Top Things to do in Wairarapa
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Wairarapa That You Shouldn't Miss
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Palliser Ridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Welcome to Palliser Ridge Station in the South Wairarapa of New Zealand. We're excited to open our farm gates to you and offer you a range of Farm Products, Experiences and Accommodation. Take in a tour of our Farm, and browse our Store. Join us for our monthly Knitting Group in the Palliser Ridge Woolshed, or book your spot on one of our Natural Dye or Punch Needle Classes. If taking things a little slower sounds like your cup of tea, why not spend the night with us at the Kaikoura Lookout, off-grid relaxation at it's best. You'll enjoy off the grid living and stunning views right from your bedroom. Talk to us about visiting our Woolshed store for a chance to take home a number of our traceable farm products, including lamb's wool, honey, preserves and much more! Don't hesitate to call or email if you have any questions, we'd love to accommodate you.
Reviewed By LeahCreaven
We had thee most amazing and relaxing time in this beautifully furnished little off the grid cabin. Had everything we needed and the Kiwi tub underneath the stars was 10 out of 10. Would highly recommend and cant wait to come back!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Circus Cinema
9. 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.
10. The Woolshed Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Youngone51 - New Plymouth, New Zealand
We found this place by chance and are so glad we went in. From the outside you would not believe that there are two old wool sheds on the site. We found it very informative, the displays were well laid out, and answered lots of questions that you didn’t know you had until you saw this place. A good place to go!
