The Wairarapa
Standing like giant organ pipes, these 'hoodoos' were formed by rain washing silt and sand away, exposing the underlying bedrock. It's an eerie landscape,…
Must-see attractions in The Wairarapa
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
The Wairarapa
About 30km north of Masterton, this 10-sq-km centre is one of NZ's most successful wildlife and captive breeding centres. The scenic two-hour Te Arapiki o…
The Wairarapa
Get a few puffs into your lungs on the 250-step climb to the base of this candy-striped lighthouse (1897). It's a beaut view from up here, if the wind isn…
The Wairarapa
On the site of an old coach stop, complete with original stables and well-worn cobbled courtyard, this endearing museum features transplanted period…
The Wairarapa
Planted in 1877, Queen Elizabeth Park is perfect for stretching your legs. Walk around the lake, assess the blooms in the Hosking Garden, see if the…
The Wairarapa
Run by German imports who searched for and found the best spot in the world to produce their favourite wine, pinot noir. This compact cellar door is big…
The Wairarapa
Fingers crossed that your tasting host will be the inimitable Tim Coney, an affable character who makes a mighty shiraz and may randomly burst into song…
The Wairarapa
The first vineyard to plant pinot noir in the region also has the best name: it's a local legend with a sterling international reputation. The cellar door…
The Wairarapa
Sustainable, hands-on winery producing complex drops including cherry-like pinot noir and gorgeous gewürztraminer. If the weather's fine, the tasting will…
The Wairarapa
Delectable handcrafted wines served by the label's passionate winemaking and viticulturalist duo. Savour the wines alongside a well-matched platter in the…
Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art & History
The Wairarapa
Hushed and refined, with 50 years of art under its belt, this small but splendid gallery hosts an impressive program of exhibitions and events. Busy cafe…
The Wairarapa
One of the region’s pioneering winemakers. Great drops across the board and a cute cellar door also selling honey and olive oil. Book a tasting in advance.
The Wairarapa
Wines so good, even the Queen has some stashed away in her cellar. A slick outfit, as befitting one of Martinborough's best-known producers.
The Wairarapa
Sip a wide range of high-quality wines at this character-filled cellar door, with a casual on-site cafe overlooking the vines.
The Wairarapa
Head past the popular restaurant to the tasting room hung with swords and guns.
The Wairarapa
The turn-off to the main eastern entrance of the huge Tararua Forest Park is just south of Masterton on SH2; follow Norfolk Rd about 15km to the gates…
The Wairarapa
About 11km southeast of Carterton in a farmer's backyard, this to-scale rendering of England's Stonehenge is cosmically orientated for its southern…
The Wairarapa
Wake up and smell the lanolin! Occupying two historic woolsheds, this baaaa-loody marvellous little museum is dedicated to NZ’s famous sheep-shearing and…