Masterton

Located within the Wairarapa region, Masterton has become a popular weekend escape from city life. It is both the largest town and the main service centre to the area. The grand trees and gardens of Queen Elizabeth Park provide a beautiful backdrop to a range of attractions within the park itself. Adults and children alike will be entertained for hours with paddle boats and a miniature railway, in the Summer, and a bird aviary, children's playground and deer park. Visit Henley Lake Park, for good family fishing, Aratoi Museum & Gallery and explore Masterton's past on one of three heritage trails.

Quaint, historic townships surround Masterton and many country homes open their gardens to the public, for a colourful interlude between wineries. Visitors are always fascinated by the Putangirua Pinnacles, where an ancient gravel deposit has been eroded over 120,000 years. Fans of the 'Lord of the Rings Trilogy' will be particularly keen to visit, as it is the site where 'Return of the King' was filmed.

Special Events
January
Wings over Wairarapa Air Show
Gypsy Travellers Fair
Castlepoint Fishing Club 16th Annual Fishing Competition
February
Wairarapa Wine and Food Festival
Waitangi Day Origins Festival