiwhakatu Track in Tararua Forest Park is an easy walking trail that leads to a large hut for overnight stays.

A drone shot of two adults and two kids standing on a bridge over a river in Tararua Forest Park.

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

Donnelly Flat Loop is an easy family walk among native trees in the Tararua Range. Access to the Atiwhatatu Stream, picnic area, and a campsite.

Two people are walking up the steps in front of the Castlepoint Lighthouse in the Wairarapa region.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk

Castlepoint Lighthouse Walk is an easy trail to one of New Zealand's most iconic lighthouses. The short return trip has views over the Wairarapa coastline.

A viewpoint about Rewanui Forest Park, overlooking the green hills of east Wairarapa.

Rewanui Forest Park

Explore family-friendly walks in Rewanui Forest Park, just 20 minutes from Masterton. Wander through native bush and look out over stunning views from Mt Clyde.

A person standing on a red swing bridge on the Tauwharenikau Trail in the Wairarapa region.

Tauwharenīkau Trail

Tauwharenīkau Trail is a peaceful riverside track connecting Featherston to Greytown via one of New Zealand’s longest cycle path suspension bridges.

The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit is a popular multi-day hike in the Tararua Range. Explore the mountains and take in panoramic views of the Wellington region.

Three hikers and a dog walking in desnse ferns surrounded by mossy trees and native New Zealand bush.

Holdsworth to Kaitoke Track

A classic three day hike through the Tararua Range, following the Waiohine and Tauwharenīkau rivers for 34 kilometres.

Two bikers going through a dark tunnel on the Rail Trail Section on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride

The 122 km long Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington to the Wairarapa region. The Great Ride takes 2 to 3 days or can be split into day trips.