Charming Wellington is famous all over the world for it’s huge variety of delicious food and beer breweries. New Zealand’s culinary hotspot blooms and shows it’s best even more during the summer period, celebrating the stunning weather with numerous outdoor events. One of them is Wellington Wine and Food + Craft Beer Festival, which spoils Wellingtonians with endless tasty eats, fine wines and refreshing beers, all in one place. This year everyone can enjoy the festivities at Waitangi Park in the heart of beautiful Welly.
The relaxed atmosphere and good vibes are the main component of the festival here in our beloved Wellington. But what is food, beer and wine without music, dance and entertainment? That’s why over 22 local food and drink vendors, like Crab Shack, Hillside Kitchen and Cellar and The Arborist will be coupled with the live music. Foodies and adventurous taste testers will find a paradise captured in one spot. It’s the best way to spend the time with your friends, to recharge your batteries with positive energy and make the summer time memorable. You can just stroll, sip, nibble and enjoy the rich cultural tapestry Wellington offers. With a glass of the exclusive wines from the best regions around New Zealand like Marlborough you can immerse into this urban event complimented with party feelings as the sun sets.
Crocodile Meat from great Afrika Restaurant, Wellington
To rejoice into the most of Wellington’s Wine and Food oasis on the 10th and 11th of March, the festival has been divided into three sessions: Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening. As a result it’s the perfect start for the weekend on Friday after work, starting at 5pm with decadent drinks or all the well-known ciders and beers. You are driving back home? No problem, there is a wide range of non alcoholic mocktail creations available to fill your glass.
Ticket prices are more than acceptable this year because it’s all about wine, food, outdoor entertainment and a vibrant Wellington crowd! Just be fast enough to get the early bird discount and to ensure that you will be a part of the incredible happening this year at Waitangi Park! To save you time with searching for tickets, just click here to get one or two.
The festival is all you need to make the summer of 2017 unforgettable! Cheers!
If you are searching for beautiful beaches with gold sand, turquoise water and ample outdoor activities then Golden Bay is the ideal place for you. New Zealand is famous for it’s maritime refreshing climate, relatively high rainfall and a couple of hours of sunshine on a lucky day. But I have good news, there is a place at the top of the South Island where you can absorb vitamin D most of the time. This vast Eden will spoil every nature lover with it’s incredible scenic views, never-ending walkways and relaxed atmosphere. Nevertheless check the essential packing list for New Zealand before you plan your visit!
The tranquil region is comprised of very small rural towns and farms where you can find a couple of old-fashioned as well as less old-fashioned restaurants and pubs. The majority of the population is made up by families with young children, the elderly generation and plenty of German backpackers having a carefree lifestyle. Golden Bay offers everything to escape reality, furthermore if you want to hideaway from civilization and maybe even start your own little business, go there.
The Great 2B Natural Insect Repellent
But as every heaven on Earth even this place has something unpleasant and it’s thirsty mosquitoes. Nevertheless there is a great product made by locals that I discovered there: 2B Natural Insect Repellent. It’s always great to support a local business especially knowing that all the oils used to manufacture that spray are organic. The smell resembles a spa salon and the spray’s effectiveness is surprisingly good: haven’t been touched by any cheeky sandflies afterwards. The other incredible aspect is 2B is waterproof and long lasting. You can find it online or in many other shops across spacious New Zealand. Trust me nothing will protect your precious skin better than this spray!
Various walks and hiking tours in Nelson
Nelson is a lovely town on the top of New Zealand’s South Island which should be the first stop on the way exploring the beauty of New Zealand. The best and inexpensive way to reach the jewel is to fly. Compare the prices on good old sky scanner.
Paradiso Backpacker Hostel, Nelson
The sun shines almost all the time in Nelson which emphasizes the great outdoor experiences like hiking, kayaking, biking and causing. These aspects attract plenty of tourists and backpackers that’s why it’s very easy to find a place to stay. Nevertheless I would suggest to book a room or bed 1-2 weeks in advance during the high season, which starts in December and ends in March. I stayed in a tidy, cozy and exceptional hostel equipped with facilities such as a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna: Paradiso Backpacker Hostel. It’s located just 15 minutes away from Nelson’s center and offers a good breakfast and on some days even dinner. The prices are acceptable, most rooms are occupied by 4 people and have their own bathrooms.
