About the local area
Experience the beauty of the Wairarapa countryside
Wairarapa
From wild trails to star-studded skies, Wairarapa offers adventure for everyone. Savor local wine, cheese, and olives, cycle scenic routes, enjoy boutique shopping, or plan a romantic escape.
With towns and attractions close together, you can pack your days with fun—from rugged coastlines to the Tararua Ranges and charming vineyard villages.
Year-round events, from gourmet festivals to family-friendly activities, ensure there’s always something happening!
Autumn
March - May
Wairarapa Balloon FestivalEarly April. This Easter, hot air balloons fill the skies for five days, with morning take-offs from different towns. The Family Carnival at Solway Showgrounds features live music, kids' activities, food trucks, and an Easter egg hunt. After dark, watch balloons glow in sync with music.
Greytown International Cocktail FestivalFrom 20 March to 19 April 2026, Greytown will come alive with themed drink menus, intimate tastings, cocktail workshops, special dinners, lively parties and relaxed afternoons on the Green. Festival highlights include The Notorious Wairarapa Bootleggers’ Run, Cricket on the Green, Lawn Bowls & Highballs and High Tea, the Molewood Orchard Apple Harvest Festival, The Gin Supper, and signature menus across Greytown’s bars, cafés and restaurants.
The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival8 - 10 May 2026. Featherston transforms into a literary paradise each May with events featuring presenters and literary provocateurs, as well as several booksellers. Just an hour by train from Wellington, this quirky town boasts eight permanent bookshops and welcomes over 9,000 visitors annually for three days of literary events. Festival highlights include the popular Fish’n’Chip Supper opening night, intimate author talks, and workshops.
Castlepoint Races
Saturday 21 March 2026.
Castlepoint Beach Races make the perfect family picnic race day with over eight horse races along the beach front, equalisator betting ($2 tickets) plus many fun activities including children's games, a fashion parade, the Undie 100, Kid's Big Dig plus much more.
Only 50 minutes east of Masterton, the races are held on the picturesque strip of beach on front of Castlepoint Store. Pack a picnic or enjoy food and drinks from local Food Trucks and Coffee Carts.
Winter
June - August
Matariki at StonehengeFriday 10 July 2026. Celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, marked by the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster. at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Discover its significance in Māori and Polynesian traditions, hear ancient legends, and explore the stars' physical nature. Bookings essential.
Winter Solstice at StonehengeSunday 21 June. The Winter Solstice is a key festival, marking the longest night of the year. Begin with an introduction, then watch the sun set over the winter heel stone (weather permitting), followed by a guided tour of the night sky.
Ash Grunwald & Daniel Champagne: Australian Blues & Roots Road ShowFriday 14 August 2026. Two of Australia’s finest - Ash Grunwald, the premier bluesman, and Daniel Champagne, the young virtuoso — join forces for one night only. Don’t miss this explosive evening of world-class live music.
Spring
September - November
Spring Equinox at Stonehenge AotearoaWednesday 23 September 2026. Celebrate Spring's rebirth at Stonehenge Aotearoa! Witness the equinox sunset, explore the night sky with a captivating audio-visual presentation, and connect with ancient traditions.
Distinguished Gentleman’s DriveSun 27 September 2026. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive returns to Wairarapa for a day of classic motoring, gentlemanly style, and community spirit — raising funds for men’s health through Movember.
Round The Vines 2026Sat 31 October 2026.Bring your friends and family for a 10 or 21km fun run or walk around vineyards that are only open to the public for Round The Vines 2026. Bring your best activewear or fancy dress and enjoy the live music and themed hydration stations dotted around the course. Then head to the prize-giving for delicious food & wines, amazing prizes and live entertainment.
Summer
December - February
Trust House Summer HummerSaturday 28 February 2026. Masterton. Join us for a fun-filled day at Queen Elizabeth Park, with miniature train rides, pedal boats, the new skatepark, and live music. Food trucks will be onsite, or bring your own picnic. Entry is a $2 donation. To avoid disappointment, pre-reserve your spot online with a gold coin donation. Once capacity is reached, no further entry will be allowed.
Wairarapa Wines Harvest FestivalSaturday 21 February 2026. Kick off the grape harvest season with wine, food, and entertainment at the Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival! Held at ‘The Cliffs’ on the Ruamahunga River, just 10 minutes from Masterton and Carterton, the festival offers a unique, vineyard setting with easy access to public transport.
Wairarapa Music in the CountryJan 2026. Featherston. Wairarapa Music in the Country is a three-day event showcasing top New Zealand country music artists at the Tauherenikau Racecourse each summer.
Flyfishing
The Wairarapa region is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts, offering pristine rivers and streams teeming with brown and rainbow trout. With its stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to crystal-clear waters, anglers can enjoy both challenging and rewarding fishing experiences. Whether you're wading in the Ruamahanga River or exploring remote backcountry streams, the Wairarapa provides a serene escape for those seeking the thrill of the catch.
Wairarapa dark skies
Our Wairarapa skies are filled with epic action and stars galore.
Wairarapa is an official Dark Sky Reserve status meaning our night sky is among the best places in the world to view the never-ending star filled skies above. We’re pretty lucky to have a Dark Sky Reserve right on our doorstep and only an hour’s drive from Wellington.
We can all spot the Southern Cross and the Pot but there’s much more to see! Experts at local dark sky tours, can guide you through the sky with telescopes to help make sense of what’s up
Golden shears 2026
4-7 march 2026
New Zealand will host the 20th Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Masterton in 2026.
The event will take place over four days, from March 4-7, 2026, alongside the Golden Shears International Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, which have been held annually in Masterton since 1961.
Further details will be available closer to the event. Stay tuned for more information on schedules, participants, and ticketing.
Places to visit year round
Explore Martinborough Wine Village
Martinborough charms with its colonial heritage and over 20 walkable wineries, renowned for world-class pinot noir. Stroll the village square, browse boutique shops, and enjoy local cafés and restaurants.
Pick up wines at Martinborough Wine Merchants or tour family-owned vineyards by foot or bike. Visit Olivo Olive Grove, home to the region’s oldest olive trees. For a guided experience, join a wine tour or visit in January for Toast Martinborough, a top wine, food, and music festival.
See rare wildlife at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre breeds and protects endangered species. Watch wild kākā at their 3pm feed, eels at 1:30pm, and spot kiwi in the nocturnal house.
See rare birds like kōkako, stitchbirds, takahē, and kākāriki, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy scenic forest walks among giant rimu and rātā trees.
A day at Castlepoint Beach
A local favorite, Castlepoint offers stunning coastal adventures. Climb 162m Castle Rock, visit the historic lighthouse, and explore the fossil-rich limestone reef.
Spot rare Castlepoint daisies and watch for fur seals, dolphins, and even occasional whales in the waters offshore.
Discover the charm of Greytown
This historic 1854 village blends heritage with modern style. Stroll its Victorian main street, shop unique boutiques, and explore art galleries and antique stores.
Indulge in Schoc Chocolate, fresh pastries from The French Baker, and local café delights. Hire a tandem bike to explore the countryside or visit Cobblestones Museum for a glimpse into pioneer history.
Additional Activities
There are plenty of activities in the area, including fishing, golfing, and horseback riding. If you're interested in any of these activities, please let us know and we'll be happy to help you arrange them.