Heading to Whakaoriori (Masterton) for a holiday? You won’t be disappointed. Once named New Zealand’s most beautiful city, this rural town boasts scenic parks, picturesque lakes and is known for its contribution to the sheep and cattle farming industries. The annual Golden Shears sheep-shearing competition celebrates all things shearing, wool handling and wool pressing, and brings visitors together from all over the country to this charming little town.
As the largest town in the Wairarapa region, you’ll find plenty to do and see here, and with the State Highway running through the middle, your journey doesn’t have to stop in Masterton. Avid explorers can use the town as a base to jump in the rental car and buckle up for a day full of adventure, stopping at towns off of the highway. Ready to start your engine? Take a look at the best of Masterton and its stunning surroundings with our must-see adventure guide below.
Step Into Nature
Natural beauty and rare wildlife are in abundance in Masterton. Treat yourself to the best of the town’s colourful blooms and native fauna at Queen Elizabeth Park. Whether you fancy a relaxing paddle on the lake, are looking for a playground to entertain the kids or want to try your hand at mini golf, the park has it all. Looking for more adventure? Take a short wander over the road to Henley Lake Park, where locals and visitors take part in disc golfing competitions and tramp through challenging trails.
Just a short drive out of town, visitors to Masterton can get up close and personal with native animals for a budget-friendly admission price at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre. With a passion and dedication for protecting native wildlife, you’ll see birds, reptiles, and aquatic creatures that are endemic to New Zealand; including the Kererū / New Zealand Pigeon, the Ornate Skink and the Giant Kōkopu / Whitebait. With daily talks and tours, bush walks and a free-flying aviary, get ready to ‘aww’ at adorable creatures big and small and fully experience life in the wilderness at Pūkaha. At the end of your visit, settle down with a coffee and nibbles at the Kākā Café.
Day Trip to Wellington
With Masterton only an hour and 45-minute drive away from Wellington, you can visit the nation’s capital for a day trip and head back before the sun sets - convenience at its finest. For those not keen on a non-stop drive, we’ve got you covered with epic places to stop the rental car and stretch your legs along the way. 20 minutes out of town you’ll find Carterton - home to the Carterton Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Head here to pick up some fresh produce for your trip, get a taste of locally made snacks and experience the close-knit community culture. A little further down the State Highway, trainspotters can visit the rural town of Featherston to see the world’s only remaining steam-powered locomotive using the Fell system at the Fell Locomotive Museum. Before finally reaching Wellington, Lord of the Rings fans can visit ‘the house of Elrond’ within the Kaitoke Regional Park for a look at this Elven village from the famed movie series!
Once in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington), you’ll immediately understand why the city is known as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’. With a contemporary vibe and atmospheric laneways, hidden bars and street art around every corner, a day trip to Wellington offers plenty of spots to absorb the culture and snap some pics for the ‘gram. While here, it’d be remiss not to visit a local coffee house for a taste of the city's renowned brew. Discover boutique coffee and gelato at Kaffee Eis, or indulge in a cup of Havana roast at Midnight Espresso. Foodies, we’ve got your back. Take a walk down the trendiest street in town, and pop into Liberty Restaurant for creative cocktails and tasty sharing platters full of flavour. Lined with funky clothing boutiques and vintage record stores, Cuba Street is a treasure trove that really comes alive at night.
Whether you’re traversing the peaceful streets in town or venturing out further to nearby cities, Masterton has something for everyone. With four specialty museums all within 20 minutes of each other, history buffs are spoiled for choice and nature lovers can easily spend a full day exploring the town’s stunning lakes, rivers and reserves.