"Wairarapa - New Zealand’s Capi ..." a Wairarapa Travel Page by vtveen

Wairarapa is situated in the south east of the North Island. About 100 km’s away from Wellington and 240 km’s from Napier. This region of the country is more or less a hidden treasure, surrounded by the Rimutaka Range (south), Tararua Range (west) and the Pacific Ocean (east).

Excellent destination for a day trip from Wellington, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Or for a stop on the way between Napier and the capital.

Wairarapa has a very diverse scenery with mountains, hills, plains, valleys and a rugged coastline. Ideal for exploring on foot, bicycle or car. Tracks and walks can be found around the area. Along the coastline of Palliser Bay is an easy accessible fur seal colony. North of Masterton is Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.

Wairarapa has some small towns. Masterton is the biggest and Martinborough the smallest, famous for its wineries. Greytown has some unexpected Victorian buildings along the main street. Carterton has a paua shell factory and is well known as the ‘daffodil capital of New Zealand’.