Centre of New Zealand Walk
New Zealand is all about breathtaking views and mesmerizing landscapes, that’s why you need to start your day with the Centre of New Zealand Walk. I would suggest to start your 45 minutes walk from Atawhai Dr. towards the town’s center. Keep your finger on the trigger because you will be surprised by picturesque sights of Nelson and it’s harbour.
The Cathedral of Nelson city
After some Instagram-worthy views head toward the cute city of Nelson. If you’ve been traveling a lot then nothing will surprise you, as anywhere else in a town next to the beach there are various possibilities to dine, shop in the boutiques and visiting museums. Nevertheless it’s fun to walk around and sometimes you can discover curious things like an exhibition of local artists in one of the parks for free. So it’s a nice spot for typical backpackers to stay there and find an easy-going job.
Beer tasting in Stoke
Stoke is one of the suburbs of Nelson with a modest population of almost 18.000 people. It’s an ideal area to stop and discover some hidden jewels on your way to the next destination especially if you have an affinity for beer or food.
Tasting in McCashin’s Brewery
You’ve probably heard that beer has played a significant role in the local culture of New Zealand, going back to the 1840s. And not only because Kiwis love to drink beer under the gentle sunbeams but being home to the perfect location and climate to cultivate the best and most unique hops in the world. That’s why you will find numerous breweries in Nelson region but at McCashin’s you can have a tour through their big beer factory accomplished by tasting a wide range of unique beers. If a tasting dose was not enough for you then you can purchase more of this refreshing drink at Mc Cashin’s restaurant.
The great chef of Crusoe’s
If you didn’t have time for a proper breakfast or you are planing to have long ride then visit the hidden oasis of Crusoe´s Cafe & Bar. It’s a tranquil spacious restaurant with a funky decor and cozy, relaxing atmosphere. There are many great aspects about this place. One of them is that they please every food preference that exists on the planet. I’m not talking about vegetarian or lactose intolerance, because we got used to it already but also the special needs that makes everyone’s life more complicated like gluten free and vegan. Moreover the size of the meals will make your eyes grow. The place is beloved by the locals because of the homemade and locally sourced food.
Sumptuous portions of smoked salmon salad and open steak sandwich with camembert
The best beach in Golden Bay
Breaker Bay
No doubt that Kaiteriteri is home to one of the most beautiful beaches of Golden Bay. It lays around 13 kilometers from Motueka and offers incredible golden sand and clear turquoise water. The magnitude of the main beach is vast but if you require something a bit more private then there are two attractive alternatives for you: on the left side from the main beach behind the bushes you will discover a path leading to a smaller beach, which carries the name Breaker Bay. It’s the epitome of a lovely paradise, surrounded by rocks covered with huge mussels. On the right side is Kaiteriteri’s little brother, equally beautiful but with less people.
Delicious mussels and a beautiful view over the beach
To have a better overview of the scenery you can wander to the top of the cliff above the beach. Don’t forget to take a drink and a partner with you to make that moment even more memorable. If you got hungry after all the exploring visit one of the restaurants and try their seafood. Just be sure that it won’t be fried because Kiwis have the tendency to batter up nearly everything.
Must do – Kayaking in Golden Bay & visit Abel Tasman National Park
A must do in Golden Bay is a kayaking day tour along the mesmerizing Tasman Bay coastline. Do it with the great Kiwi owned Tasman Bay Sea Kayaking operators starting all their tours from Old Macdonald’s Farm Holiday Park in Marahau. Even if you’ve never kayaked before, don’t worry, they will train and take care of you so you will turn into a professional by the end. I booked a full day adventure for $125 with them which included 3 hours of great adventure on the water with the amazing guide Troy and a 3,5 hour walk through the Abel Tasman National Park from where I could take plenty quixotic pictures for my blog and memories of course. The difference to other kayak tours is that the groups are much smaller and instead of being surrounded by 6-10 double kayaks you will almost have a private tour of 2 or 3. It means you can hear all of Troy’s interesting stories about the environment and mythology of New Zealand and paddle freely in the sparkling waters at the same time.
