Location: Masterton
Top Things to do in Masterton
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Top 10 Things to do in Masterton, New Zealand
Masterton (Māori: Whakaoriori) is a large town in the Wellington Region of New Zealand and the seat of the Masterton District (a territorial authority or local government district). It is the largest town in the Wairarapa, a region separated from Wellington by the Rimutaka ranges. It is 100 kilometres north-east of Wellington, 39.4 kilometres south of Eketahuna, on the Ruamahanga River.
Restaurants in Masterton
1. The Alpaca Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
BOOKING ESSENTIAL - Closed Thursdays. The Alpaca Place offers fully guided, interactive farm tours. You will not only meet our friendly alpacas, you are entertained by stories of our place and our alpacas, learn about alpacas, their farming and history. The highlight of your visit is the opportunity to take our specially trained pet alpacas for a walk, and the chance to get up close and personal with a friendly cuddle, plus much more!Tours depart 10:30am & 1:30pm
Reviewed By jasminemfrancis
The tour was a lot of fun, hands-on and very informative! While learning about alpaca farming practises and also alpaca history, we got to feed the friendly female alpacas and then got to take the males for a walk. Afterwards, we got to visit the lovely little gift shop that's on site. The ladies that ran the tour were very friendly, professional and passionate about their alpacas. It was a great experience and is fun for all ages.
2. Queen Elizabeth Park Boats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 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 Julie M - Wellington, New Zealand
A lovely place for a day out for young and old. Locals told us to pack a picnic and, go early to make the most of all this beautiful park has to offer. The rides and golf open around 10.00am. We were delighted to find that all activities are fairly priced.
We paddled the lake in a little boat made for two. We could have rowed instead but chose to pedal. We fed the ducks as we went. Granddaughter explored the extensive play area for older children and rode the flying fox as many times as she had energy for. Each rider pulls the seat back up to the platform for the next rider! We played mini-golf, rode the train, and walked across a spring bridge to feed the deer. A picnic on the expansive manicured grass area under lovely, mature trees added to our enjoyment of the day. The cafe beckoned but we resisted!
This park with all its attractions is a wonderful asset in this pretty country town., Just a stone's throw from the shops and supermarket.
3. Henley Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By abseilor - Mangawhai, New Zealand
A short but nice walk with my 2.5yr old granddaughter Lots of ducks, swans, and geese. Along with heaps of young ones. The playground leaves a bit to be desired. Does look good for a run or to walk the dog
4. Aratoi Museum of Art and History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Wairarapa's only Art and History Museum / Founded in 1969 / Social History, Maori taonga and New Zealand Art / Creative Education Programmes / Public Collection of about 4,000 items / registered Charitable Trust CC 11262 / Entry by Donation / koha
Reviewed By NewZealandCarver - New Zealand
This local museum is wonderful asset to the Wairarapa. It focuses on (mainly) local history and portrays this very well. Displays are well lit and description panels easy to read. By international standards its not very large, but it makes us for its lack of...MoreThank you (belatedly) for your wonderful review!
5. The Vintage Aviator Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Tedbutt - Brisbane, Australia
Very understated but highly recommended. Clearly if you are into aircraft you will love. If you are not particularly 'into' planes but have a passing interest in history or engineering, you will enjoy. Allow at least an hour for the very knowledgable and passionate guides to talk you through the designs of the planes, their manufacture and involvement in the course of WW1. If you are around for one of the flying days, that would be a treat. A real gem.
6. The Woolshed Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Annette K - San Anselmo, California
With its wonderful displays and friendly staff, The Woolshed Museum pays tribute to NZ sheep breeds and the sheep shearing industry. As a visitor from the US, I was fascinated to learn all about the history and importance of this industry both in the past and present. The museum is nicely laid out, the displays are plentiful and engaging and the staff is happy to answer any questions. During our visit we were also able to chat with the ladies who were spinning and knitting. The gift shop offers local wool products and some yarn. I only have one recommendation – please publish a book about NZ sheep breeds & shearing history that a traveler can take back home on a plane! Oh, also be sure to visit the fire engine museum attached to the Woolshed!
7. The Pointon Collection
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Private Collection of Vintage & Veteran Cars, motorcycles & automobilia displayed to resemble a 1930's country garage. This includes an extensive collection of garage equipment, signs, tools & manuals. All vehicles on display are in driveable condition. An extensive collection of original period clothing (1870 - 1970) is rotated every 3 months & the displays are changed accordingly - this includes wedding gowns, evening gowns, daywear, accessories etc. All visitors are greeted & taken on a tour of the complex - which also includes Gardens & craft shop.
Reviewed By Karen W - Whakatane, New Zealand
This smaller more personal museum with working cars and wonderful additions of mannequin's dressed in period clothing both in display areas, and in and around the cars makes this museum enjoyable for both men and women.
The building most of the cars are in was once a barracks for WW1 soldiers, then Polish orphans who came to NZ after WW2 so is in itself historical.
8. Masterton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Phone or visit the Masterton i-SITE Visitor Centre for help with Wairarapa activities, booking accommodation, tours and transport. Our friendly staff know all there is to know about the region, including where to stay and what's on. They'll make nationwide bookings for you too, including Cook Strait ferry crossings and Intercity bus trips. Pick up a visitor guide or wine map while you're there.
Reviewed By Narziss - New Zealand
We found the Visitor Information Centre people very user friendly and helpful and would certainly recommend that people visiting the area call in and discuss their plans with them.Thank you for your comments and thank you for recommending others call in to see us too. Regards
9. Johner Estate
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By CraigandTania - Invercargill, New Zealand
We decided to bypass Martinborough and try some of the wineries around Gladstone instead. After a windy bumpy road we found the tasting room. This is a winery that prides itself on its German roots. The person running the tasting room had only been in NZ for a few days. She was fabulous and asked lots of questions. Loved it. The wine was very nice. The reisling and old vine red blend were excellent. Best of all, it was 30% off a case buy and very cheap Delivery anywhere in NZ. A gem of a find.
10. Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
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