WAIRARAPA - North Island, New Zealand

The Wairarapa is lovely sheep country with rolling green hills located in the southern Hawke's Bay region.

The majority of the visitors to this beautiful region are Wellingtonians from over the Rimutaka Ranges who arrive on day trips or for the weekend attracted by the good restaurants and boutique hotels of Martinborough and Greytown.

The Rimutaka Range separates the Wairarapa range from Wellington. The earliest sheep station was established near Greytown by the Small Farm Association (SFA), founded by Joseph Masters with the encouragement of Governor Grey.

The association's primary aim was to give settlers who had no right to vote, the opportunity to become small farm owners. This was done to oppose the Wakefield Scheme which discriminated against the labourers and favoured the landowners. Governor Grey used the SFA to set up the towns of Greytown and Masterton.

Greytown was the hub of activity till the rail line was laid. This favoured Masterton which has now become the primary town in the region. Masterton is famous for its annual Golden Shears shearing competition.

To the north of Masterton, the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is renowned for bird conservation. Featherston is located to the south and provides great walking trails.

Martinborough

Martinborough is the heart of the Hawkes Bay wine region that has made New Zealand wines famous all over the world. It is located close to Wellington and sees an influx of citysiders in the weekends who come to enjoy the fine vineyards and classy cafes and restaurants.

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Greytown

Greytown, built in 1853, lays claim to being the oldest town in the Wairarapa region. It still retains its Victorian charm which can be seen in the unique town layout.

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Masterton

Masterton is Wairarapa's largest town and has some interesting features. It is the venue for the famous annual Golden Shears shearing competition.

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Featherston

Featherston is the last of the Wairarapa towns before crossing west over the Rimutaka Range to Wellington. Featherston has many places of interest to the serious and the casual visitor.

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Wairarapa Transportation

There are buses from Wellington and Auckland to the Wairarapa region, Masterton in particular. Tranz Metro is a rail service that runs from Wellington to Masterton.

Wairarapa Accommodation

Wairarapa Activities