Explore...

spring in wairarapa

Spring is spectacular here, with tulips, daffodils and beautiful gardens to admire. We get stuck into books, and cool cars, and there's always time for good food and a delicious drop, of course. It's time to put a Wairarapa spring in your step. You can contact our friendly isite team here to book your visit.

Spring highlights...

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

Carterton Daffodil Festival - bring the family, catch a free bus to Middlerun and pick your own bunch of daffodils. Check out the High Street markets and The Big Wai Art Sale.
Longbush Cottage Tulip Festival - see thousands of tulips planted in a series of stunning garden rooms radiating around a charming 1890s cottage.
Wairarapa Bookshop Hop - 12 Wairarapa booksellers join together for NZ Bookshop Day with a regionwide Bookshop Hop. Go in the grand prize draw to win $1000 in bookshop vouchers.

Yarns in Barns - This literary festival with some of New Zealand’s best writers, poets and storytellers. Hosted in an eclectic range of venues from Masterton to Martinborough, including bookstores, libraries, courthouses and of course, a barn! 

The Pūkaha Wairarapa Garden Tour - discover diverse and beautiful gardens in South Wairarapa on this two day self-drive tour.

Masterton Motorplex - action packed racing at this top class strip.

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

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.

Sweet Cheeks Cakery - Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, Sweet Cheeks Cakery specialise in small batch bakery including cakes, donuts and pies. Sweet!

Urlar Gladstone - enjoy seasonal country fare and organic wine at this brand new 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.

Martinborough Vine-Hop shuttle - an on-demand shuttle service making vineyard wine tasting and lunch visits in Spring a breeze. Your ticket gives you service all day - just call when you’re ready to move to the next vineyard.

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, Hall 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.