Outdoor Explorers 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!

Discover Wairarapa’s wild beauty combining scenic drives, great local food and one of the region’s most rewarding hikes. By day, you’ll walk through native forest and take in mountain views, by night stargazing will be next level as you're surrounded by star-studded skies in Wairarapa’s International Dark Sky Reserve.  

Lady standing outside shop

Day 1: Afternoon / Evening

  • Arrive in Wairarapa via SH2 – take in the scenic drive. 
  • Stop in one of our towns to stretch your legs, enjoy some shopping, or grab a coffee and treats. C’est Cheese, Moore Wilsons or Aunt Gingers Kitchen are the perfect places to grab some tasty treats.  
  • Stay in Carterton or Masterton ready for an early start in the morning. Step outside in the evening for your first taste of Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Reserve - the stars here are breathtaking even without a telescope. 
Dad and son walking on bush track

Day 2: Morning

Before you head off make sure you are carrying plenty of water, snacks, a headtorch and warm clothing. Hut tickets and local trail information is available at the Martinborough isite Visitor Information Centre.  

  • Head towards Mount Holdsworth, the gateway to Tararua Forest Park – the North Island’s largest conservation park and the perfect spot for trampers, walkers and nature lovers. 
  • Begin your day early and set out on the Mount Holdsworth Track to Powell Hut. 
  • The trail winds through beech forest and past the Rocky Lookout, with fantastic views of the Wairarapa valley. 
  • It’s a moderate to challenging 3–4 hour hike to the hut, rewarding you with spectacular alpine scenery as you climb. 
  • There are some beautiful swimming holes along the way if you fancy a dip! 
Family admiring view from lookout

Day 2: Afternoon / Evening

  • Arrive at Powell Hut (1,200m) – a modern DOC hut perched on the edge of the ranges. 
  • Settle in, rest your legs, and enjoy a well-earned meal. 
  • As night falls, step outside the hut and look up - you’re high in one of New Zealand’s few Dark Sky Reserves, where the stars stretch endlessly overhead. 
  • The Milky Way and southern constellations are stunning from this altitude. Remember to pack warm layers, it can get chilly even in summer. 
Photo credit icon Capture Studios

Day 3: Morning / Midday

Morning 

  • Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Wairarapa, an unforgettable reward for your climb. 
  • Descend from Powell Hut, taking your time to enjoy native birdsong and the lush forest canopy. 

Midday 

Day 3: Afternoon

Choose your post-hike adventure: 

  • Waiohine Gorge – cross the dramatic suspension bridge, swim in the river below, or simply relax by the water. 
  • Rewanui Forest Park – take a short loop walk through regenerating native forest on your way home. 

Or, for a final dose of coastal beauty, drive out to Castlepoint or Cape Palliser. Climb the lighthouse steps for ocean views, spot fur seals at Cape Palliser and enjoy fish & chips at nearby Castlepoint Hotel or Lake Ferry Hotel before heading home.