New Zealand in Focus
Majestic Masterton
If you are looking for somewhere that can offer you a true New Zealand experience, there is no better place to visit than the amazing Wairarapa. Masterton is the largest town in the region and only a one hour scenic drive or train ride from Wellington.
Masterton truly has something for everyone, from gourmet food and wineries, scenic walks and cycle tracks, New Zealand history and arts to major annual events such as the annual Golden Shears sheep-shearing competition, International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and the biennial Wings Over Wairarapa Air Festival. You will never be short of something memorable to experience.
One of the country’s best family parks, Queen Elizabeth Park will keep the whole family entertained with a range of different activities such as miniature golf, miniature train rides, paddle boats, visit deer via the swing bridge and feeding the local ducks.
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Just a 20-minute drive North of Masterton and you will be able to see the home of one of New Zealand’s most successful wildlife and captive breeding programmes. Here you will get the chance to be up close with many of New Zealand’s endangered species including Takahe and Kiwi. You will also be able to enjoy seeing Tuatara, eels and walk through the free flight aviary.
A great family attraction where you can have an interactive guided experience, The Aplacca Place is somewhere you will be able to see baby alpacas along with their parents, feel their soft fleece and even take them for a walk. While you are here you will also be able to get a look at how sheering Alpaca is done and get a history of these animals in New Zealand.
Since Masterton is home to Australasia’s biggest shearing and wool handling championships – The Golden Sheers, the best place to learn about the history of sheep farming in New Zealand is The Wool Shed National Museum of Sheep and Shearing. Here you will be able to learn the story of shearing in Aotearoa while walking through authentic woolsheds full of historic farm gear and equipment. There are demonstrations for shearing, wool spinning and weaving and get an understanding of different wool types and wool products.
Aratoi – Wairarapa Museum of Art & History
Home of some of the best contemporary New Zealand and international art in the country. Here you will be able to see ever changing exhibitions by local painters, sculptors and photographers, see works of national significance and learn about Wairarapa’s history.
Hire a bike and take a relaxing self-guided bike tour on private trails and quite country roads through vineyards, groves and orchards. While looking at amazing views you will be able to sample some of the best local wine, olive oil and berry ice cream in the country.
While travelling through Wairarapa, don’t forget to check out the regions other top activities like a tour through the Tui Brewery, marvelling at Stonehenge Aotearoa, looking out at coastal views from the Castlepoint lighthouse or taking in wild New Zealand at the Tararua Forest Park.
For more information on Masterton and Wairarapa visit wairarapanz.com
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