Wairarapa, New Zealand, actually comprises several smaller towns each with its own unique character and beauty: Masterton, Carterton, Martinborough and Featherston. Wairarapa is about an hour’s train ride or drive from Wellington, the capital city. Maori settlers first came to Wairarapa in the 1300s. The Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane were the Maori tribes in the area when European explorers arrived in the 1770s. Wairarapa, whose name means “glistening waters,” became a renowned farming region heralded for its delectable meats and butter. These humble beginnings as a farm community are still apparent in the modern world of Wairarapa as it is home to a multitude of sprawling beef, sheep and dairy farms alongside succulent vineyards. Fishing, horticulture and forestry also play a prominent role in modern Wairarapa life. Whether you enjoy nature, the arts or a sampling of fine wine from local wineries, there is always something new and wonderful to discover in Wairarapa. In addition to its rural and rustic charm, Wairarapa delights in its thriving art community as well beautiful galleries and museums. No matter what kind of winter activity you enjoy, you are sure to find something to suit your taste. Here are some of the best winter tourism destinations to sample and savour in Wairarapa
Tikva - Masterton
Masterton, Wellington
Explorer navigator 2015 sleeps 4 based in Carterton Wairarapa
Carterton, Wellington
David's Nissan
Waingawa, Wellington
Backed by thl and their combined decades of experience in the tourism and motorhome industry, Mighway allows you to rent your vehicle to discerning travellers so you can earn money and share the experience. Mighway offers two levels of service to best suit your needs, Mighway's Local and Managed services. Simply choose your level of service - whether it's the hands-on Local service, or hands-off Managed - and we'll take good care of the rest.
LEARN MORELocated just one and a half hours from Wellington, we're a hands-on heritage museum in the rural town of Masterton.
When you drop in to see us you'll enjoy:
- Two authentic woolsheds trucked in from real farms, full of new and historic shearing equipment and sheep farm gear.
Displays describing the history of sheep farming and its importance to our nation.
- Samples of wool types and wool end-products.
- Spinning and weaving demonstrations on Wednesdays or by arrangement.
- The story of shearing – its beginnings and how it became an international sport.
- Shearing demonstrations in the historic woolshed by arrangement – just give us a call.
- Our shop with a wide range of wool garments and souvenirs
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And much, much more to stimulate your knowledge for history and actual activities on sheep farms. We are a visitor attraction of international quality and we welcome visitors from all over New Zealand as well as thousands
Fresh from Wairarapa paddocks to Wairarapa plates – locally produced vegetables, herbs, cheese, wine, free range eggs, flowers, plants, artisan products, Arabica coffees, olive oil, cider, organic meat, bread, crafts and more. Musicia Stefan Brown regularly plays traditional and contemporary music to make your market experience even more enjoyable.
A Huge Real Fruit Ice Cream for $5
Close to the shops, parks, local swimming pools and the entrances to the Tararua Ranges. The park offers 24 powered sites, numerous non powered sites. It also boasts 6 fully furnished, heated and carpeted self-contained units sleeping up to 7 people. All linen and bedding is provided in self-contained units. Plus 4 basic cabins sleeping up to 7 people. OWN LINEN AND BEDDING REQUIRED for these cabins or you can hire off us. The park also has well equipped communal facilities.
- 4 minute walk to local swimming pools (free admission)
- 3 minute walk to Railway Station
- 4 minute drive to Clareville Hockey Pavillion
- 20 minute drive to Martinborough
- Central to Castle Point, Cape Palliser and Lake Ferry
Self contained campervans can stay here at Henley Lake. Toilets are available but are locked at night.
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Take the stress out of travelling by using CamperMate, the free New Zealand Travel app that shows you nearby locations of everything you’ll need
With over 30 years of experience in the global travel and tourism industry, you can trust thl to help you achieve an amazing holiday experience.