Hood Airport

Gateway to the Wairarapa wine country and rugged hill country

Masterton is the largest town in the Wairarapa region, situated about 100 kilometres northeast of Wellington on the eastern side of the Rimutaka Range. It serves as the commercial and administrative hub of the region, offering a relaxed small-town atmosphere with easy access to vineyards, forests, and scenic river valleys.

The town is best known as the home of the annual Golden Shears sheep-shearing competition, reflecting its deep agricultural roots. Visitors find a friendly, unhurried base from which to explore the wider Wairarapa, including the wine villages of Martinborough and Greytown, Pūkaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, and the rugged Tararua Forest Park.

Masterton has a compact town centre with independent cafés, boutique shops, and a small but growing arts scene anchored by Aratoi Museum. The surrounding countryside rewards cyclists, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts, making the town a practical and pleasant stopover or short break destination.

• •Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History — regional art, culture, and natural history under one roof
• •Pūkaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre — sanctuary for kiwi, kākāpō, and other rare native species
• •Queen Elizabeth Park — spacious urban park with a deer park, playground, and scenic walking paths
• •Tararua Forest Park — rugged wilderness hiking, river valleys, and dramatic ridgeline tramping
• •Golden Shears International Shearing Championships — world-famous annual event celebrating sheep-shearing skill
• •Henley Lake — popular lakeside reserve for birdwatching, walking, and picnicking on the edge of town

Getting around: Masterton is most conveniently explored by car, which also gives access to surrounding vineyards and parks. Tranz Metro operates regular train services between Masterton and Wellington, making it easy to arrive without a vehicle. Local bus services within the Wairarapa are limited, so visitors relying on public transport should plan ahead. Taxis are available in town, and rideshare options exist but coverage can be patchy compared with larger centres.

Best time: Late spring through early autumn (October to April) offers the warmest, driest weather ideal for outdoor activities and wine-region touring.

Local food: Try Wairarapa lamb dishes, artisan cheeses from local producers, and pair them with award-winning Pinot Noir from nearby Martinborough wineries.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.