Wairarapa is tucked away in the south-east corner of the North Island, at the foot of the rugged Tararua Range. The name means "Glistening Waters", and is said to have been applied by an early Maori explorer, Huanui, who saw the rivers and lake from the mountains to the west.
If you arrive from Wellington, you’ll wind your way over the Rimutaka hills and along the route trodden by early European settlers 150 years ago. The vast Wairarapa valley will open up before you, fringed by mountains to the west and rugged coast to the east.
European settlement dates back to the 1840s, but Maori history is much older. Archaeological research has shown that parts of the Wairarapa coast have been occupied for at least 800 years.
Essentially rural with off-the beaten-track charm, Wairarapa promises a diverse experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, acres of apple orchards, fields of lavender, olive groves, heritage museums and quaint historic towns combine to make Wairarapa an appealing destination.
Situated in the Wairarapa countryside, approximately 10 minutes drive from Carterton you'll find Stonehenge Aotearoa; a window into the past where the visitor can rediscover the knowledge of their ancestors. It incorporates ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Celtic astronomy, Polynesian navigation, and Maori starlore.
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The Junction
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Woodville sits at the junction of three regions – Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa. The town is a popular stop for antique lovers, who enjoy the charming shops packed full of collectables and colonial furniture.
Gottfried Lindauer, one of New Zealand’s most famous artists, lived and worked here in the early 1900s. You can visit a replica studio to see copies of his works.
Woodville is close to two forest parks – Tararua and Ruahine. Both parks are known for their fishing, hiking and hunting opportunities. At the tiny settlement of Ballance, you can catch a horse-drawn wagon tour to view the awe-inspiring Tararua Wind Farm.
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A friendly rural town
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Eketahuna is a friendly rural town nestled in the shadow of the Tararua Ranges. The early pioneers - Swedes, English, Norwegians and Germans – originally named the town Mellemskov. This name was eventually discarded in favour of ‘Eketahuna’, a Maori word which means to run around on a sandbank (this name originated because Maori canoes could not paddle beyond this part of the Makakahi River).
A sheep and dairy farming area, Eketahuna is also known for deer farming and horse breeding. The town has a museum, a picturesque golf course, a café and a couple of craft shops. There are hunting and bush walking opportunities close by.
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See working farms, country gardens and wild coastline
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Masterton is the largest town in Wairarapa region. Its special claim to fame is the annual Golden Shears shearing competition, which attracts top shearers from all over the country every March.
Traditionally, Masterton has been a service centre for farmers, but these days its proximity to the Wairarapa wine industry is gradually changing the character of the town. If you’re staying for a night or two, you can visit Queen Elizabeth Park to enjoy the beautiful gardens. Masterton also has a bird aviary, deer park and swimming pool complex. East of Masterton lies Castle Point, a surf beach with protected swimming and a choice of walking tracks.
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Carterton is known for its daffodils, antique shops and historic cottages
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The historic town of Carterton was first known as Three Mile Bush. It was founded in 1857 to provide a base for men working on the road between Greytown and Masterton.
The town has styled itself as the ‘Daffodil Capital of New Zealand’, so it’s a joy to visit in spring. The Daffodil Festival, held every September since the 1920s, is an invitation to pick armloads of daffodils from a large flower-packed field.
Carterton has a collection of antique shops, a good choice of cafes and an interesting paua shell factory. For an outdoor adventure, you can hike in the Tararua Forest Park and the Waiohine Gorge, which has an impressive swing bridge.
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Check out the carefully restored Victorian wooden buildings
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Historic Greytown was New Zealand’s first planned inland town. It was established by settlers from Wellington, who were looking for small, affordable portions of land to farm. They were assisted in their quest by Governor Sir George Grey, and named the town in his honour.
The region around Greytown is known for its rich river silt soils, which produce some of the tastiest fruit and vegetables you’ll ever find. Excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture line the main street and there is a wide choice of cafés and restaurants. For entertainment, apart from shopping, follow the historic walk and visit the local museum.
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A place for railway or military enthusiasts
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Featherston is near the shores of Lake Wairarapa, the largest wetland area in the lower North Island and a significant nesting ground for native and migratory birds.
Apart from antique shops and cafés, the town’s key attractions are museums, which are unlike anything else you’ll see around New Zealand. The Fell Engine Museum houses the only Fell engine in the world, a survivor from the days of the Rimutaka Incline Railway. The museum also has an incline brake van and lots of railway memorabilia. The Featherston Heritage Museum tells the story of the historic Featherston military base and its role as a prisoner of war camp in World War II.
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Martinborough is all about food, wine and having a fine time
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Bring your appetite to Martinborough, where Pinot Noir and excellent restaurants promise to ease you into a very happy state of mind. From Martinborough’s village centre you can stroll to any or all of the 30 local vineyards. Pick up a map from the visitors centre.
If you can’t find the time or energy to wander from vineyard to vineyard, there’s a wine centre where you can sample many wines under one roof. Accommodation in this area is full of character. Stay in the historic hotel or find a self-contained heritage cottage. There are B & Bs and farmstays in every direction. To counteract the effects of over-indulgence, try a hike around the Patuna Chasm Walkway.
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