Explore...

summer in wairarapa

Summer is here, bringing long sunny days to enjoy our wide open spaces. Experience more of the Wairarapa outdoors with our fun walking and cycling trails, or explore our stunning coast. There's plenty of fabulous events alongside good food and a delicious drop. Contact our friendly isite team here to book your visit.

Summer highlights...

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

Wairarapa Music in the Country - a three-day event jam-packed with musical talent, bringing some of New Zealand's finest country artists to Tauherenikau from Friday 10 - Sunday 12 January 2025.

Lavender Abbey Lavender Picking - enjoy the popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days from 28 December to 20 January.

Hops in the Vines at Matahiwi Estate - the best of Brewtown’s craft beer alongside fine wines from Matahiwi Estate, plus top-notch local food, bands and Brewtown's iconic retro furniture on Saturday 18 January.

The Lighthouse Gin Garden Party - join Distiller Rachel Hall at the shady Runholder cottage for cocktails and fine fare, including local cheese & charcuterie platters then dance the afternoon away to live music on Saturday 18 January.

Toast Martinborough - one of Martinborough's most popular events with delicious wine and food matches and live music across multiple vineyards over the long Wellington Anniversary weekend on Sunday 19 January.

Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival - find beautiful scenery, world class local wine, delicious food, and great bands on Saturday 15 February 2025.

Masterton Motorplex - experience action packed racing over summer time at this top class strip, with Central Nationals + Gasser Madness and Dragstalgia Wild Bunch Wars coming up over December and January.

Golden Shears - Catch the world's premier shearing, wool handling & wool pressing championships in Masterton each year in early March. Here the best of the best battle it out for the title of Golden Shears Champion!

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 over summer. 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.

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 summer.

Featherston books - grab a must-read for your summer holidays! 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.

Summer collections - don't miss picking up a new season pieces 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.