Home > Destinations > New Zealand > Wairarapa Region

The Wairarapa is in the south-east corner of the North Island. Protected from westerly winds by the Tararua Range and from southerly winds by the Rimutaka Range, the region has a distinctive climate with hot summers and cool winters, making the Wairarapa the perfect place for vineyards. Families on holiday here will enjoy the relaxed atmopshere of the rural towns. If in Wellington for a few days take a day out to visit the area or grab a bike and do the Rimutaka Incline.

Masterton 

Masterton is the largest town in the area and provides most things that you will need to make a stay here enjoyable. Instead of driving to the town take the family on the train which runs from Wellington and stops off at  Featherston, Carterton and Masterton.

Greytown 

Greytown, established in 1853, is the Wairarapa's oldest town. Memorial Park, on Kuratawhiti Street, has a children's playground and grassed areas for the children to run around. When wandering around the park you will come across an avenue of trees planted by the people of the town to commemorate the men of Greytown who gave their lives in the two world wars.

Gladstone

Gladstone is a very small village south of Masterton, where the main attraction is the scarecrow festival that runs every year.

Featherston 

Featherston is less than an hour's drive from Wellington. If you're heading directly to Wellington, a stop here for a walk around the town is a good idea, as the trip over the Rimutaka Range can make the children feel a bit car sick.

One of the highlights of this area is the Rimutaka Incline, which stretches from Featherston to Upper Hutt and is a great biking track for families with children who have medium levels of fitness. The biking track is part of an old train line, and even though it goes up over the ranges, the slope never gets too steep. This is suitable for older children and will take a day's walking or several hours' biking. Make sure you take plenty of food and water, and a torch as there are tunnels to go through.

Martinborough 

Martinborough, on State Highway 53, lies south-east of Featherston. This town is best know for its boutique vineyards that are spread throughout the area. Some are even within walking distance of the town square! And, of course, where you find wine you will also find great food. There are also some good takeaway stops around the town square, so that all the family can find some tasty delights.

Because Martinborough makes its money from the wine tourist industry, there are quite a few activities aimed at the adult market and people with non-dependent children. However, there are still some attractions that are family friendly.

Wairarapa Coast 

From Masterton, take a day trip out to Castlepoint on the east coast, or the Putangirua Pinnacles.

Castelpoint offers great walks and swimming. The Putangirua Pinnacles are well worth seeing. The walk takes about two hours return and the children will need shoes, not sandals, as there are small stones. The pinnacles, which are in a valley, look like giant organ pipes. Rain has washed away the silt and sand from the underlying bedrock, exposing these strange towers of rocks.