Top Things to do in Wairarapa
Things to do in Wairarapa, North Island: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. Soldiers Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By AnthonyG542 - Wellington, New Zealand
Our kids love playing here when we visit Greytown. It’s a good little park with nearby toilet facilities. Great place if your camping. To be honest I know this is meant to be a park that commemorates our fallen soldiers but there is something quite sweet and respectful about it having a big play area and not just a big memorial.
5. Carter Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By shazza1985 - Waipawa, New Zealand
Nice easy terrain, our 8,6 and 2yrolds all walked it easily. Kereru in the trees very close to track, Tuis, beautiful walk.
6. 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.
7. Lake Wairarapa
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By L3451XVjoeh - Masterton, New Zealand
That Boggy Pond and its associated wetlands exists is a credit to the conservationists who were motivated to protect it from being drained and turned into farmland in the 1970s, and also to all those parties now involved in the wetland restoration - it is great work and a conservation legend - you can spot some rare birds here such as the Royal Spoonbill and Australasian Bittern as well as the more common ducks, shags, swans, hawks, pukeko and even a very rare visiting white heron has been spotted occasionally - there are some awesome well maintained walks and bird hides - however be prepared - it can be exposed to a cold wind - have a warm jacket and even gloves plus don't forget your binoculars - there are no facilities here - that's part of the attraction of the place. Also you will have to look past the mess created when DOC poisoned the invasive willows about 20 years ago - it was the right thing to do - but they will take another decade or so to rot away completely
