The Great Escape!
Too often do travellers drive right through Wairarapa without realising the potential backpacking awesomeness that lies here. (Yes, that is a real sentence and we are sticking to it).
The Wellington district is a great place to relax between busy tourist epicentres with its three forest parks, a huge coastline complete with lighthouses, and a core part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail passing right through.
Plus, by being only an hour’s train ride or drive from New Zealand’s capital, the district brands itself as “the great escape” and has the right to do so! With all that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of things to do in Wairarapa.
Here is why we think you should take your time when driving through Wairarapa and consider spending a few days in this must-visit part of Wellington.
Table of Contents
1. Taste Some Awesome Wines
Martinborough, at the heart of Wairarapa’s wine region, is renowned for its boutique Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
We greatly enjoy the personalised tastings at cellar doors such as Ata Rangi, Dry River, Martinborough Vineyard, Devotus and Groves, where captivating stories behind the labels are shared.
Many tours offer vineyard picnics or gourmet lunches paired with wines, and you can cycle or walk between venues on the iconic wine village square.
For a fuller experience, tours often include local food stops in Greytown or Featherston. The region’s charm combines scenic countryside with small-scale winemaking excellence.
Either visit the wineries yourself or join a guided tour with Green Jersey Cycle Tours.
Location: Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island. About 65 km (40 mi) east of Wellington.
© Mike Heydon Jet Productions - WellingtonNZ2. Visit Stonehenge Aotearoa
Just outside Carterton, you’ll find Stonehenge Aotearoa, New Zealand’s very own astronomical wonder. This modern adaptation of England’s famous monument is a fully functional open-air observatory, offering a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary science.
Explore the alignment stones, peer through onsite telescopes, and discover how different cultures tracked celestial movements.
The experience is particularly magical after dark, thanks to its location within the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve. Whether you opt for a self-guided daytime tour or join a nighttime stargazing session, you’re in for an educational and serene adventure.
Location: 51 Ahiaruhe Road, Ahiaruhe, Wairarapa, North Island. About 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Carterton.
© Adzze at English Wikipedia3. See Native New Zealand Wildlife
Head inland to the stunning Pūkaha / Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, just south of Eketāhuna. This renowned conservation hub is a haven for breeding and releasing native species, including kākā, kōkako, tuatara, and New Zealand’s only white kiwi, Manukura.
We enjoy the experiences available, including guided tours, kiwi hatchling viewings, and bird feeding sessions.
Be sure to take the opportunity to visit the Māori carving studio for a cultural experience.
With tranquil forest trails and nocturnal houses, it’s a captivating encounter with conservation success and rare wildlife in a serene forest setting.
Location: 85379 State Highway 2, Mount Bruce, Wairarapa, North Island. 30 km (19 mi) north of Masterton and 10 km (6 mi) south of Eketāhuna.
© Maree McLeod on Wikipedia4. Bike the Remutaka Cycle Trail
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is a captivating journey linking the Hutt Valley to South Wairarapa. This Great Ride winds through native forest, across swing bridges and through tunnels before descending to picturesque farmland and rugged coastline.
Perfect for both e-bike enthusiasts and mountain bikers, the trail offers a diverse range of scenery and challenges.
According to our very own travel manager, Robin, guided tours with companies like Green Jersey Explorer or Wildfinder are a fantastic way to experience the trail.
These tours typically include transport, luggage support, picnic lunches and even wine stops en route.
The full ride takes two to three days, but shorter guided versions are available, focusing on highlights with meals and return shuttle included.
Learn more in 10 Great Bike Trails on the North Island.
Location: Petone, Lower Hutt, Wellington Region, North Island to Ocean Beach, South Wairarapa, Wellington Region, North Island. The trail stretches 115 km (71 mi) from the Hutt Valley to the South Wairarapa coast.
© WellingtonNZ5. Visit the Tui Brewery
Nestled in Mangatainoka near Pūkaha, the iconic Tui Brewery offers a nostalgic and fun pit stop for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
While the full brewery tour may vary, visitors can still explore the historic grounds, soak in the mosaic of beer memorabilia, and enjoy the on-site café.
It’s a quintessential Kiwi experience that combines brewing heritage with rural charm. The last time we stopped by, we found it to be a perfect break during a road trip, offering a taste of New Zealand’s beer legacy in a picturesque setting.
Find out more in 5 Damn Good Brewery Tours in New Zealand.
Location: 4 Ngaumutawa Road, Mangatainoka, Manawatū-Whanganui, North Island. About 30 km (19 mi) north of Masterton.
© brent simpson on Wikipedia6. Go to the Beach!
Wairarapa’s wild coastal beauty beckons at Cape Palliser and Ocean Beach. At Cape Palliser, climb 250 steps to the iconic 1897 lighthouse for panoramic ocean vistas.
