Must-see attractions in The Wairarapa

  • Putangirua Pinnacles

    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,…

  • Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

    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…

  • Cape Palliser Lighthouse

    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…

  • Cobblestones Museum

    On the site of an old coach stop, complete with original stables and well-worn cobbled courtyard, this endearing museum features transplanted period…

  • Queen Elizabeth Park

    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…

  • Schubert Wines

    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…

  • Coney Wines

    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…

  • Martinborough Vineyard

    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…

  • Haythornthwaite Wines

    Sustainable, hands-on winery producing complex drops including cherry-like pinot noir and gorgeous gewürztraminer. If the weather's fine, the tasting will…

  • Poppies Martinborough

    Delectable handcrafted wines served by the label's passionate winemaking and viticulturalist duo. Savour the wines alongside a well-matched platter in the…

  • Ata Rangi

    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.

  • Palliser Wines

    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.

  • Margrain

    Sip a wide range of high-quality wines at this character-filled cellar door, with a casual on-site cafe overlooking the vines.

  • Tirohana Estate

    Head past the popular restaurant to the tasting room hung with swords and guns.

  • Tararua Forest Park

    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…

  • Stonehenge Aotearoa

    About 11km southeast of Carterton in a farmer's backyard, this to-scale rendering of England's Stonehenge is cosmically orientated for its southern…

  • Wool Shed

    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…