Wairarapa

Bordered by the often wild south eastern coast, Wairarapa is famous for its well preserved colonial townships and villages, boutique vineyards and rolling hills. These townships often surprise and though they may appear a little quiet on the outside, the locals are entrepreneurial types making all sorts of edible delicacies, selling antiques and making wine. Martinborough is home to some of New Zealand’s very best wineries and is best known for wines made from Pinot Noir. Dry River, Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyards and Palliser Estate, and now joined by Escarpment, all being very capable of making great Pinot Noir by anyone’s standards.

The south coast of Palliser Bay is wild and rough. Great to look at but not for swimming. There is however a great mussel farm in the bay that does a great lunch! And the Super Lodge Wharekauhau is located over looking the bay. Highly recommended as a treat.

This area is certainly not on many peoples must see lists which makes it great for those wanting to escape, relax and unwind or who have been to New Zealand and are looking for something different.