Looking for a short and scenic escape just outside Wellington? This 4-day Wairarapa loop takes you through five charming towns — Featherston, Martinborough, Greytown, Carterton, and Masterton — each offering its own blend of wine, heritage, boutique shopping, and natural beauty. It’s the perfect mini getaway before crossing to the South Island, with plenty of stops for tastings, walks, and relaxed rural charm. Whether you’re in a campervan or a car, this loop is easy to follow and rich in experiences.
Uncover the charm of the Wairarapa region — from boutique wineries to quaint towns and coastal escapes. Click here to explore tour options for the whole area.
Planning a quick escape from the capital? Download the Wairarapa Wine & Village Loop: 4-Day Itinerary PDF
🗺️ Quick Overview
- Duration: 4 days
- Start/End Point: Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington (loop)
- Best Time to Go: October–April for sunshine and events
- Driving Time: Approx. 4.5 hours total
- Highlights: Boutique wine tasting, charming village shops, riverside walks, and freedom camping options
Wellington to the Wairarapa
🌊 Day 1: Wellington → Featherston (1 hr)
Kick off your trip from the capital and cross over the Remutakas into the peaceful Wairarapa region.
What to Do:
- Stop at the Remutaka Crossing Lookout for sweeping views
- Explore Featherston’s bookshops and the Fell Locomotive Museum
- Afternoon lakeside stroll at Lake Wairarapa
Where to Stay:
- Lake Domain Reserve – Lake Wairarapa (freedom camping, self-contained only)
- Featherston Motels & Campground for powered sites and facilities
🌿 Day 2: The Five Towns Circuit
Spend the day exploring the charming quintet of Wairarapa towns — each with its own flavour and personality
What to Do:
- Martinborough: Bike the wine trail or visit tasting rooms like Poppies or Palliser
- Greytown: Boutique shopping and chocolate tasting at Schoc
- Carterton: Visit Paua World or walk the Fensham Reserve
- Masterton: Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park or visit Aratoi Museum
- Back to Featherston for the night
Where to Stay:
- Freedom camp again at Lake Domain or try Greytown Campground
- B&B or vineyard stays in Martinborough (ideal for couples)
🍇 Day 3: Martinborough Wine & Dine Day
Slow the pace and savour a full day in Martinborough — the wine capital of the region.
What to Do:
- Cycle between vineyards or join a guided wine tour
- Visit Olivo for a boutique olive oil tasting
- Enjoy a long lunch at a vineyard restaurant
- Evening drinks at Union Square or Moy Hall
Where to Stay:
- Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park
- Boutique vineyard stays like Parehua Resort
- Freedom camping: Contact Council for self-contained spots
🚢 Day 4: Martinborough → Wellington (1.5 hrs)
Wrap up your loop with a scenic drive back to Wellington and prepare to board the ferry for your South Island adventure.
What to Do:
- Stop at Kaitoke Regional Park (filming site for Rivendell)
- Brunch in Petone or seaside stroll before boarding the ferry
- Optional: Visit Te Papa or Wellington Cable Car if staying longer
Where to Stay (if overnighting):
- Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park
- Freedom camping: Evans Bay Marina (SC only, limited spaces)
🎒 What to Pack
- Casual wear and dressier clothes for vineyard dining
- Reusable coffee cup and water bottle
- Picnic set or cooler ba
- Rain jacket (Wellington’s weather can turn quickly!)
- Travel towel and swimsuit for river dips
- Bike lock if cycling Martinborough wine trail
💡 Local Travel Tips
- Download the Wairarapa NZ app for local maps and updates
- Some cellar doors require bookings in peak season
- Featherston’s supermarkets are limited — stock up in Masterton
- Carry cash for smaller boutique shops
- Wairarapa roads are quiet but watch for livestock and cyclists
🍽️ Must-Try Local Flavours
- Martinborough: Poppies rosé and grazing platter
- Greytown: Schoc chocolate and French pastries from Bonjour
- Carterton: Gourmet pies at Clareville Bakery
- Masterton: Craft beer at The Farriers Bar & Eatery
- Featherston: C’est Cheese – locally made cheeses and chutneys
📌 Need to Know
- Most wineries close around 4–5 pm — plan visits early
- Lake Domain Reserve is a basic freedom site — bring your own water
- Some cellar doors are closed midweek — check opening days
- Wind can be strong over the Remutakas — drive with care
🌍 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.
- ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Kiwi.com and Aviasales for flexible, affordable options.
- 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond
- 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Booking.com, Hotellook or TripAdvisor
- 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
- 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday
- 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
- 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
🧭 Some booking links can be shy around VPNs! If one doesn’t open, try turning off your VPN or switching to a secure Wi-Fi network.
He kai kei aku ringa
There is food at the end of my hands (I can create my own opportunities)