a trip to the coast

Looking for a Wairarapa coastal getaway or weekend itinerary? Explore the Wairarapa Coast with these two-night itineraries for Cape Palliser and Castlepoint, featuring beaches, coastal walks, lighthouses, wildlife, swimming, surfing, seafood and spectacular scenery.

From the rugged southern coast around Cape Palliser, Ngawi and the Putangirua Pinnacles to the beaches, lagoon and rock pools of Castlepoint and Mataikona, these itineraries highlight some of the best things to do on the Wairarapa Coast.

Plan a two-night coastal escape, discover local attractions and walks, and find places to eat and stay along the way.

Day 1: Drinks, dinner, relax

Arrive in Wairarapa - just over an hour from Wellington and Palmerston North on State Highway 2. You'll be on The Classic NZ Wine & Food Trail, travelling through Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Featherston or Martinborough.
Fancy a gin after your travels? Wairarapa is fast becoming a hub for gin distilleries with a number to choose from. Enjoy a tasting at Greytown Distilling Company.
Dinner - enjoy the evening at one of our many restaurants championing local produce. Try The Captain’s Dining Room at The White Swan in Greytown, or The Runholder in Martinborough. This is just the start of our dining options.
Nightcap under the stars – even from your accommodation, get set for some stargazing magic. Simply gaze up!

Day 2: Retail therapy

Farmers Markets - start the day wandering the market at Featherston or Gather Wairarapa in Masterton. Pick up freshly baked bread, local honey, cheeses, preserves, and fresh produce - delicious!
Coffee & boutique browsing - exploring the charming towns of Wairarapa is an absolute delight. Each town has its own unique personality, and the best part is that they're all just a short drive away from each other. Greytown’s main street is lined with stylish shops, cafes, even a chocolatier. Perfect for mid-morning browsing.

Day 2: Winery lunch

Explore our wineries - taste delicious, award-winning drops at our vineyards beginning in Opaki, north of Masterton, travelling through Gladstone, before ending at the wine village of Martinborough.
Martinborough Wine Village – hire a bike or join a guided wine tour. Flat, quiet roads connect over 20 wineries.
Vineyard lunch is a highlight - settle in at a winery like Poppies Martinborough, Urlar Gladstone, Moy Hall Martinborough or Le Gra Masterton for a long lunch in the vines.

Day 2: Dinner & stars

Dinner – take your pick from restaurants across the region such as York Bistro, Union Square and Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery.
Stargazing experience – join a guided stargazing experience in our Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. Take a Star Trek Tour of the Night Sky at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Keep exploring and head to Star Safari, 15 mins from Martinborough or Carterton.

Day 3: Explore the coast

Our stunning coastline offers breathtaking views and unique experiences from Castlepoint and Riversdale to Cape Palliser.
At Cape Palliser, grab a bite to eat at The Land Girl or enjoy a seaside lunch at the Cape Palliser Bar & Grill or Lake Ferry Hotel.
You're sorted for lunch at The Homewood Storeroom, Riversdale.

Day 3: Stock up on treats

Stock up on Wairarapa goodness to keep the tasty treats going once you return home. Wairarapa wineries, C’est Cheese, Schoc Chocolates, Martinborough Wine Merchants and Blue Earth Estate olive oils are terrific for foodie browsing and shopping.

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