Masterton

Masterton, a 90-minute drive from Wellington and a three-hour drive from Napier, is one of five characterful towns that make up the Wairarapa region. Situated at the head of the Wairarapa valley

Masterton is Wairarapa’s largest town, filled with fun things to do for families. Providing lots of family-friendly accommodation, Masterton is full of activities that the kids will love – many of them are free!  

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes and restaurants in Masterton with great coffee, food and wine available from one end of town to the other. At the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Masterton is the gateway to the wine growing regions of Opaki, Gladstone and Martinborough and the Tararua Forest Park, an outstanding area full of tramping, hunting and walking opportunities.

Castlepoint and Riversdale are top beach holiday spots, and both are only an hour's drive from town.

Masterton offers a wide variety of accommodation which ranges from 5 Star hotels to motels and charming B&Bs, many of which are in historic villas that have been sensitively restored. Mawley Holiday Park is a fantastic facility with self-contained units, cabins, powered and unpowered sites. In addition, a number of POP (Park Over Properties) sites cater to the increased demand for Motorhomes and Campervans.

Masterton has a range of great dining and eating options, many of which celebrate seasonal local produce. There are also two movie theatres in town including, The Screening Room in the Kuripuni Shopping Village at the south end of the CBD and Regent 3 Cinemas.

Top attractions
Queen Elizabeth Park: Explore beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park in the centre of town with its magnificent collection of mature trees, miniature railway, Kids Own Playground, paddle boats, flying fox, mini golf, bike hire and the skate park. Don’t forget to take a stroll over the swing bridge to the Deer Park. www.wairarapanz.com/products/queen-elizabeth-park

Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History: Home to the stories of the Wairarapa, taonga Maori and regularly hosts exhibitions of national significance. Located in the heart of town, it is located next to the colourful Conart  Gallery & Studio, an exciting interactive gallery and art studio space celebrating local artists. https://www.aratoi.org.nz/

The Wool Shed has the authentic smell of a real woolshed - not surprising when you learn it began life in the 19th century as two real working sheds in the north of the valley. The Wool Shed offers visitors a realistic look into an important part of New Zealand’s pioneering history tracing sheep farming in New Zealand and offering a taste of what a shearer’s life in the 19th and 20th centuries would’ve been like. https://www.thewoolshednz.com/

Henley Lake is a popular spot for walkers, runners and cyclists. The park covers 43 hectares adjacent to the Ruamahanga and Waipoua Rivers while the lake itself covers 11 hectares. There are over 72 different species of birds here and the viewing tower in the wetlands area gives you a unique perspective over the area. https://wairarapanz.com/products/henley-lake

Masterton Recreational Trails: A winding river, limestone paths and pretty English trees can be seen when one follows the Masterton District Council’s Recreation Trail network. The shared use path for walkers and cyclists is accessible from the centre of town.

Golf: Masterton is home to two golf courses. The Masterton Golf Course sits high on a hill in Lansdowne with views across the town to the Tararua Ranges. The 18-hole, par 71 course is home to New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles (KNZM CBE) while the Mahunga Golf Course is a flat, easy walking 18-hole course on two levels.

Trust House Recreation Centre has a 25m swimming pool, kids swimming pool and “lazy-river”, a hydro-slide and spa pool as well as a gymnasium and indoor stadium. https://www.trusthouserecreationcentre.co.nz/

International Masterton Motorplex Drag Racing has taken petrol head heaven to a new level. Every year the Motorplex hosts national competitions attracting visitors from all over the country.

Nearby attractions
Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre: Gain a great understanding of conservation at Pūkaha, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most rare and endangered wildlife. Daily talks and bird and eel feeds allow visitors to get up close with nature, while easy-to-walk trails weave through lush native forest. Te Hikoi o Pūkaha is a must-do, a two guided cultural tour hosted by Rangitāne on a walk about wildlife, trees and traditional stories of the Tangata Whenua (people of the land). www.pukaha.org.nz

Rewanui Forest Park: Just 15 minutes-drive east from Masterton, on the Masterton-Castlepoint Road, the 334-hectare forest park is one of the best examples of lowland forest in the Wellington region. There are three walking tracks in the forest park, ranging from approximately 45 minutes to a two-hour round trip. A large parking area at the entrance is also ideal for motorhomes and campervans.

Castlepoint Beach & Lighthouse: Just 50 minutes from Masterton, Castlepoint boasts some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, from its dramatic limestone reef and towering Castle Rock to lagoon and golden sand beach. Overlooking it all is the striking lighthouse, standing watch for more than a century. Each summer (weather and tides allowing) the famous Castlepoint Beach Races offers a unique, family-friendly day of horse racing, picnicking and seaside fun. Just a short drive away, you’ll also find the Castlepoint Golf Club. https://wairarapanz.com/products/castlepoint

Riversdale Beach a four-kilometer stretch of sheltered, gently sloping sands perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing. It's easy to get to, just 60 minutes from Masterton. The small general store doubles as the local fish and chip shop - just in case you don't land the big one on the beach! Surf Life Saving Club often on duty throughout summer.

Events
Every year Masterton hosts the Golden Shears, the world's premier sheep shearing and woolhandling championship. Easter time see’s Masterton’s skies fill with colourful hot air balloons with the Wairarapa Balloon Festival. In addition, literary fans welcome the biennial Yarns in Barns: Festival of Reading, a celebration of books, authors and poets organised by landmark local bookstore, Hedleys.

Masterton District Council | Ph: 06 370 6300 | 161 Queen Street, Masterton - www.mstn.govt.nz