Riversdale beach is a perfect Wairarapa coastal retreat 50 minutes from Masterton. The beach is great for swimming with a Surf Life Saving Club often on duty.
Rewanui Forest Park is a series of loop walks through native bush and pine forest and a great place to stop on the way to/from Castlepoint or Riversdale - just 20 minutes from Masterton.
Pukaha National Wildlife Centre is only a 20 minute drive north of Masterton and a further 25 minutes on you'll find the famous Tui Brewery.
Brancepeth is one of the region's grandest colonial homesteads close to Masterton.
Middleton Model Railway, one of the biggest model train displays in New Zealand is just a short drive north of Masterton.