Wairarapa is bordered by the rugged Tararua Mountains to the west and
the wild Pacific Ocean to the east on the North Island and about 60 km from
Wellington. The Wairarapa region is a rich sheep-farming district with more than
100 farms and homesteads located in idyllic countryside. The region, especially
Martinborough with a fast gaining a reputation for premium wines, including the
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc varieties.
Historical Greytown is New Zealand’s first inland town retaining its
delightful colonial village character with careful preservation of the many
wooden Victorian buildings.
New Zealand’s rarest inhabitants are to be found in the Mount Bruce
National Wildlife centre set amidst a pocket of ancient rainforest, this centre
is where the New Zealand Department of Conservation runs its captive breeding
programme for threatened bird species. Visitors can take a walk through the
natural bush aviaries with a professional conservation officer. Beyond Masterton
lies the wild, dramatic scenery of Castle Point beach complete with a
picturesque lighthouse facing Antarctica.