The Tararua Range provides Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua and Manawatu with an outstanding variety of tramping, hunting and walking opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.
Free and nearly free
This self guided tour follows the story of two brothers and a sister who each saw very different sides of World War I. You will need to allow at least 60 minutes.
This self guided tour follows the story of a tradesman who headed off to World War 1. You will need to allow at least two hours.
This self-guided tour takes you to many of the Wairarapa’s towns and villages on a scenic tour of the region. The itinerary is best done over a couple of days but you could squeeze it in with a busy day.
Check out the eight vibrant murals around Martinborough as you walk or cycle around the village.
The Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington with Wairarapa, winding through a variety of stunning landscapes: a river valley, rolling foothills, bush-clad ranges, old railway tunnels, lake-sides, farm land and a rugged coastline. Choose to ride parts of the trail in one day or ride the whole trail over several days.
The Remutaka Rail Trail is one of the region’s most rewarding off-road trails. It can be ridden end to end (allow 4-5 hours) or broken up into two smaller sections - beginning and finishing on the Wellington side of the Remutaka Ranges or beginning and finishing on the Wairarapa side of the ranges.
The Remutaka Rail Trail is a gently graded 18 km bike ride close to Wellington - it's also a hugely popular walk.
Riding the entire Remutaka Cycle Trail gives you a bike ride packed with variety, terrific scenery and neat places to stay - all so close to Wellington.
Cycling holidays don’t mean you need to ride every day. Give yourself a break from the saddle and explore. There’s plenty to do and see near the Remutaka Cycle Trail and you’re close to the Wairarapa’s five towns Martinborough, Featherston, Greytown, Carterton and Masterton.
Every year in January, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days at their property in Carterton.
Come along with your telescope, a torch, and evening picnic as Becky Bateman, Astronomy Guide from Under The Stars helps you navigate the stars, then pick some laveder as you watch the sun set.
Queen Elizabeth Park’s collection of exotic trees is stunning, some planted more than 140 years ago. In total there is more than 180 specimen trees, ranging from the skyscraper American redwoods to the quirky Bhutan Pine. Download a map and go for a tree walk.
Take a look at all the classes you can take in the Palliser Ridge Woolshed near Featherston working with wool, including Knitting, Natural Dye, Spinning, Punch Needle classes and more. It's free to attend their monthly knitting group.
Try out the new state-of-the-art skatepark in Masterton that entices boarders and bikers from all over NZ.