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
Central Nationals + Gasser Madness at Masterton Motorplex Check out the latest central national circuit and the nostalgia drags in the summertime, a thrilling way to spend the day with family and friends starting the weekend 6-7 December.
Take in Wairarapa's world-renowned dark skies at the Summer of Space festival, taking place at Star Safari from mid-December to 24 January.
Pick your own stunning bunch of lavender at Lavender Abbey, Ranui Essentials Lavender and Lavender Magic. Check their picking dates over summer and shop their gorgeous lavender products while you're there!
Bob Wilton Memorial Drags at Masterton Motorplex Featuring Dragstalgia, Gasser Showdown & Wild Bunch Wars with Bobs’s Burnouts on Saturday night 3 January makes for a fabulous evening out!
Be at the first New Zealand Stationery Festival to explore an inspiring collection of premium international stationery brands, along with handpicked local makers, plus the opportunity join in creative workshops throughout the day on Saturday 10 January.
Wairarapa Music In The Country A three-day weekend jam-packed with musical talent including 25 acts in the biggest line-up yet with Shaun Preston, Dan Cosgrove and many more under the historic trees at Tauherenikau from 9-11 January.
Meandering Vineyard Lunch Martinborough - Meander through the vines of four family vineyards, eat exquisite food, drink wine and listen to great music on Saturday 17 January. This annual event is a hit!
Greytown Sidewalk Sale This famous retail event takes place on 17 January - the Saturday of Wellington Anniversary Weekend. Find incredible bargains from Greytown's finest boutique stores and replenish your shopping energy at cafes and restaurants.
Greytown Honey Dahlia Flower Farm is in full swing over summer, between 22 January and into April, with thousands of blooms ready for Pick Your Own flowers, photos in the patch and exciting events. Click on the big yellow button to book your experience here!
Martinborough Fair Shop for an enormous variety of top-quality New Zealand-made craft and clothing – all set around the town square and union jack streets of Martinborough on Saturday 7 February.
Greytown Heritage Trust House and Garden Tour A fabulous opportunity to explore charming Greytown houses and gardens on this self-guided tour of nine remarkable properties on Sunday 8 February.
Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival World class wines are paired with outstanding local produce at this popular festival. Sample wines, meet the makers and enjoy delicious foodie treats from locally paired restaurants on Saturday 21 February.
Trust House Summer Hummer Catch live music playing at spectacular Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton for only $2! Bring a picnic, ride the miniature train, take a pedal boat ride and more during this great family day out in Masterton on Saturday 28 February.
In 2026 Masterton plays host to the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships with up to 500 national and international competitors in this thrilling competition from 4-7 March.
Castlepoint Races Watch horses thunder along the stunning Castlepoint beachfront, cheered on by the crown of punters and picnickers at this perfect family day out on Saturday 21 March 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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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