Location: Masterton
Top Things to do in Masterton
Top 6 Budget-friendly Things to do in Masterton, North Island
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. 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.
2. Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Wairarapa's only Art and History Museum / Founded in 1969 / Social History, Maori taonga and New Zealand Art / Public Collection of about 4,000 items / Creative Education Programmes / Live Performances / Museum Gift Shop / Cafe / Registered Charitable Trust CC 11262 / Entry by Donation / Koha
Reviewed By 759elib - Sydney, Australia
Spent ages trawling through the exhibition spaces taking in the interesting works on display the combo of indigenous and national artists featured is a roll call of who’s whose in the country. Fabulous place
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Masterton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 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 GreenInsights - Perth, Australia
As we travelled around we had been coming across road works that delayed our touring so we were glad to find updates on what was ahead at this visitors centre plus local information about what we could visit. Also free maps of the area available.
