South Wairarapa District: Wetlands, Trails and History

Wairarapa Moana is a 10,000-hectare ecosystem of wetlands and open water. It provides a habitat for native fish, birds and unique native plants; you can also kayak in the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands. Cape Palliser adds another natural highlight: it is home to the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. Visitors can climb the 253 steps to Cape Palliser Lighthouse. The Pinnacles Ridge Track leads to a viewpoint with dramatic views of rock formations shaped like pillars. Barr-Brown Bush is a 400-year-old remnant of native bush, with a network of short walking tracks.

Trails and cycling connections

The Remutaka Rail Trail is an easy, 18-kilometre route for walking, running or mountain biking. Its features include restored railway bridges and historic tunnels. The Greytown to Woodside Trail follows a historic railway line and can be used on foot or by bike. The Tauwharenikau Bridge provides a safe cycling connection between Featherston and Woodside in Greytown, allowing cyclists to travel without having to compete with heavy traffic on State Highway 2.

Recreation and weekend visits

South Wairarapa has more than 20 parks and reserves for the community to use and enjoy. In Greytown, Te Papa Ora o Mōroa, known as Papa Ora, is a hub for skaters, scooter riders, BMX riders and families. The Martinborough Pump Track is in Considine Park, next to the outdoor swimming pool. At the weekend, you can sample local produce in South Wairarapa and experience the district’s natural and cultural heritage.

Museums and history

The Martinborough Museum building opened as the town library in 1894 and became a museum in 1978. The museum collects, preserves and displays materials and information about the natural and cultural heritage of Martinborough and South Wairarapa. Martinborough Square, also known as Memorial Square and Union Square, is traditionally the centre of the annual Martinborough Fair. The Cobblestones Museum in Greytown comprises six historic buildings and a collection of agricultural, horticultural and road-making machinery set across two acres of gardens.

The Featherston Heritage Museum houses information and memorabilia about the Featherston Military Training Camp, the Japanese prisoner-of-war camp from the Second World War, and Featherston and the surrounding districts. The Fell Locomotive Museum houses H199 “Mont Cenis”, the world’s last surviving Fell locomotive. The site of the Featherston Military Training Camp is of outstanding historical significance. The South Wairarapa District Council reserve on the south side of State Highway 2, near the camp, includes several memorial features with international links to Belgium and Japan.

A hotel to suit your travel focus

When looking for a hotel in South Wairarapa District, it helps to first decide what your trip will focus on: nature and wildlife, trails and cycling connections, or museums and local history.

Discover more destinations: Greytown, Martinborough, Kahutara, Pirinoa, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City, Lower Hutt City, Masterton District

For the broader travel overview: Wellington.