Wairarapa wine region

Wairarapa wine region is located in the southeast of the North Island of New Zealand. The Wairarapa wine region was named after Lake Wairarapa which takes its name from the Maori word for glistening waters. Wairarapa wine region can be described as a compact and diverse wine region. It is home to many boutique wineries, producing wine of the highest and most exceptional quality. Only 1% of New Zealand’s wines are produced in Wairarapa wine region, meaning that the focus of the region is on quality instead of quantity. So, if you are looking for exclusive wines from New Zealand, Wairarapa wine region is definitely a place to visit.

Find out about Wine Tasting and Tours in Wairarapa wine region to enjoy your visit to the region.

We prepared the travel guide to the Wairarapa wine region to help you in planning your wine trip to the region.

Follow the guide to discover more about:

New Zealand's fastest growing wine region

Wineries to visit in the Wairarapa wine region

Places to visit in Wairarapa wine region including natural spots

Artisan gastronomy of Wairarapa wine region

New Zealand’s Fastest Growing Wine Region  

Wairarapa wine region has the perfect location for winemaking thanks to the shelter provided by the surrounding mountains. Wairarapa wine region is known for excellent wines produced in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful corners.

Wine-Producing Areas of Wairarapa

Wairarapa wine region is a boutique wine region, with only 3% of its land under wine. The history of wine-making in the Wairarapa wine region is relatively modern and dates back to the 1970s. Today, the Wairarapa wine region is divided into the three sub-regions of Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton. Across these regions, some of New Zealand’s most premium Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and dessert wines are produced.

The proximity of the Wairarapa wine region to New Zealand’s capital Wellington makes it a popular weekend wine tourism destination. The small size of the wine-making area means that it is easy for visitors to casually stroll between the various cellar doors for a long and leisurely afternoon of wine tasting and food and wine pairings. The climate – which is similar to that of Burgundy – is also ideal for wine tourism. There are currently around 30 wineries in the Wairarapa wine region that offer not only high-quality wines but also excellent accommodation and dining experiences.

When visiting the Wairarapa wine region, make sure to attend the annual Toast Martinborough music and food festival, highlighting the best of the local Wairarapa wine culture. This event attracts wine lovers from across the world and allows guests to experience the best of the Wairarapa wine region in one location for a celebration of food and wine.

Wines of Wairarapa Wine Region

Unlike other regions, Wairarapa wine region does not have any wine appellations. Instead, the wines express characteristics based on the sub-regions they are produced in.

Masterton is the largest sub-region of the Wairarapa wine region. This is where the first grapes of the Wairarapa wine region were planted during the 1970s. The vines of Masterton are perfectly protected by the Tararua Mountain Range but are still exposed to early morning frost and long, hot summer days. Masterton vines produce grapes that are used to make complex wines that are packed with flavour. The most popular wines produced in Masterton are Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

In Gladstone, the cooler climate and high level of sunshine are perfect for the production of Pinot Noir and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc.

The final subregion of Martinborough produces internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir, vivid Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic Syrah.

Wairarapa Wine Region Map

Wineries to visit in the Wairarapa wine region

The Urlar Winery

The Urlar Winery is a BioGro Certified Organic Premium Winery located in the Gladstone subregion of the Wairarapa wine region. The winemakers at the Urlar Winery are dedicated to honouring the land and the vines which grow on them. Their winemaking practices result in the production of wine that is unique and of the highest quality. The signature wine of the Urlar Winery is the Sauvignon Blanc which is full of expression with a balanced weight and texture.

Matahiwi Estate

Matahiwi Estate, a family-owned winery in the Wairarapa wine region, produces exceptional wines by following sustainable practices with great care of the land.

Grapes of Matahiwi Estate are predominantly grown in the Wairarapa wine region with small volumes of Chardonnay and Syrah sourced from selected vineyard sites in Hawke’s Bay. The prime categories of wine produced in the winery include red, white, rose, and sparkling wines.

Palliser Estate

Palliser Estate is one of the premier wine brands of New Zealand located an hour’s drive north of Wellington. The estate strives to push its boundaries to produce great unique wines that have enabled them to be enjoyed and known globally.

The team at Palliser winery is small but every individual in the team is highly dedicated and gives undivided attention to every visitor of the estate.

Discover more Wineries in the Wairarapa wine region to visit.

Places to Visit in the Wairarapa wine region

Cape Palliser - The Edge of the Wairarapa Coast    

Perhaps the best part of visiting Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa wine region is the scenic road that leads to this destination. Cape Palliser is located on the edge of Palliser Bay which has a rich Maori history and plenty of interesting heritage sites. The main attraction at Cape Palliser is the red and white lighthouse which was erected in 1897. Climbing the lighthouse is a strenuous journey up 250 steep steps. Once at the top there are the most spectacular views over the bay and the rugged coast. At Cape Palliser, one can also visit North Island’s largest colony of fur seals.

Masterton - The Main Center of the Wairarapa Wine Region

Masterton is the largest town in the Wairarapa wine region and is considered the urban centre of the region. The centre of Masterton is home to the incredible Queen Elizabeth Park which is the location of one of the best children’s playgrounds in New Zealand. Along with the playground the park is filled with activities including paddle boats, bike hire, a miniature train route, a skate park, a swing bridge and a mini golf course. Across the road from Queen Elizabeth Park, is the Wairarapa Museum of Art and History which is the perfect place to learn about local culture and history.

