here's your bucket list

wairarapa must dos

From wild, wandering trails to wondrous, expansive dark skies, there are so many things to do here.

Wairarapa is home to a wide range of experiences and activities with something to suit every kind of adventure. Enjoy an afternoon of wine, cheese and olive tasting, hire a bike or join a cycle tour, bring the girls for a weekend of boutique shopping, or plan a romantic getaway with the one you love. 

The close proximity of our towns and experiences means you can go all in and jam-pack your Wairarapa days full of fun! From the rugged coasts on the east, stunning Tararua Ranges on the west, and all the vineyards, food and shopping villages in between, you’ve come to the right place. 

No matter when you decide to visit, there’s always something happening – from nationally acclaimed events and free family fun to gourmet gatherings. 

Check out our 2025 Visitor Guide and Wine Map - super handy!

Two people silhouetted against a starry night sky with a modern building in the foreground.
Photo credit icon Jet Productions

Stargazing experiences

A great day in Wairarapa means stylish shops and cafes, award-winning wine, cycling, rugged coastlines and mountain ranges – and by night, the magic of our dark skies overhead. Come and immerse yourself day and night in the beauty of our landscapes and the drama of our dark skies.  

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Photo credit icon Jeff McEwan

Bike the wineries

Biking the wineries in Martinborough is an iconic way to explore the more than 20 vineyards, all within flat, easy cycling distance from the town square. Bicycle hire options include e-bikes and 4 - 6 person croc bikes. Come and hit the road!

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Photo credit icon Jet Productions

Eat & Drink

Delicious bites grace every table with local produce and hand-crafted ingredients ensuring local cafes and restaurants are filled with sweet and savoury treats. Our makers and bakers specialise in gin, beer, olive oil, cheeseand more! Eat and drink your way around the region, exploring well stocked weekend Farmer’s Markets to a world-famous chocolate cottage and the best croissants in New Zealand.

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Photo credit icon Below Studios

Events line-up

The Wairarapa events calendar presents a celebrated line-up of events each year, with fantastic month-long extravaganzas, festivals and championships through to smaller soirees and markets. Highlights include Wairarapa Balloon Festival, Carterton Daffodil Festival, Wairarapa Festival of Christmas and the Golden Shears world shearing competition held each year in Masterton – and many more. There’s always something on to suit your taste and budget!

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Girls Trip

Between the beautiful shopping village of Greytown and the wine village of Martinborough, a Wairarapa girl’s trip is always on the cards. Treat yourself to spa days, artisan treats and mouth-watering food and wine – you’ll deserve it after enjoying all those stunning boutique clothing and homeware stores. Bring an extra bag!

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Photo credit icon Jet Productions

Nature adventures

Nature abounds in Wairarapa, from the rugged, wild coastlines to the Tararua Ranges. Walking and cycling trails for all levels of adventure mean visitors can explore the stunning natural New Zealand landscape in a style that suits them – from family-friendly limestone paths to one of New Zealand's Great Rides; the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

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