Exploring the 5 Towns of the Wairarapa

The Wairarapa is more than wild coastlines and famous vineyards. It is also a region of charming towns, each with its own story, character and pace of life. From heritage main streets to quirky fishing villages, every town offers something different. Because of this variety, travellers who take the time to explore slowly are well rewarded. In our full guide we touched on them briefly but now we’re exploring the 5 towns of the Wairarapa in more depth — showing what makes each one special and worth a visit.

🍇 Martinborough – Wine Village with Charm

At the heart of the Wairarapa, Martinborough is a village that feels made for slowing down. With its peaceful square, tree-lined streets, and vineyards stretching in every direction, it’s the kind of place where you park the camper, hire a bike and spend the day drifting between cellar doors. Beyond the wine, you’ll find boutique shops, artisan food and friendly locals who make this town such a joy to explore.

Highlights:

• Vineyards at your doorstep, with cellar doors linked by bike-friendly roads.
• A peaceful village square with boutique shops and artisan cafés.
• A destination where slower travel is rewarded — perfect for a few days, not just a day trip.

Places to Stay:

• The Martinborough Hotel – Elegant, historic boutique accommodation on the square with timeless charm.
• Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa – A countryside retreat with cottages and spa facilities surrounded by big skies.

Places to Camp:

• Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park – A practical base with powered sites, cabins, and bike hire.
• Martinborough Camping Ground (Pain & Kershaw) – Budget-friendly, within walking distance of shops.

Places to Eat:

• Union Square Bistro & Bar – European-inspired dining using fresh, local produce.
• Poppies Martinborough – Known for boutique tastings and famous seasonal platters.

🏛 Greytown (Te Hūpēnui) – Heritage and Style

Often called the prettiest town in the Wairarapa, Greytown blends Victorian charm with modern style. Its heritage wooden buildings line a main street full of boutique shops, cafés, and galleries. It’s a place where history meets indulgence, perfect for slow wandering and browsing.

Highlights:

• Award-winning main street lined with heritage architecture.
• Boutique shopping, antique stores and artisan chocolatiers.
• Strong foodie scene with cafés, delis and farmers’ markets.
• Home to the oldest operating butchery in New Zealand – still serving quality cuts since 1873.

Places to Stay:

• The White Swan Hotel – Iconic hotel with quirky rooms and lively dining.
• Greyfriars Motel – Comfortable and central, right by the main street.

Places to Camp:

• Greytown Campground – Peaceful, leafy, and a short stroll into town.
• Waiohine Gorge Campsite – A DOC site just out of town, perfect for nature lovers.

Places to Eat:

• Schoc Chocolates – Handcrafted artisan chocolate in every flavour imaginable.
• Main Street Deli – Known for hearty breakfasts and casual lunches.

🎨 Carterton – Creative and Community

Carterton might be small but it has a big creative heart. Known as an arts hub, you’ll find galleries, local makers, and community events throughout the year. It’s also the gateway to the Waiohine Gorge and Tararua Ranges making it a great blend of culture and nature.

Highlights:

• A lively arts and crafts scene with galleries and studios.
• Gateway to outdoor adventures like Waiohine Gorge.
• A strong sense of community and local pride.

Places to Stay:

• Millwood Homestay – Friendly B&B with local hosts.
• Hugga Mugga Cottage – Cosy self-contained stay surrounded by gardens.

Places to Camp:

• Carterton Holiday Park – Family-friendly with grassy sites and good facilities.
• Waiohine Gorge Campsite – DOC site offering wilderness camping by the river.

Places to Eat:

• Wild Oats Café – A local favourite for hearty brunches and relaxed service.
• The Clareville Bakery – Taratahi – Award-winning artisan bakery famous for sourdough breads, pastries and wood-fired pies.

🌳 Masterton (Whakaoriori) – Parks and People

The largest town in the Wairarapa, Masterton is a hub where services meet charm. Known for its parks, riverside walks and family-friendly attractions, it’s also a practical base for supplies when travelling the region.

Highlights:

• Henley Lake and Waipoua River trails for easy outdoor escapes.
• Queen Elizabeth Park with gardens, lakes, and a mini train.
• Strong local markets and community events.

Places to Stay:

• Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park – Full-service hotel with pool and tennis courts.
• BK’s Chardonnay Motor Lodge – Comfortable motel-style accommodation.

Places to Camp:

• Masterton Mawley Holiday Park – Shady, well-kept, and close to town.
• Henley Lake Park – A freedom camping option beside trails and birdlife.

Places to Eat:

• Ten O’Clock Cookie Bakery Café – Award-winning bakery famous for creative pastries.
• Entice Café & Catering – Popular café inside Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, serving fresh local food with a modern twist.

🚂 Featherston (Pae Tū Mōkai) – Gateway and Grit

The first town you hit when driving from Wellington, Featherston is full of surprises. With its strong railway heritage, quirky bookshops and café culture, it’s a town that feels authentic and a little bit different.

Highlights:

• Fell Locomotive Museum telling the story of NZ’s rail history.
• “Booktown” vibe with second-hand and specialist bookshops.
• A growing café culture that makes it a great pit stop.

Places to Stay:

• Empire Hotel – A historic pub offering budget-friendly rooms.
• Wharekauhau Country Estate – Luxury lodge experience set on dramatic coastline nearby.

Places to Camp:

• Featherston Motels & Campground – Handy and central, with powered sites.
• Lake Wairarapa Domain – Freedom camping spot on the lakeshore.

Places to Eat:

• C’est Cheese – Artisan deli with award-winning cheeses and specialty goods.
• Loco Coffee & Books – A charming café that combines coffee with book browsing.

Final Thoughts

Each of these five towns of the Wairarapa offers something unique from Martinborough’s boutique wineries to Greytown’s heritage streets, Carterton’s creative heart, Masterton’s parks and Featherston’s quirky history. Take your time, explore at a slower pace and let the character of each town unfold.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

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• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
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