Lookout from the Abel Tasman National Park
Travel in Golden Bay, New Zealand
Golden Bay offers beautiful spots where nature shows it’s best. If you want to expand your trip check out A PERFECT NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND ITINERARY – A 2 WEEK ROAD TRIP. You can easily explore the surroundings without paying anything for it by hitch hiking and discovering walkways by feet. You will need at least 2 weeks time to complete the incredible adventure and collect unforgettable impressions. Go further, reach Takaka, ride horses on the beach coast and try savory seafood. New Zealand is unfortunately not a cheap country but don’t think about money, it’s all about enjoying the moments.
Planing your trip to the North Island too? Here are the places that you can’t miss if you are in New Zealand!
Wellington is the capital of picturesque New Zealand, which has been named the world’s “Coolest Little Capital”. The cosmopolitan is famous for it’s internationally recognised coffee culture and world-class culinary scene. There are various free things that you can do in Wellington even if you stay there for a day.
Hello from Gandalf in the Airport of Wellington
I’ve been living here for a year and decided to make a list of free fun things to do in Wellington. The vibrant and creative city never sleeps, it entertains citizens and tourists with numerous activities, like national museums, theatres and galleries. It offers a magnificent outdoor lifestyle and incredible harbour side setting. It is easy to explore on foo so just take a walk along the waterfront and enjoy a coffee in one of the cafés.
Free Museums in Wellington NZ
Wellington International Airport
The first free museum of the cool capital is the gorgeous airport of Wellington located in suburb of Rongotai. It’s small but you will see the main heroes of the movie “Lord of the Rings”. You won’t miss them because they are huge.
Must visit Free Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
The best way to get to know the charming capital of New Zealand is to visit Wellington’s free museums. Amazing Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa with it’s famous exhibitions like Te Papa Gallipoli situated on Wellington’s waterfront. It’s an innovative and interactive national museum where you can experience the whole New Zealand in one building. If you want to know about Te Papa prices you will be surprised: It’s free!
Visit Wellington Museum
Another informative and interesting place to visit it Wellington Museum, which was designed by architect Frederick de Jersey Clere and built in 1892. You need to buy a ticket for a low price but there are four floors in this fascinating museum sharing the social and cultural history of this cosmopolitan. For example I didn’t know that Wellington was the first city in the whole world where women were allowed to vote. It’s also a pioneer of implementing the 8 hour work day as well as establishing a set minimum wage.
The Time Machine
The imaginative exhibition includes various highlights like The Time Machine, which shows you the the very beginning of the universe, The Big Bang and continues with the most influential events of New Zealand’s development, i.e. the Maori landing in 925 and the establishment of a British colony in 1841. Furthermore the museum presents the maritime history of the harbour city Wellington including the dramatic story of The Wahine Maritime Disaster in 1968. The enormous ship sank close to the shore because of atrocious weather conditions and dragged 51 lives into the deep blue sea. But enough of this sad story, in Wellington museum you can also watch a spectacular holographic show about Maori myths and legends.
Wellington Museum
The Free Entry to Wellington Botanic Garden
Wellington Botanic Garden is a tremendous impressive garden which is open every day from dawn to dusk and it’s free. Enjoy Botanic Garden walk and observe exotic plants and flowers from different corners of the world for free. There are extensive and well-maintained walking paths with signs leading you to the various attractions. Spend the whole day in this scenic greenery and you will discover an entertaining children’s playground, free guided tours, glow worms in the Main Garden and the Botanic Garden Café with it’s amazing view. The Wellington Botanic Garden also offers free performances and events during the summer season.