Spot the nearby fur seal colony lounging on rocks below. The rugged, windswept shoreline, combined with black-sand beaches, offers dramatic scenery perfect for photography and coastal walks.
For surfing and swimming enthusiasts, Riversdale and Castlepoint are must-visit spots. Castlepoint features its historic lighthouse, adding to the coastal charm.
These beaches are ideal for combining natural beauty with geological and wildlife interest on a day trip from Martinborough or Masterton.
Location: Cape Palliser, Palliser Bay, South Wairarapa, North Island. About 100 km (62 mi) southeast of Wellington. Ocean Beach, South Wairarapa, North Island. Riversdale Beach, East Coast, Wairarapa, North Island. Castlepoint, East Coast, Wairarapa, North Island.
© Miles Holden - Tourism New Zealand7. Explore the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve
The Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve features a surreal landscape of towering hoodoos, sculpted by erosion over millions of years. We greatly admire the stunning views of Palliser Bay, which is a famous filming location for Lord of the Rings.
Choose between a riverbed route to the base of the pinnacles or tackle the lookout loop track (about 3-4 hours return).
According to our very own travel manager, Robin, the hikes reveal breathtaking vistas that are well worth the effort. Just remember, the geology here is a bit unstable, so keep an eye out for potential rockfalls, especially in iffy weather.
Facilities include parking, toilets and a campsite for those wanting to extend their adventure. Located within Aorangi Forest Park, it’s a geological wonder that we can’t get enough of!
Location: Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve, Cape Palliser Road, Aorangi, Wellington Region, North Island. About 13 km (8 mi) from Cape Palliser Lighthouse.
© WellingtonNZ8. Satisfy the Train Nerd Within You
Rail enthusiasts will be delighted by the historic Remutaka Rail Trail, a 22 km journey through stunning forest surrounds. This former route of the Wairarapa Line offers a unique blend of natural beauty and railway heritage.
As you cycle or walk along the trail, you’ll encounter original Incline railway bridges, tunnels, and the remnants of Cross Creek station.
Interpretive signs along the way bring the rich rail history to life, while picnic spots offer perfect resting places.
The trail, maintained through Remutaka Forest Park, is popular with walkers, cyclists and history buffs alike. For an extra dose of railway nostalgia, don’t miss the Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston, home to the world’s last remaining fell engine.
Location: Remutaka Rail Trail, Featherston, Wellington Region, North Island. The trail starts at Kaitoke, 12 km (7.5 mi) north of Upper Hutt.
© Simon Robinson, 2002 on Wikipedia9. Take a Picture with New Zealand’s Most Iconic Lighthouse
Perched at the southern tip of Wairarapa, the Cape Palliser Lighthouse stands as one of New Zealand’s loneliest lighthouses, yet it’s also among the most photogenic.
Built in 1897, this classic Kiwi landmark rewards the brave with sweeping vistas of Palliser Bay and Cook Strait after a climb of 250 steps.
We greatly appreciate the rugged coastal scenery, where windswept cliffs meet the sea and seal colonies bask nearby. It is an ideal location for scenic photography or peaceful coastal strolls.
Access is free, making it an unmissable stop for shutterbugs and nature lovers alike.
Location: Cape Palliser Road, Cape Palliser, Wairarapa, North Island. About 80 km (50 mi) southeast of Martinborough.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Wander Through Queen Elizabeth Park & Henley Lake
Discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of Masterton at Queen Elizabeth Park. This beautifully manicured green space invites gentle exploration with its diverse attractions.
Meander through picturesque gardens, watch skaters showing off their skills at the skate park, or enjoy a leisurely game of croquet or cricket on the well-maintained lawns.
At the park’s centre, Henley Lake offers a serene walking circuit. As you stroll around the water’s edge, you’ll encounter local wildlife, graceful swans, and friendly ducks. Cross the charming red bridge and take advantage of the playgrounds and picnic areas dotted throughout.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, Dixon Street, Masterton, Wellington Region, North Island.
© Don Benny VergaraMore Things to Do Near Wairarapa
That’s it for our guide to the best things to do in Wairarapa; for more information about this beautiful region, check out the following articles:
- Where to Camp in Wellington
- Accommodation Guide to the Wellington Region
- Wairarapa – Guide for Backpackers
That’s it for the best things to do in Wairarapa. Find more activities on your travels in the 50 Best Things to Do on the North Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Visit Wellington (Regional tourism website)
- Destination Wairarapa (Regional tourism website)
- Wellington City Council (Local council website)
- Porirua City Council (Local council website)
- Greater Wellington Regional Council (Local council website)
- Upper Hutt City Council (Local council website)
- Hutt City Council (Local council website)
- Kāpiti Coast District Council (Local council website)
- Masterton District Council (Local council website)
- Carterton District Council (Local council website)
- South Wairarapa District Council (Local council website)
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