Explore...

spring in wairarapa

Spring is spectacular here with tulips, daffodils and beautiful gardens to admire. Come and enjoy live music, art experiences, dark sky, cool cars and books. Plus there's always time for good food and a delicious drop.

Spring highlights...

  • WHAT'S ON
  • EXPERIENCE
  • EAT
  • DRINK
  •  PEDAL
  • SHOP
  • STAY

Wellington Heritage Festival in the Wairarapa Experience the people, places, & stories of Te Upoko-o-Te-Ika-a-Māui, the Greater Wellington Region, and discover over 40 fascinating events in the Wairarapa alone. 24 October to 15 November 

Wairarapa A&P Show, Clareville Don't miss this traditional country show that's popular with the whole family, including equestrian, livestock competitions, wood chopping, carnival rides and more. 31 October to 1 November

The Alternative Garden Tour Discover six inspiring private gardens in Carterton on this self-guided tour that lets you explore as many—or as few—gardens as you like, with $5 entry per garden. 24 October

Wine Dogs Sip, stroll and socialise with your pal at Luna Estate including a fabulous dog walking trail with beautiful vineyard views, treats for your pal, and wine stations along the way for humans. 25 October

Masterton Motorplex Check out the latest central national circuit, a thrilling way to spend the day with family and friends at competition events held through Spring including the Test & Tune and Smokefest Burnout Comp. 

Tauherenikau Races Gather your family and friends for Christmas Race Day and celebrate the lead up to Christmas with spirited horse racing, delicious food and entertainment. 8 November

Wairarapa Walking Festival Get your walking shoes ready for this fun and popular outdoor festival held over 10 days with every type of walk you can think of! 6-15 November

Featherston Heritage Festival Explore Featherston’s history and heritage at over 30 events including fine dining, family-friendly activities, movie screenings, artisanal demonstrations, panel discussions and tours. 13-15 November

Pūkaha Wairarapa Garden Tour Twelve exceptional gardens to explore across South Wairarapa, including the first-ever opportunity to visit the stunning Fernside Historic House & Garden and Rotōtawai. 21–22 November

The Masterton Brickshow Around 60 exhibitors showing off their Lego creations where kids get inspired, adults rediscover their inner builder, and everyone leaves happy full of ideas. 21-22 November

Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History - a gem among regional art galleries. Discover local painters, photographers and sculptors and check out top-quality gifts.

Experience Wairarapa’s spectacular coast - it's easy to explore our stunning coast in the warmer weather. Walk up the lighthouse at Castlepoint and Cape Palliser, plus see the seal colony at Cape Palliser and colourful bulldozers at nearby Ngawi.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre - get up close to endangered wildlife, walk through the free flight aviary and listen to daily ranger talks.

Wairarapa Dark Sky - as an official Dark Sky Reserve our night sky is among the best places in the world to view the never-ending star filled skies above.

Walking in the Wairarapa - there's a walk for everyone in the Wairarapa, from town walks for the whole family to coastal walks and short or overnight trips in the Tararua Forest Park plus plenty more!

Wairarapa eats - discover our top foodie spots right across the region.

Entice Cafe - their sunny deck overlooks Queen Elizabeth Park.

Aunt Ginger's Kitchen, Carterton - pop in for their famous cheese scones described as the "holy trinity of crispiness, cheesiness, and fluffiness".

The Land Girl - a country cafe with character to boot in the tiny settlement of Pirinoa. It's the perfect stop on your way to Cape Palliser.

Urlar Gladstone - enjoy seasonal country fare and organic wine at this gorgeous cellar door. Their large, sunny deck has views across the lake and vineyard.

Boutique vineyards - Wairarapa is at the heart of the Classic NZ Wine Trail with a range of vineyard experiences to suit all taste-buds.

Hire a bike - cycle the vineyards in Martinborough for a fun day out.

Greytown Distilling Company - find this gem inside Blackwell and Sons cycling emporium on the main street of Greytown, where you can taste their award winning gins.

Wairarapa Trails - it's a great time of year to jump on your bike and get pedaling.

Cycle the wineries - mix your cycling with wine tasting around Martinborough Wine Village.

Greytown Woodside Trail - come 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.

Blackwell and Sons - could this be New Zealand's most beautiful bike shop? It's also the perfect place to prepare for your cycling, gardening and picnic adventures this Spring.

Featherston books - grab a must-read for Spring! NZ's Booktown will have you sorted with a 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. 

Spring collections - don't miss picking up a new season piece at our fashion boutiques, Designer Clothing Gallery and the General Store are good places to start.  

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.

Book your accommodation

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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