Top Things to do in Wairarapa
Countries
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Wairarapa, North Island
Lush Wairarapa, in the southeast of New Zealand's North Island, is about an hour from Wellington. Its a scenic train ride past Lake Wairarapa to Palliser Bay and the Aorangi Ranges. Explore the forests with birdsong and babbling creeks as a soundtrack. Bask on sandy shores with fur seals. Visit country fairs, pick cider apple and tour vineyards. Day spas, hot air balloon rides and quirky rural golf courses are other relaxing options. Quad biking and rafting offer more up-tempo diversions.
Restaurants in Wairarapa
1. Patuna Farm Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Traditional wairarapa sheep and beef farm with an added beauty of a lime stone chasm walk , formed over 1.3 million years, a 3 hour walk through native bush, and down the Ruakokoputuna river, stalactites, flora and fauna stunning photo opportunity’s, you will get wet!!
2. Green Jersey Cycle Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 166 reviews
Green Jersey Cycle Tour Company, does Multiday Bike Tours on the Rimutaka Cycle Trail, Guided Wine Tours in Martinborough NZ and Bicycle Hire. We love to see you riding happy!
3. To the Coast with the Post
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Travel with Gordon the Rural Mailman as he delivers all the way to the Southern most point of the North Island. Drive through a variaty of gravel roads, see the seals and experience the most picturesque views that the South Wairarapa has to offer. You can climb the 253 steps to the Cape Palliser lighthouse and hear local knowledge with a few laughs along the way. Snacks and lunch included.
4. Martinborough Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 164 reviews
Tours start at $99 per person. Ranging from half day afternoon tours to our exclusive 'Martinborough in a Day' tour. Take the stress out of drink/driving as all our tours are fully chauffeured. Our Martinborough in a day tour takes you to four vineyards, enjoy a wine-matched lunch and visit an Olive Grove or take the 'Pinot to Palliser Bay' tour for something different. This tour goes to the fishing village of Ngawi and to the iconic Lighthouse at Cape Palliser. Enjoy lunch and a beer or coffee at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel. All tours are conducted in luxury vehicles hosted by a local who knows the region intimately. This is your opportunity to go behind the scenes, meet winemakers and producers not normally available to the general public, while at the same time tasting the fantastic produce and wines of the region.
5. Olivo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
A working olive grove, one of the oldest in New Zealand with a purpose built olive oil tasting room.
Reviewed By Red2explorer
Most people go to Matinborough for the vineyards but thia hidden gem is also worth a visit. The hosts gave us a lovely tour of the grove, explaining all about olives, harvesting, the different varieties and many more. At the end of the tour we watched a short video about the pressing of the olives and then proceeded to taste a variety of oils. Thanks to Olivo we now know what to look out for when buying or tasting olive oil, and what each type really means. They also have olive oil soap which I can't wait to try!
6. Castlepoint Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 179 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Judave - Tauranga, New Zealand
A place that has been on our bucket list for a while an amazing spot, wild and wonderful scenery. Make the most and climb up to the lighthouse, really worthwhile the scenery is amazing from the vantage spots around the lighthouse.
7. Fensham Bush Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By CycleKerry - Wellington, New Zealand
Terrific walk not far from Carterton. Well done Forest and Bird for maintaining easy to walk tracks wth a fantastic lookout over the Wairarapa.
8. Fell Locomotive Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By TheAngelTree
Small, but very informative museum. Good for anyone interested in social history, not just railway enthusiasts. The guide was welcoming and gave us information we may not have picked up otherwise.
9. Gladstone Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Gladstone Vineyard is the first and foremost vineyard in Gladstone. Enjoy The Flying Winemaker and Gladstone Vineyard Estate wines with a tasting at cellar door or by the glass . Our beautiful Single Vineyard wines are available to purchase by the bottle. We also welcome larger groups ( 15 people or more) for tastings and functions. Please call ahead or email us to book . Enjoy your wine in our relaxed and family-friendly wine garden with a petanque court and if its cold in front of the fire in our function room. New Zealand cheeses, pate ,cold meats , crackers and relishes are available to purchase for a delicious platter with your wine. We also offer Reverse BYO – which means you are welcome to bring a picnic as long as you purchase your beverages from us. Cellar Door is now closed for the winter months.
Reviewed By edwardh518 - Carterton, New Zealand
Superb wine tasting made even better by our sommelier Dra. The insights into each of the wines was extensive. We will go again.
10. Queen Elizabeth Park Boats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
This delightful urban park offers visitors a lake, an aviary, a children's playground, mini-golf, a swing bridge, gardens and a deer park.
Reviewed By cpcog - Wellington, New Zealand
The boats rental would only opened when the weather is suitable. So, better check before going. We went there on Boxing Day after heavy rain. Sad to say nothing was opened although the rain stopped. We went again on New Year Eve and finally we could experience the double kayak! My daughter loves kayaking very much and wants to do it with me. Queen Elizabeth Park Boats allowed us to kayak together. It was $17 for 2 people. (20 minutes) The duration is long enough for us to have the "journey" around the lake once. The staff was so nice. He helped us from choosing the life jacket to collect everything back. It was nice to kayak there with the ducks and other boats. Other than kayak, you can ride different boats or swan peddle craft. Great for family, lovers or friends. you can also wave your hands to the passengers riding on the mini train! The lake has quite a lot of seaweed. Just be careful about them. We enjoyed the time there! We can use card to pay for the boat rental but you must have cash for the mini train ride.
