Location: Masterton
Top Things to do in Masterton
8 Nature & Parks in Masterton That You Shouldn't Miss
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. RivenRock MTB park
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Donnelly Flat Loop Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Missy_Odowd
You can experience the mountain areas and rivers on this lovely walk. Kid/dog friendly, easy trekking. Absolutely beautiful scenery to enjoy, full immersion into the greenery. The river views are also nice and you can always stop and enjoy coolness.
8. Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Sus1952 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
This is such a good place to visit. So much conservation work is undertaken here it should be supported by those of us fortunate enough to be in New Zealand. There are heaps of native birds, tuatara and eels to see. Be patient and return to areas if you’re not fortunate in seeing the birds on your first attempt. We returned to the kiwi area and where fortunate in getting a good view. It is worth going to the cafe both for the good food and to see the takahe in the area below the cafe. It is fun to see the kaka arrive if you’re outside on the balcony of the cafe, but do be careful not to share food.
