Discover the Wairarapa

See & Do

Just over the hill and not so far away lies the Wairarapa, with over 20 wineries, cute villages, wild coast and boutique shopping, it has it all.

Martinborough is Wellingtons local wine region. With its wineries so close together, hiring a bike is a great way to get around to explore all the local offerings and visit multiple cellar doors. Don’t also forget to check out their great selection of local cafes, restaurants and bars.

Check out the other local villages of Featherston for cheese tasting, Greytown for a fantastic selection of clothing boutiques and Carterton if you want to pick up some antiques.

Travelling out to the coast is a must do if you like the outdoors and lighthouses! At Castlepoint check our the picturesque lighthouse, or travel to Cape Palliser, and do climb the 253 steps to the grant old lady. Or if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings or just cool rock formations check out the Putangirua Pinnacles and do the tour hour return walk, you won’t be disappointed.

Images via WellingtonNZ.com

Images supplied by Ata Rangi

Images via WellingtonNZ.com

Eat & Drink

Your options are endless when it comes to finding good food and coffee in the Wairarapa. Most of the cafes are all locally owned and if you stop in on the regular, will know your name and order before you get to the counter.

Martinborough is known for its Pinot Noirs, but don’t let this fool you, their white wines are just as good. Poppies Vineyard and Moy Hall Wines Rose flies out the door each season, and Palliser Estate over the summer months has Egmont St Eatery providing their one of kind history style dishes and grazing plates. Venture slightly further out to Coney Wines to try their Pinot Noir but don’t miss their Riesling, there is three varieties to choose from.

Images via WellingtonNZ.com

MARTINBOROUGH

Medici

Located on the main street as you enter Martinborough, Medici cafe offers amazing food and coffee, using the best seasonal ingredients. Sit inside or in the garden out back and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Open 7 days, this is a spot not to be missed.

CARTERTON

The Clareville Bakery

Opened in 2013, The Clareville Bakery is located just outside Carterton. Using fresh produce and artisanal craftsmanship, each loaf and baked good is handcrafted genius! The cafe is inside an old church, with a full length viewing window where the customers can see how and where the bakers make their food, its no wonder they have received so many awards over the years.

MASTERTON

Don Luciano

Don Luciano café and Gracias coffee roastery bring a splash of Central American colour to the Wairarapa. Located in Masterton's town centre, you’ll find them on the corner of King & Chapel Streets in the character refurbished Chilton building. They are open 7 days a week with their all day breakfast and lunch menu. You won't want to miss their Gracias espresso coffee or their world famous cheese scones!

Stay

Whether you want to stay in the wine village of Martinborough or the boutique fashion district of Greytown, their are ambles of accomodation options over the hill. From hotels and motels options including The White Swan, Martinborough Hotel or stay on a vineyard with Ata Rangi Mccrone Vineyard House. Additionally there are many Airbnb or Bachcare holiday home options available located across the region. Or if you really want to splash out check out Wharekauhau Country Estate that overlooks Palliser Bay.