Discover South Wairarapa District

In South Wairarapa District, reasons to visit range from an extensive wetland and freshwater ecosystem to historic railway structures, coastal destinations and museums. You can plan your stay around nature, activities or history. Wairarapa Moana is a distinctive natural area: this 10,000-hectare wetland and open-water ecosystem provides habitat for native fish, birds and unique native plants. You can go kayaking in the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands.

Nature between wetlands, bush and coast

The landscape also reveals its varied character on land. Barr-Brown Bush is a 400-year-old remnant of native bush with a network of short walking tracks. Cape Palliser is home to the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. Visitors can climb the 253 steps to Cape Palliser Lighthouse. The Pinnacles Ridge Track leads to a lookout with dramatic views of rock formations shaped like pillars. Each destination offers a different natural highlight: short walks in the bush, a large seal colony and a lookout with striking rock formations.

Trails and activities

The Remutaka Rail Trail is an easy 18-kilometre route for walking, running or mountain biking. Its features include restored railway bridges and historic tunnels. You can choose between this clearly measured 18-kilometre route and the short walking tracks in Barr-Brown Bush. The Greytown to Woodside Trail follows a historic railway route and can be explored on foot or by bike.

The Tauwharenikau Bridge allows people to travel safely from Featherston to Woodside in Greytown without having to contend with heavy traffic on State Highway 2. The Martinborough Pump Track is located in Considine Park next to the outdoor swimming pool. If you plan to visit the pump track, check current local information about the facilities, as they may change over time.

Museums, history and local traditions

The Martinborough Museum building opened as the town library in 1894 and became a museum in 1978. The museum collects, preserves and displays materials and information about the natural and cultural heritage of Martinborough and South Wairarapa. Martinborough Square, also known as Memorial Square and Union Square, is traditionally the focal point of the annual Martinborough Fair.

In Greytown, the Cobblestones Museum comprises six historic buildings and a collection of agricultural, horticultural and road-making machinery set across two acres of gardens. The Featherston Heritage Museum houses information and memorabilia about the Featherston Military Training Camp, the Japanese prisoner-of-war camp from the Second World War, and Featherston and the surrounding districts. The site of the Featherston Military Training Camp is of outstanding historical significance. The South Wairarapa District Council reserve on the south side of State Highway 2 at the camp includes several memorial features with international connections to Belgium and Japan. The Fell Locomotive Museum houses H199 “Mont Cenis”, the world’s last surviving Fell locomotive.

Travel interests and finding accommodation

South Wairarapa has more than 20 parks and reserves for the community to use and enjoy. At the weekend, visitors can sample regional produce and experience the district’s natural and cultural heritage.

Discover more places in the district: Greytown, Martinborough, Kahutara, Pirinoa.

Discover more destinations: Lower Hutt City, Masterton District, Wellington City, Gladstone.

Return to the main travel overview: Wellington.