Top Things to do in Wairarapa
What to do and see in Wairarapa, North Island: The Best Shopping
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. Olivo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
A working olive grove, one of the oldest in New Zealand with a purpose built olive oil tasting room.
Reviewed By Red2explorer
Most people go to Matinborough for the vineyards but thia hidden gem is also worth a visit. The hosts gave us a lovely tour of the grove, explaining all about olives, harvesting, the different varieties and many more. At the end of the tour we watched a short video about the pressing of the olives and then proceeded to taste a variety of oils. Thanks to Olivo we now know what to look out for when buying or tasting olive oil, and what each type really means. They also have olive oil soap which I can't wait to try!
2. C'est Cheese
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By DorotaB270 - Munkebo, Denmark
we are cheese lovers from Denmark..we drve by on our way to ferry and damn we planned to stock up on our way back to Auckland. It was charming little shop with wonderful owner who guided us thru different flavours. Our best were cumin gouda, smoked blue cheese. and vintage gouda//we also tried some goat sausages and cheese !! Hightly recommended!
3. 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!
4. Chicken And Frog Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By taniabarnia - Wellington, New Zealand
What a resource for parents, teachers and grandparents. Extremely knowledgeable staff. Great variety of informational books.
5. Martinborough Wine Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Evoorua - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Great one stop shop for all the local delicacies, including wine from Martinborough and Gladstone. It has a brilliant selection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils, from within Martinborough and nearby Ruakokoputuna, and most weekends there is a tasting of either wine/Olive Oils or if you are lucky both. This is a great shop to visit, I have found the staff very friendly and helpful....Oh and you can hire bikes from here at a very reasonable price.
6. Schoc Chocolates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By 155RobertH
The wonderful aroma of delicious flavours is the first thing that hits you as you enter the amazing space where Schoc Chocolates are sold. It is a favourite place of ours in Greytown. The innovative range of chocolate flavours and shapes is amazing (this time we saw beautiful high-heeled shoes, in splendid colours, all made of chocolate). This is a place to buy the most expensive and eye catching presentation packs (they truly are a ‘feast for the eye’), as well as more every day treats. The highlight is the array of small wooden drawers with dolls-house spoons from which the enthusiastic staff offer taste samples. Try-before-you-buy at its very best! (I have to close my eyes to concentrate on the unique combination of flavours - that adds to the pleasure). It is all good, but one can select personal bests in Schoc. We always enjoy the Wellington bars, and this time we bought a ‘Greytown’ one too. Who knows what we might try next time!
7. Peonies Home and Living
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By sitedandsoundsNZ_
Hi Di Thank you for your excellent service. We were first time visitors to Martinborough and visited your lovely shop. On spotting a couple of lovely items, I came back the following day and asked if you would freight the items to my home town, which you said you ship items all over NZ. - So please and excited I bought. I just want to say a big thank you, the three parcels which arrived one after we returned home - well packed and clearly addressed. Just want to say - you provided excellent customer service.
8. For the Love of Books
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
We aim to provide quality second-hand books at "I'll be back for more" prices as well as collector's items and "good for one more read" bargains. We also have a small selection of new books. Our books are displayed in a spacious, well-organised store with some seating and an enclosed children's play area for little ones so as to allow you to browse at your leisure.
