Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
The Wairarapa region is about an hour’s drive north of Wellington and is home to several lovely small rural towns which can be explored either as a day trip from the city or for a few nights in transition to locations further North. Just over Remutaka Hill from Wellington you will find the town of Featherston, the gateway to the Wairarapa. Quaint cafes, cheese shops, antique stores, and bookstores dot the streets. The region is not as large or as famous as other wine regions in New Zealand (i.e. Marlborough) but produces excellent wine.
Spend Time in Town
Greytown has beautifully restored Victorian wooden buildings that are home to stylish boutiques, speciality stores, cafes, and restaurants. This is an easy town to relax in for a few hours and window shop.
Do not miss the beautifully handcrafted, award-winning chocolates at Schoc Chocolates, with more than 80 different flavor combinations in the tablet range, there will be a flavor for everyone’s tastebuds!
Wine Tasting and Touring
Most visitors to this area will be interested in wine! Martinborough is one of the better places to tour, with more than 20 boutique vineyards and cellar doors. Many of these are within walking or cycling distance of the village square (you can hire a bike in the village). Some of New Zealand’s best pinot noir comes from this region.
If interested in a more in-depth and private experience, our team will provide a wine guide who can provide access, experiences and education not enjoyed by the public.
Day Hiking to Cape Palliser
If spending more than a day in this area, and interested to visit the great outdoors, then we suggest heading to Cape Palliser, which is an hour’s drive from Martinborough.
On the way, stop at the Putangirua Pinnacles and take a bush walk to a viewing platform overlooking the spectacular pinnacles. Be sure you take the time to walk down into the valley and up the riverbed to the best rock formations – you will not be disappointed! You might even feel like you are on a movie set! This was a film location for a scene in the Return of the King from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Allow at least two hours return for this walk.
Roadtrip for Seafood and Maritime History
Those with more time may want to visit the quiet fishing village of Ngawi, which was once a larger processing centre for crayfish (what Americans would refer to as lobster). If you are in town at the right time, take a moment to watch the old tractors haul fishing boats out of the wild water of the Cook Strait.
While in the area visit the beautiful Cape Palliser lighthouse and take a hike up the 253 steps. This lighthouse that has stood on the cliffs since 1897 and if fortunate enough to be here between November and January you might spot fur seal pups. The Cape is home to the North Island’s largest fur seal colony.
Please be sure not to get too close to the pups as the adult fur seals can be protective of their young!
Our team of experts is here to help you find and enjoy places like Martinborough and the Wairarapa region. We provide A-to-Z services for your holiday, to ensure the details are attended to! We would love the opportunity to make your time in New Zealand as wonderful as possible. Please reach out today and begin your dream trip!