Longbush Cottage
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
Jazz in Martinborough Three concerts in the first week of Spring, including feature act It’s De-Lovely with Lisa Tomlins singing Cole Porter and Zak Dikvert on vocals on the Saturday night. You can also catch plenty of other gigs around town, many free of charge! 3-6 September
Dads Drags The Ultimate Street Car Showdown & Hotrod Display This Father’s Day, get off the street and onto the strip at Masterton Motorplex. You don’t need a race car or even a fast car! It's the perfect event for anyone who has always wanted to give drag racing a go! Sunday 6 September
Carterton Daffodil Festival Catch a free bus to historic Middle Run Farm and pick your own bunch of daffodils. You can also take a horse drawn Surrey ride, and a heritage passenger train trip from Carterton to Masterton and return. Sunday 13 September
Martinborough Music Festival Celebrating their tenth year with 4 compelling concerts in the Martinborough Town Hall and many events over a whole week, including a cello recital in the new gallery at Rototāwai, a feast for all the senses at Tirohana Estate, a glimpse into how the artists rehearse, a Festival photo exhibition, a session with the Guest Composer and a family concert. From 20-27 September
Longbush Cottage 10 Days of Tulips Festival See thousands of tulips planted throughout Longbush Cottage garden, a Garden of National Significance. Stroll through the different garden rooms, enjoying colour-themed displays and an extensive collection of pots. Friday 25 September – Sunday 4 October
Wairarapa Art Trail A vibrant, weekend long self-guided journey where over 70 artists open their studio doors throughout Wairarapa and creative hubs and invite visitors into their world, showcasing everything from painting, sculpture, and ceramics to jewellery, textiles, printmaking, and much more. 26-27 September
Distinguished Gentleman's Drive A fun, themed event, where drivers and their passengers dress dapper to complement the elegant design of their vehicles - classic cars 40 years or older. Sunday 27 September
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.
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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