Family Fun & Stargazing - Wairarapa Weekend Itinerary

Lonely Planet has selected Wairarapa’s stargazing, food and wine as one of the world’s top experiences for 2026. We're over the moon, come and celebrate with us!

Just an hour from Wellington, Wairarapa is the perfect weekend escape for families who love a mix of fun, adventure, and wonder. From playgrounds and wildlife encounters to art, history, and hands-on farm experiences, this itinerary is packed with activities for all ages. And when the sun goes down, the magic continues under some of the clearest, darkest skies in the world.

Family waving at Queen Elizabeth Park Mini Train

Day 1: Afternoon / Early Evening

Arrive in Wairarapa - check into your accommodation (Masterton is a great base for families).
Queen Elizabeth Park
- Burn off travel energy at the Queen Elizabeth Park
- Swings, flying foxes and climbing fun.
- Ride the miniature train for just $1 and challenge the family to mini golf.
- Pop over the swing bridge to see the deer park and ducks around the lake.
Treat yourselves at Sweet Cheeks Cakery, right across from the playground.
Dinner: Head to The Screening Room for dinner and a family movie night.

Day 2: Morning

Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art & History - discover the latest exhibitions and drop by ConArt Gallery & Studios nearby to see local artists creating.
Go Zone Wairarapa - perfect if the weather turns. Indoor family fun for everyone! Climb, bounce, slide and play with slides, trampolines and climbing.
There are tonnes of delicious eats and drinks to choose from to refuel for lunch.

Day 2: Afternoon

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
- Enjoy coffee or lunch at Kākā Café.
- Explore native forest and meet kākā, tuatara, and tuna (eel) plus spot kiwi in the Kiwi House.
- Check out their daily talks: 12pm Kiwi, 1.30pm Longfin Eel and 3pm Kākā feeding!
- In the School Holidays kids can become Junior Rangers

Capture Studios

Day 2: Dinner & Stargazing

Early dinner in Masterton – great family friendly options
Then head to one of Wairarapa’s stargazing experiences:
- Option 1: Star Safari (Gladstone) - 90-minute immersive experience guided by Hari, astrobiologist & Sam, astrophysicist, with powerful telescopes and storytelling about the night sky. Kids, 15yrs and under are free!
- Option 2: Stonehenge Aotearoa (Carterton) – join a Star Trek Laser Tour or evening guided experience linking ancient starlore with modern astronomy.

Day 3: Morning

Visit Cobblestones Museum - a charming historic village where kids can explore old fire trucks, the schoolhouse and family homes.
Stop at Hedley’s Books in Masterton or Chicken & Frog Bookstore in Featherston for young readers.

Grant Sheehan

Day 3: Afternoon / Evening

Martinborough Manor – hands-on fun with friendly farm animals on a working farm.
Or, head to the coast (Castlepoint or Cape Palliser)
Climb the Castle Rock Track or Cape Palliser Lighthouse, spot seals, and enjoy fish & chips and an ice cream by the sea.
Stay at Waimeha Camping Village, where kids can meet Gary the goat and friends or try the mini driving range. The Bar & Grill also features beautiful local produce.

Evening

Head home after a weekend of wildlife, creativity, and stargazing wonder.