Top Things to do in Wairarapa
Countries
Top 10 Nature & Parks 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
4. Te Rakau Birding
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Personal guided bird watching tours in the pristine natural environment of South Wairarapa.Spectacular scenery, diverse bird populations and decades of local knowledge and dedication to preserving habitat.
Reviewed By Kiwi_iwiK - Wellington, New Zealand
This was my second stay with Denise and Dougal in their unique and homely accommodation - this time with some friends when cycling the rimutaka cycle trail. As we were riding light, we took advantage of the food package - Wow! What a delicious treat! We arrived to the lovely smell of a home cooked stew waiting in the crock pot with a scrumptious home baked cake and high quality supplies for our breakfast and lunch the following day. The converted railcar accommodation is fantastic, and the chiminea with well stocked wood supply a bonus for fireside yarns late into the night in very big sky country. The ecostore products were also great for a nice hot shower at the end of the day's ride. All of us were most impressed and I will certainly be back again with the family or friends for accessible isolation at it's best!
5. Powell Hut & Mount Holdsworth Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand
There are many day and overnight treks.Main carpark is usually full by 9am but there is still plenty of parking and camping areas.The Atiwhakatu trek is Awesome trek 6 hrs return moderate pace. Uphill through native bush but it does level out in places.Boardwalks and swing bridges , stairs. slushy areas after rain.Take good footwear and layer the clothing as weather can change.Toilets at hut but bring toilet paper and liquid to drink. Overall track is very good.Toilets at car park area as well. The Gentle Annie trek and rock lookout is worth the extra hour climb.There are many other tracks and huts to test your fitness.
6. RivenRock MTB park
7. 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.
8. Kiriwhakapapa Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip
9. Henley Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Teladorsagia
Lovely walking track through the trees and around the lake. Great place to take the kids (there is also a small playground) and dogs.
10. Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 494 reviews
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is NZ's most established captive breeding facility located just 20 minutes north of Masterton. Set in 942 hectares of ancient Podocarp forest, Pukaha is home to many endangered species including takahē, kōkako, kākāriki, hīhī (stitchbird), kāka and several kiwi including Manukura, the ōnly white kiwi in captivity. Our Kākā Cafe overlooks the takahē enclosure. Watch out for the cheeky kākā parrots who regularly visit the outdoor cafe area (please remember not to feed the birds). Visitors can join daily talks or choose from our suite of guided tours. We offer Night Tours (listen for wild kiwi and discover glow worms). Our Hīkoi o Pūkaha is a unique cultural tour where you can learn stories of the Tangata Whenua - includes kai (food). Our campervan dawn and night tours allow you to stay overnight in the Reserve from the comfort of your campervan. Bookings essential. [no pets]
Reviewed By P71XNpaulm - Matraville, Australia
Had a great time, there was so much to see and do, very interesting place and well thought out park, the New Zealand birds were so beautiful, really enjoyed the day and loved the walk.
