Warm still days, blue skies and cooler evenings. Add gorgeous colours in rows of vines and avenues of trees and there’s a wow in Wairarapa in Autumn. Pick your own crunchy apples, celebrate books and reading and look up, up, up, for hot air balloons across the valley. Contact our friendly isite team here to book your Autumn visit.
Autumn highlights...
- WHAT'S ON
- EXPERIENCE
- EAT
- DRINK
- PEDAL
- SHOP
- STAY
Castlepoint Races - Be there to see horses thunder across the wet sand in exciting races at stunning Castlepoint, making the perfect family picnic race day on Saturday 21 March. Don't miss this fabulous day out!
Greytown International Cocktail Festival - Greytown will shake and stir during this month long celebration of tastings, workshops, parties, themed dinners and much more over an entire month from 20 March to 19 April. Check out the programme.
New Zealand Drag Racing National Series- An action packed weekend of drag racing at Masterton Motorplex that fans won't want to miss, including grand finals in all classes from 21-22 March.
The Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair invites you to explore two stunning gardens, Longbush Cottage and Parkvale Gardens, with the ppportunity to meet passionate local growers, and discover plants perfectly suited to Wairarapa's climate on Saturday 28 March.
Tui Truck Stop Show & Shine - A highlight on NZ Trucking Calander, where trucks from all over the country descend on Tui Brewery providing an impressive display of big rigs truck fanatics will love on Sunday 29 March.
Greytown Apple Harvest Festival - Loads of fun for the whole family with stalls, food trucks, cider-tasting, apple cakes, games, toffee apples, pony rides and more on Easter Saturday 4 April. Molewood Orchard is also open for picking every weekend until early June.
Wairarapa Balloon Festival - This much-loved festival once again fills Wairarapa skies each morning over Easter, with glorious balloons and free entertainment for all over four days from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April.
The Bootleggers' Run - By popular demand, The Bootleggers' Run returns for another wild day of vintage wheels, fine wine, and a touch of mischief. Teams will set off across the region collecting contraband (the fun kind), tasting their way through local wineries, and earning loot as they go on Sunday 19 April.
Featherston Booktown - Featherston transforms into a literary paradise each May filled with books, ideas, conversations, workshops and inspiration for all ages from 8-10 May. Festival highlights include the popular Fish’n’Chip Supper opening night, author talks, and workshops.
Manuka Honey Beekeeping Experience - join Greytown Honey to experience your very own Manuka Honey make its journey from beehive to jar. You'll get to explore a real working beehive, step behind the scenes of the factory and participate in a full tasting of New Zealand Honey.
Wilderness Whitewater Rafting - experience the wild and untamed forest in the Hutt valley offering unparalleled beauty mixed with the excitement and thrill of Grade 3 wilderness rafting. Step out of your comfort zone and spend the day traversing through Te Awa Kairangi's gorge!
Rahui Coastal Loop - take a bunch of mates, sprinkle with a sense of adventure, put the city aside and feed your soul on the unique e-bike adventure that is Rahui Coastal Loop - ebiking the picturesque Tinui Valley over to Mataikona and Castlepoint Coast.
Wairarapa eats - discover our top foodie spots right across the region.
The Grill at Solway Park - known for its contemporary country cuisine using fresh, high quality local produce - be sure to try a gourmet platter on their deck at lunchtime!
Union Square - You can’t go past Union Square in the historic Martinborough Hotel for modern New Zealand cuisine with a French influence, alongside a large selection of local wines.
Brac & Bow - a restaurant and bar in The Royal Hotel, an 1868 historic hotel in the heart of Featherston full of NZ Colonial and Victorian architecture, serving fresh local produce and cafe style food.
Cape Palliser Bar and Grill - visit Cape Palliser Bar and Grill at the Waimeha Camping Village, known for its incredible seafood where you can sit outside and take in the stunning views of Cape Palliser.
Main St Deli - a great little cafe that's easy to spot on Greytown's Main Street, well known for its great food made from fresh seasonal ingredients, artisanal deli foods and sunny courtyard!
Boutique vineyards - Wairarapa is at the heart of the Classic NZ Wine Trail with a range of vineyard experiences to suit all taste-buds.
Check out this up-to-date cellar door list or handy wine map and get exploring!
Take a guided wine tour to really get behind the scenes, and taste to your hearts content.
Wairarapa Trails - autumn is a great time of year to jump on your bike and get pedalling.
Cycle the wineries - mix your cycling with wine tasting around Martinborough Wine Village.
Greytown Woodside Trail - coming by train from Wellington? Pop your bike on and cycle the scenic Greytown trail. You can walk it too!
Remutaka Cycle Trail - from one day to multi-day trips. Pick a section to match your abilities and what you're after.
Choose beautiful NZ crafted products from the Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History shop and ConArt Gallery & Studio just around the corner.
Featherston books - grab a must-read for these cooler days from NZ's Booktown with it's wide range of bookshops.
Greytown Village - retail therapy is good for the soul! Browse the designer clothing boutiques, shoe stores, homeware, antique, and art stores in character filled Greytown.
Local Artisinal Food - while you're here pick up some local goodies from The Grocer in Martinborough and C'est Cheese in Featherston.
Stay and make the most of your Wairarapa visit. From boutique hotels and cosy bed & breakfasts, to budget friendly options, we have the perfect place to stay.
Need some local advice or recommendations? Our isite Visitor Information team can book your accommodation and help you plan your trip.
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