Wairarapa
A person wearing a yellow sweater is buying something at Schoc Chocolates, a chocolatier in Greytown, Wairarapa. The worker is handing them the bag as another shopper is browsing in the background.

What to do in Wairarapa

The Wairarapa region has plenty of reasons to visit. Make it a day trip — there are some great champions of food, art, and experiences on offer around the region.

Two adults and three children stand in the middle of the forest, admiring the nature at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.
A smiling cheesemaker wearing a white uniform is behind the counter at C'est Cheese, an artisanal deli in Featherston, Wairarapa.
Three trays clear plastic of artisanal chocolates from Schoc Chocolates shop on a red-orange surface.
The forecourt outside Aratoi. There is a large archway with carved Māori figures and motifs in the middle of the forecourt. A family of three are walking through it. The Aratoi buildings are in the background.
bartender pouring a glass of red wine to 4 customers sitting down and enjoying their food and drinks inside the Runholder.
Two adults and three children stand in the middle of the forest, admiring the nature at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre

85379 State Highway 2, Mount Bruce, Wairarapa

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is an unfenced breeding sanctuary for native wildlife. Located on the border of the Tararua and Wairarapa regions, the 942-hectare site is home to a dense lowland podocarp forest. That forest is home to native wildlife including birds and reptiles. Pūkaha has contributed to the recovery of several endangered native species including kōkako, kākā, whio, pateke and shore plover. The aviaries on-site hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release back into the wild.

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A smiling cheesemaker wearing a white uniform is behind the counter at C'est Cheese, an artisanal deli in Featherston, Wairarapa.

C’est Cheese

19 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston, Wairarapa

If you’re into cheese then a pitstop in Featherston is advisable.

Since opening in 2013, C’est Cheese deli has aimed to showcase the amazing range of products hand-made by New Zealand’s specialist cheesemakers and other food producers. The historic 1875 building is also home to the Remutaka Pass Creamery cheese factory.

C’est Cheese has a goal to offer a complete cheese experience — from watching it being made to purchasing. The store not only stocks anything cheesy but also complimentary products. You can find cured meats, pâté, crackers, and a huge range of condiments.    

C’est Cheese
Three trays clear plastic of artisanal chocolates from Schoc Chocolates shop on a red-orange surface.

Schoc Chocolates

177 Main Street, Greytown, Wairarapa

Nestled in the heart of Wairarapa’s Greytown, Schoc Chocolates creates delicious treats that feed the soul. With a background in counselling, owner and chocologist Murray Langham knows the healing nature of a block of choc. He uses the sweet treat as a type of therapy. Find classic and contemporary flavours in the shop, housed in one of Greytown’s quaint colonial cottages. Try the best-selling lime and chilli chocolate for a flavour hit, and grab a gift (or a snack for the road) before you leave.

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The forecourt outside Aratoi. There is a large archway with carved Māori figures and motifs in the middle of the forecourt. A family of three are walking through it. The Aratoi buildings are in the background.

Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History

12 Bruce Street, Masterton, Wairarapa

Open since 1969, Aratoi remains the only public collection of artworks in the Wairarapa region. In the centre of Masterton, it is a cultural focal point for the town. It hosts 25 to 30 exhibitions annually and includes shows by local and national artists. There are roughly 4,000 works in its collections ranging from artworks and Taonga Māori to social history items. On top of public education programmes, the gallery hosts a live performance series in a former Wesley Church onsite. The space has been converted into a gallery and concert hall.  

Aratoi
bartender pouring a glass of red wine to 4 customers sitting down and enjoying their food and drinks inside the Runholder.

The Runholder

89 Martins Road, Martinborough, Wairarapa

Home to Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin, The Runholder provides a one-stop shop for great Martinborough fare. The three brands offer a quality hospitality experience with three unique dining areas. Outside, a sun-soaked terrace overlooks Martinborough’s rolling hills and vineyards.

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Looking for more?

People sit at the information desk of the Wellington isite in Tākina.

Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre

The Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre is your first stop for travel advice and bookings for tours, activities, and accommodation.

A small glass of iced coffee is on a white saucer with a small silver spoon on wooden table surface next to an opened magazine.

Capital cool: Iced coffee in Wellington

Whatever way you serve it, Wellingtonians love their coffee. Here’s where to stay cool, calm, and caffeinated in the capital.

4 ice creams being handed over the counter at Gelissimo Gelateria.

We all scream for ice cream in Wellington

When it’s hot out (and even when it’s not), cool down with your frozen treat of choice. Whether you prefer a scoop, soft serve, gelato, or sorbet, Wellington has it all.

Two people sit and enjoy iced coffees and a dessert on the beach-side patio at Maranui café in Lyall Bay, Wellington.

Brunch by the beach

Fresh coffee, sea breeze, and eggs over easy — these seaside cafés offer views of the water and delicious brunch menus.

The exterior of Roxy Cinema.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

The capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.

Stacks of baked twists and scrolls sit on decorative plates.

Breaking bread: Hutt Valley bakeries

The Hutt Valley has a generous helping of artisan bakeries. From sourdough to pastries, here’s where you can find delicious goods wherever you go.

A cricket game at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on a sunny day.

Basin bites: Where to eat around the Basin Reserve in Wellington

You’ll be bowled over with the cricket season this summer at Wellington’s iconic Basin Reserve. There are plenty of games to catch. If you’re ducking out for a break to find coffee or food, there are some great options nearby. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner, before slipping back in to watch the WHITE FERNS or BLACKCAPS.

Heritage building facades line Jackson Street in Petone, as two people cross the pedestrian crossing with shopping bags.

Places to eat on Petone’s Jackson Street

Home to more than 60 bars, cafes and restaurants in just 800 metres, Petone’s iconic Jackson Street is overflowing with options for every meal. Here’s a helping of tasty places to try in and around the street itself.

A variety of delicious-looking sandwiches on the front counter at Shelly Bay Baker, a bakery in Te Aro, Wellington.

The best thing since sliced bread — your Wellington sandwich list

Sometimes all it takes to change your day is a really good sandwich. Luckily, Wellington has you covered with a range of dedicated shops and specialist bakeries providing the goods. Focaccia, sourdough, baguettes and buns, whatever way you like it, here’s where to get two slices and fillings galore.

The interior of The Botanist in Lyall Bay. The counter has a fake bush attached, and the floor is a black and white pattern.

For the love of vegetables

Eat your greens! That’s what your parents said right? Well, now you have no excuse not to enjoy the city’s tastiest greens (and every other colour of the rainbow). Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone interested in flavour-filled meals should give one of these places a go. There’s more than meets the eye in this meatless list of vegetarian-friendly places to eat.