Wairarapa

With its first class vineyards and rugged scenery dotted with charming guesthouses, galleries and gardens, Wairarapa is an off-the-beaten-track wonder just an hour’s drive from Wellington. Just over the Remutaka Hill Rd you’ll find panoramic vistas of the dramatic west coast. At Waiohine Gorge you can tramp into the ranges; Martinborough is the centre of the local wine industry – perfect spot for a pinot noir; Cape Palliser is a quaint fishing village; and Greytown is full of architectural charm. Gather your favourite people and book an escape in Masterton, a tiny house in Featherston or a bungalow in Carterton for the perfect Wairarapa weekend getaway.