A 3-day festival celebrating wheels of all kinds with a different theme each day over Waitangi weekend 2023.
Things To Do In Carterton
Food in the Wairarapa
You'll find plenty of things to do in Carterton - a town full of character! Browse vintage stores and artists' studios, go on a garden tour, bush walk or check out the Farmers Market, then catch a show at the Carterton Events Centre.
Activity Pass
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.
Farms
The Wairarapa A&P Show is held every Spring at the Clareville Showgrounds just outside of Carterton. Livestock, equestrian, farm machinery and wood choppers all have their day in the sun at this fantastic family event.
Every year in Summer, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
The Carterton Mountain Biking Track is a great free place to ride a bike in the Wairarapa. Suitable for the whole family and only fifteen minutes from Masterton.
Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.
Walking & Trekking
Just outside of Carterton Fensham reserve is large loop track that takes you through towering native trees - great for families.
Follow the boardwalk through a recovering wetland and remnant of flooded forest at Carters Reserve just outside on Carterton.
The Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit is a two to three day tramp to some of the best alpine tops travel in the Tararua Forest Park.
The Waiohine River has carved out a spectacular gorge, bisecting the landscape and setting an attractive backdrop. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge forms a spectacular gateway to the Tararua Forest Park.
Totara Flats Hut is a beautiful setting where the Waiohine River and Totara Creek meet.
Mount Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of the Tararua Forest Park. With some of the highest peaks in the Tararua Range, Holdsworth offers short walks and longer tramps through forest and into the alpine environment.
One of the most popular day trips in the park is the climb to Mountain House Shelter along the easy grade of the Gentle Annie Track.
Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of the Tararua Forest Park. Set against the backdrop of some of the highest peaks in the Tararua Range, Holdsworth offers short walks and longer tramps through attractive forest and higher up into the alpine environment.
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities.
Museums
Wairarapa Heritage Association is a trail of Wairarapa museums running from Featherston to Mount Bruce. Check out some of the fabulous places you can visit!
This self-guided tour takes you to many of the Wairarapa’s towns and villages on a scenic tour of the region. The itinerary is best done over a couple of days but you could squeeze it in with a busy day.
Art
Heart of Arts, based in Carterton is a unique arts, culture and heritage hub showcasing local artists.
Adventure
Dalefield Horse Riding Park is a recreational horse riding park, on Kaipaitangata Road at the end of Dalefield Road in Carterton, where horse riders who would normally ride on public road and tracks, can ride safely.
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities.
Conferences
The Carterton Events Centre is the most modern and largest non-pillared, flat floor space in the Wairarapa. Full staging and raked seating options, this blank canvas is yours.
Cycling
Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.
Family
The Wairarapa A&P Show is held every Spring at the Clareville Showgrounds just outside of Carterton. Livestock, equestrian, farm machinery and wood choppers all have their day in the sun at this fantastic family event.
Every year in Summer, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.
The Waiohine River has carved out a spectacular gorge, bisecting the landscape and setting an attractive backdrop. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge forms a spectacular gateway to the Tararua Forest Park.
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.
Pick daffodils at Middle Run in Carterton at the fun-filled daffodil festival.
Free and nearly free
Every year in Summer, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities.
This self-guided tour takes you to many of the Wairarapa’s towns and villages on a scenic tour of the region. The itinerary is best done over a couple of days but you could squeeze it in with a busy day.
Hunting
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities.
Gardens
Every year in Summer, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.
Longbush Cottage Tulip Festival celebrates the majestic tulip every Spring.
Health and Beauty
Every year in Summer, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.
Tours and Transport
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.
Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.
Carterton Shuttles offer personal shuttle services across Wairarapa, as well as Wellington or Palmerston North airport.
Wine
Ngā Pari B&B is boutique accommodation nestled amongst a stunning vineyard.
Walks
Just outside of Carterton Fensham reserve is large loop track that takes you through towering native trees - great for families.
Follow the boardwalk through a recovering wetland and remnant of flooded forest at Carters Reserve just outside on Carterton.
The Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit is a two to three day tramp to some of the best alpine tops travel in the Tararua Forest Park.
The Waiohine River has carved out a spectacular gorge, bisecting the landscape and setting an attractive backdrop. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge forms a spectacular gateway to the Tararua Forest Park.
Totara Flats Hut is a beautiful setting where the Waiohine River and Totara Creek meet.
One of the most popular day trips in the park is the climb to Mountain House Shelter along the easy grade of the Gentle Annie Track.
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities.
Weddings
Celebrate your wedding day at the Carterton Events Centre. There are a range of venue options to suit you and your guests.
Cafes and Restaurants
The Gladstone Inn, also known as the Gladdy is just ten minutes from Carterton in the Wairarapa.
Aunt Ginger's Kitchen is a beautiful little cafe in Carterton serving delicious savoury and sweet food.
Wine/Vineyards
Ngā Pari B&B is boutique accommodation nestled amongst a stunning vineyard.
Tours
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.
Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.
Wineries
Ngā Pari B&B is boutique accommodation nestled amongst a stunning vineyard.
Scenic Attractions
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities.
Relaxation/Pamper
Every year in Summer, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.