What to do in Masterton:

• Another attraction in the town of Masterton is the Wool Shed which takes visitors through New Zealand’s history of sheep farming. It is also here that in March every year the world’s premier wool handling and sheep shearing championship is held.
• For those interested in aviation and history, Masterton is home to the world’s largest collection of original WW1 aircraft at the Hood Aerodrome.
• Masterton is the perfect location to explore the natural and physical attractions of the Wairarapa wine region and is the perfect base for all of the best that the region has to offer

Greytown - Wairarapa’s Victorian Country Village

Greytown is considered by locals of New Zealand to be one of the North Island’s prettiest towns. This town is home to beautiful Victorian buildings, rural landscapes and tree-lined streets and avenues. The natural landscape is characterized by rolling olive groves and sprawling farmlands. Despite its historical feel, Greytown is the modern shopping and food capital of Wairarapa and is filled with designer boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Many of these are housed in restored, colonial historical buildings. The perfect blend of old and new make Greytown a unique and special place to visit. Some of the most popular activities in Greytown include cycling along the many cycle routes, chocolate tasting at Schoc Chocolate Studio, tree exploring, olive tasting and picnicking along the riverside.

Rugged Beauty and Wide-Open Spaces

Discover Natural Places of the Wairarapa wine region

Lake Ferry - The Glistening Waters of Lake Ferry

Lake Ferry is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Wairarapa wine region. This lake is located between Lake Onoke and Palliser Bay and is one of the earliest settlement sites in Maori history. Lake Ferry is easily accessible and is only a half an hour’s drive from Martinborough. The lake hosts a number of activities including fishing, hiking through the Putangirua Pinnacles rock formations and surfing. For those looking for accommodation at the lake, there is the Lake Ferry Holiday Park and the Lake Ferry hotel. Swimming in Lake Ferry is not recommended but there are many wonderful swimming spots in the surrounding areas.

The Putangirua Pinnacles  

The Breathtaking Filming Location of the Lord of the Rings

The Putangirua Pinnacles are some of the most incredible rock formations that can be found in the world. A trip to these pinnacles is the perfect day trip for those that enjoy walking, hiking and exploring new places. This incredible attraction is located only an hour south of Martinborough. When arriving at the Pinnacles, there is a short walk from the car park to a viewing platform. The path then meanders down into the valley and then up the riverbed where the best views of the rock formations can be seen. The total walk through the Pinnacles takes approximately 2 hours and it is recommended that visitors take food and water along with them.

The Putangirua Pinnacles are commonly recognized as they are part of the location for the filming of the Lord of the Rings movies.

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre   

The Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is a wildlife sanctuary that is unfenced to house the native wildlife of the Wairarapa wine region. The sanctuary covers an area of 942 hectares and is home to the very rare wild kokako and kaka species. Inside the sanctuary’s aviaries is a range of birds set for release across New Zealand. At the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre visitors are invited to learn about the conservation work being done at the sanctuary. After learning about the conservation efforts, be sure to enjoy a meal at the Kaka Café overlooking Mount Bruce. The Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is open 364 days a year. All proceeds made at the gate are given back to the conservation projects of the centre.

The Home of New Zealand Artisan Cuisine

What to Eat in Wairarapa Wine Region

The Wairarapa wine region is best known for its small number of award-winning food producers who welcome visitors to sample their delights. The Wairarapa wine region is the perfect location to enjoy the best of New Zealand cuisine in one of the country’s most beautiful locations.

Wairarapa Olive Oil

Award-Winning and Internationally Acclaimed Olive Oil

The best olive oil in New Zealand and abroad is said to come from the Wairarapa wine region. The natural landscape and setting of the Wairarapa wine region make it perfect for the growth of olives. Those visiting the region are often mesmerized by the rolling olive groves across the region. The olive oils from the Wairarapa wine region are consistently commended for their excellent flavour and quality. They are made using predominately Barnea, Leccino, Frantoio and South Australian Verdale olives which when combined, produce the perfect blend. Wairarapa oil is also used in most local dishes for adding extra flavour.

Kingsmeade Artisan Cheese - Ewe’s Milk Cheese of Wairarapa wine region

Kingsmeade Artisan Cheese was established by Miles and Janet King in 1998 out of their love for high-quality artisan cheese. Kingsmeade Artisan Cheeses are made with ewe’s milk from only East Friesian sheep. These sheep are fed only on Lucerne, Plantain, Chicory and Clover which makes their milk rich and flavourful. Today, Kingsmeade Artisan Cheese produces a range of 14 different ewes milk kinds of cheese that are all unique and handcrafted. These cheeses range from hard-aged varieties to cheeses that are deliciously soft.

Schoc Chocolates - Handmade Gourmet Chocolate from Wairarapa wine region

Schoc Chocolates are gourmet handmade chocolates that were first made in the Wairarapa wine region in 2002. These chocolates were discovered in a small Victorian cottage in Greytown and are today the most popular treat in the Wairarapa wine region. The makers of the chocolate believe that their wonderful flavour is a result of a blend of joy, understanding and quality. The chocolate beans used to make Schoc Chocolates are sustainably sourced from various locations including Tanzania, Cuba, Ecuador, Ghana and Madagascar. The flavouring of the chocolate is all organic and flavours are sourced using only local ingredients. Visitors to Greytown should not miss the chance to pop into the Schoc Chocolates store and explore their range of chocolate delights.