Wairarapa Wine Trail
Some of New Zealand's finest wines come from the Wairarapa region. There are two main grape growing areas, the largest concentration of vineyards is around Martinborough, there is also a growing number of vineyards in Northern Wairarapa around Gladstone and Masteron.
The Martinborough Wine Trail is a popular attraction with numerous boutique wineries and the Martinborough Wine Centre all close to the centre of the town. Excellent cafes, restaurants, accommodation, shops and galleries can also be found around Martinborough, making it a great destination for a relaxing weekend or short break.
Use the Martinborough Wine Trail Map or Wairarapa Wine Trail Map to plan a day amongst the vines, or join a guide tour.
In November each year the 'Toast Martinborough' festival see thousands come to the region to enjoy an event that brings together Martinborough's vineyards, restaurants and musicians to celebrate the great things the region has to offer.
Coastal Wairarapa
Coastal Wairarapa blends family safe beaches with rugged windswept isolation. Castle Point has been a popular beach side holiday destination for generations of visitors. There are also a number of popular swimming beaches along the Wairarapa coast. Riversdale is a long white sandy beach with a patrolled swimming area. Or if you are looking for an more isolated spot try Flatpoint near Gladstone.
Wairarapa's rugged southern coast offers dramatic scenery. The rugged beauty of Palliser Bay is best viewed by driving to Lake Ferry and then on to Cape Palliser Lighthouse.