Easter weekend in the Wairarapa

Wairarapa

There's plenty to do in the Wairarapa this Easter weekend. Take your pick of these great events and activities:

Events over Easter Weekend

Shel We
5 April at 7.30pm, Carterton Events Centre
An enchanting, playfully intriguing and visually stunning dance show created by Tupua Tigafua, a highly accomplished dancer, choreographer and storyteller. Get tickets here.

Wairarapa Balloon Festival
Thurs 6 to Mon 10 April
Check out the five day programme here including a reinvigorated Night Glow with international balloonists back this year! Get your tickets here now!

Easter Martinborough Community Market
Saturday 8 to Monday 10 April starting 9am, Martinborough Town Hall
Featuring a range of locally made crafts including jewellery, homeware, baby bibs, dog bows and much more. A great day out for the whole family.

Simon King: Shades and Echoes Artist Talk
Saturday 8 April 11am, Aratoi Museum of Art and History
Artist Talk by Simon King on his new exhibition Shades and Echoes, including original music composed for the exhibition by Tim Barrie and performed by Tim Barrie (oud) and Liz Merton (violin).

The National Tweed Ride
Saturday 8 April, Greytown
Dig out your finest tweed attire and cycle around Greytown's beautiful tree lined streets. Finish with a special Garden Party post-ride knees-up featuring a fun Jazz band, something scrumptious to eat, a tweedy quiz and Hendrick's G&Ts! Get tickets here - numbers are limited!

Greytown Country Market
Saturday 8 April, 10am - 2pm
A special Easter market of select home, garden and local artisan products, along with coffee, food and a sausage sizzle from 10am-2pm.

Stan Walker SOLD OUT
Saturday 8 April, Carterton Events Centre
An incredible opportunity to see Stan Walker perform with a full band in this exclusive show, with support from local band Sand Castle. 

Korero with Stan Walker
Saturday 8 April 8.30-8.50pm, Carterton Events Centre
Submit a question for Stan! Sensitive topics may be discussed, and a mature audience is recommended. Get tickets here. Check out all the events on at Carterton Events Centre over Easter here - there's something for everyone!

Easter Monday Chill Session
Monday 10 April 11am - 4pm, Gladstone Vineyard
Live music by local musicians Steve and Miles, fine wines, fabulous food from the Japanese Food Truck, and an Easter Egg hunt for the kids - all at stunning Gladstone Vineyard. Pack a picnic, grab your friends and whanau, and don't forget your dancing shoes! Free entry. 

Easter Workshop

  • Easter Wreath & Candle Making Workshops on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 April in Martinborough. Three classes to choose from: Saturday 10am-12pm for adults only, Saturday 2pm-4pm for both parents and children, and Sunday 10am to 12pm for children only. Email here to learn more and book.

Farmers Markets

  • Wairarapa Farmers Market - Shop for fresh local produce, baking, preserves, olive oil and much more from 9am-1pm on Saturday 8 April. 
  • Featherston Weekly Market - Stock up on produce from local producers and creators from 8am-1.30pm on Saturday 8 April. 
  • Carterton Farmers Market - Snap up locally grown, fresh fruit and veg, local olive oils and honey from 9am-12.30pm on Sunday 9 April. 

Explore our walks
Autumn is the perfect time to get out in the fresh air on one of our many walks.

  • Explore Mt Holdsworth has plenty of short walks through beech and podocarp forests - perfect for the whole family!
  • Head out to Castlepoint and stop at Rewanui Forest Park on the way for a quick loop walk.
  • Fensham Reserve is one of the best places for a bush walk near Carterton.

Wine & Food
Take your pick of fresh local food from farmers markets to artisan treats, with wine to match!

Head to the coast
Explore the rugged beauty of the Wairarapa's wide-open spaces on a nature getaway.

  • At Castlepoint you can explore rock pools, try your luck at fishing, or walk up to the lighthouse!
  • Cape Palliser is unforgettable, with the largest seal colony in the North Island - climb the 253 steps to the lighthouse for stunning views.
  • Lord of the Rings fan? Walk along the Paths of the Dead through the Putangirua Pinnacles. 

Fun for the whole family
Check out some top activities for kids including a day at the beach, bike riding, horse riding and indoor activities, if the weather isn't playing ball!

Stay the night or over the school holidays

  • Book a family room at Copthorne Solway Park with its heated indoor pool, spa, outdoor pool and playground.
  • Check out other places to stay in the Wairarapa here.
  • If you need local advice or help booking your accommodation, get in contact with our friendly i-SITE Information Centre team.