friends’ weekend in wairarapa

Your kids will love this two-night trip packed with fun things to do. Ride the miniature train and play at Queen Elizabeth Park, meet native wildlife at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, explore art and indoor activities in Masterton, then choose a family-friendly guided stargazing experience. Finish your weekend with farm animals, museums or a trip to the coast.

Family waving at Queen Elizabeth Park Mini Train

Day 1: One of NZ's best family parks

Arrive in Wairarapa - check into your accommodation (Masterton is a great base for families).
Queen Elizabeth Park
-the park is packed with free things to do
- Swings, flying foxes and climbing fun. - Ride the miniature train for just $1 .
- Pop over the swing bridge to see the deer park and ducks around the lake.
Try the awesome skatepark right by the park
Dive in to the pools at the Trust House Recreation Centre.
Dinner: Head to The Screening Room, Horseshoe Taproom or The Grill for dinner.

Family walking through colourful containers

Day 2: Outdoors or indoors

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 tons of delicious eats and drinks to choose from to refuel for lunch.

Day 2: Meet wildlife

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.

Day 2: Dinner & stargazing

Early dinner in Masterton – great family friendly options
Then head to one of Wairarapa’s stargazing experiences:
- 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!
- Stonehenge Aotearoa (Carterton) – join a Star Trek Laser Tour or evening guided experience linking ancient starlore with modern astronomy.

Day 3: More to discover

Visit Cobblestones Museum - an historic village where kids can explore old fire trucks, the schoolhouse and family homes.
Martinborough Manor – hands-on fun with friendly farm animals on a working farm.
Stop at Hedley’s Books in Masterton or Chicken & Frog Bookstore in Featherston for young readers.

Day 3: Lighthouse adventure

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 on at Waimeha Camping Village, where kids can meet Gary the goat and friends or try the mini driving range. The Bar & Grill also features delicious local seafood.

Evening

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

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