5 Amazing Day Trips in the Wairarapa, New Zealand: Budget-Friendly Adventures
Looking for the best day trips in the Wairarapa, New Zealand? You’re in the right place! After spending three months house-sitting in this area, I've discovered its rugged coastlines, flowing rivers, and wide farmlands cradled by forested mountains. There’s so much to do here, and it's perfect for budget travelers!
These day trips start from Featherston, a quiet town, and range from under an hour to about two hours’ drive to various destinations in the Wairarapa. In this blog, you'll find estimated driving distances from Featherston, suggested food spots, and highlights of each destination that I want to share with you that I think is worth the drive.
#1 Featherston…about an hour drive from Wellington City (64km)
Why Featherston? I spent three months house-sitting here, taking care of a beautiful German Spitz named Douglas. Initially, I thought Featherston was a sleepy town, but I quickly realised how wrong I was after exploring it with Douglas.
Things to Do:
Explore Bookshops: Featherston is known as Booktown and has many bookstores to entice any bookworm. Check out The Dickensian Bookshop & Tea Rooms, a european-style café with a book store attached.
Try Local Food: Everest Café has a great breakfast menu with free wifi. Went to Town & Country Café many times for pies and slices that I lost count, and Quinwah offers delicious fish and chips that will satisfy any budget conscious traveller…..we went here many times too as I loved their crumbed fish.
Take a Bike Rides: Ride along trails like the Remutaka Rail Trail, a 17 km moderate route, apparently it has been rated a moderate experience.
One of the many railway crossings in Featherston.
#2 Greytown…12 minute drive north-east of Featherston (15km)
Greytown village is known for its carefully restored Victorian buildings, charming coffee shops, and unique boutique stores. You will not find any fast food chain here nor a chain clothing store.
Things to Do:
Try Out Restaurants and Real Fruit Ice Cream: Pinehaven Orchard offers huge real fruit ice creams that my friend and I went here nearly every week just for the ice cream. For dining, try The White Swan Country Hotel or Arabesque for Mediterranean cuisine.
Go for a Honey Tour: Greytown Honey offers up-close and personal beekeeping tour experience ending with a chance to create your own jar of honey.
For Chocoholics: Don’t miss Schoc Chocolate for decadent thick hot chocolate with a choice of flavours.
Tour the Main Street: Explore the specialty shops as you may find a hidden gem or the perfect sweater or gift.
Cannot resist another real fruit ice cream from Pinehave Orchard store.
The honey tour at Greytown Honey…..Amazing experience!
#3 Carterton…21 minutes drive north-east of Featherston (21km)
Carterton is great for hiking enthusiasts. You may spend the whole day out if you love hiking, but before you head off on the hike, try out one of the bakeries that can be found in town or just outside Carterton.
Things to Do:
Take a Hike along the Waiohine Gorge: Hike through beautiful scenery starting with a swing bridge. Warning: If there has been lots of rain, the trail can be very muddy with big pools of water so ensure you are wearing appropriate hiking boots before kicking off on the trail.
The Clareville Bakery: Visit for amazing pies, bread loaves, and sweet treats in a restored church. It is worth a stop as my friend and I kept returning due to their unusual range of lovely pastry’s.
Wild Oats Café: Wild Oats Cafe offers another excellent spot if Clareville Bakery is closed.
Walking slowly across the swing bridge at Waiohine Gorge and enjoying the views of the rapids flowing underneath us.
#4 Castlepoint…1 hour and 30 minute drive north-east of Featherston (101km)
A small beachside village known for its magnificent 162-meter-high rock.
Things to Do:
Castlepoint Lighthouse: A short 10-15 minute hike to the tallest lighthouse on New Zealand's North Island. The lighthouse stands 52 meters above sea level and looks over amazing views of Castlepoint coastline.
Castlepoint Store’s Fish & Chips: Enjoy the local store’s great value fish and chips, milkshakes, and ice cream while overlooking the beach.
Castlepoint Reef: Walk along the reef with stunning views, but do be careful, as it can be dangerous….so tread carefully while enjoying the exciting reef.
Castlepoint Lighthouse and the reef my friend and I explored on a beautiful winter’s day.
#5 Cape Palliser…1 hour and 20 minutes south-west of Featherston
This area offers non-stop views, a lighthouse, a seal colony, and hiking trails. You may even get to see the tip of New Zealand’s south island as you approach the coast line from Martinborough.
Things to Do:
Cape Palliser Lighthouse: Scenic drive and a short climb up a set of stairs to see the amazing coastline, rugged mountains and the South Island on clear days.
Fur Seal Colony: A large wild seal colony can be found in walking distance near the grand old lighthouse.
Pinnacles Track: A 3.6 km hike leads to the pinnacles where you will discover large stalagmite structures.
Cape Palliser Bar and Grill: Don’t pass up a classic New Zealand disk at this cute and funky bar and cafe with awesome sea views. Alternatively, bring a picnic basket to enjoy at one of the many spots along the coastline.
Cape Palliser day trip experiences that we did during the winter season.
Planning Your Trip to the Wairarapa
Car Rental: Available in Masterton (Hertz, Thrifty, Cross Country Rentals), Wellington Airport, and Wellington City.
Fly: Wellington International Airport is the best option.
When to Go: Any time of the year is great for a day trip in the Wairarapa.
Where to Stay: Plenty of accommodation options to suit any budget.
The Wairarapa offers a variety of experiences, from food and hiking to breathtaking views. It’s a perfect destination for everyone! I hope this list inspires you to explore the best of the Wairarapa.
Castlepoint beach in the winter.