The Botanical Garden and it’s cute dinosaur
Must do in Wellington: Free Parliament Tours
If you have a secret admiration for politics and want to know everything about New Zealand’s Parliament and government, then you should find an hour of spare time to visit Parliament and participate in their gratis tour. Parliament tour prices: It’s free! Don’t judge the book by it’s cover, the building may not seem aesthetically sensational but people who are making decisions there give their best to improve citizens’ rights.
New Zealand, Parliament of Wellington
Visit Wellington Public Library
Important to mention for people who would like to stay longer or maybe even permanently in Wellington, to become a member of Wellington’s City Library won’t cost you a penny (and not only because they don’t have pennies here). Just bring your passport and proof of address and you can become one of the lovely book worms.
Free Beer Tasting at Garage Project Wellington
New Zealand is famous for it’s great craft beer. Wellington is an ideal city to try the variety of craft beer from their royal city brewery, because it’s the craft beer capital home. Visit the small brewery Garage Project and try their best creations on tap for free. You can also purchase your favorite one. If you feel like to sit down and enjoy your beer in a cold glass then check here the list of great places to eat and drink in Wellington.
Free Beer Tasting at The Garage Project in Wellington, NZ
Walking tracks to Mount Victoria Lookout, Wellington
Walk to Mount Victoria Lookout, Wellington, NZ
Mount Victoria Lookout is a Wellington’s must do for every traveler no matter their age. It rises 196m above the city and rewards you with stunning views of New Zealand’s capital and it’s harbour.
How to get to the Mount Victoria Lookout
The long but scenic way is from Wellington’s waterfront at Oriental Bay. The waling duration is around an hour. The shortest and most direct route up is from Majoribanks Street at the Eastern end of Courtney Place. It will take you around 20-30 minutes to get there. If you are not in the best shape and you prefer a more comfortable way of exploring, you can reach the summit by car. The adventurous ones can take the path from different sides. I will explain in the next paragraph why it’s better to choose Mount Victoria walking tracks.
Where to find Lord of the Ring trails in Wellington
Lord of the Rings Movie Locations (Hobbit’s Hideaway) Wellington, New Zealand
On the way to the summit of Mount Victoria in Wellington you will find signs that will lead you to the famous Lord of The Rings trails. You can do it on your own for free or ask the local. We decided to book a tour with John’s Captours and his comfortable 4 wheeler. He will tell you numerous interesting facts about the metropolis. John showed us some secret spots around the movie-making capital Wellington, where the legendary The Lord of The Rings was filmed. It’s a splendid experience to walk through the paths where all great actors were a part of Peter Jackson’s trilogy.
Enjoy the hot sun on the awesome Wellington’s Beaches
The city surprises with the beautiful and accessible Wellington beaches. On the hot day you can relax on the golden sand of the famous Freyberg Beach and even swim in the transparent blue water. Sometimes you can observe happy seals warming up their tummies in the Ocean. Another popular place is Scorching Bay Beach. Their you can even see orcas sometimes. Princess Bay is a bit further but also worth of visiting.
Popular tourist attraction: Wellington Cable Car
Cable Car in Wellington, New Zealand
Why should you experience Wellington Cable Car? The walk through the gigantic Botanic Garden can be exhausting but creative Kiwis know how to make the life of a curious traveler easier: There is a quick possibility to reach the centre of the city in five minutes by using the funicular railway of the Wellington Cable Car. Cable Car costs are $4 one way but if you use a Snappercard, which you can get in every kiosk or night shop, you can save 50 cents.
Fun Things to Do in Wellington: Cuba Street
Cuba Street Wellington city centre, New Zealand
Last but not least walk down the cult Cuba Street of Wellington. It’s famous for it’s trendy cafes, vintage clothes shops, street artists and cool sculptures. One of them is the Bucket Fountain that will definitely make you wet. Cuba Street it’s a place where you can observe sometimes weird, sometimes interesting locals and maybe even make some friends.
The Kapiti Coast is the name of the coastal region in the south-west of New Zealand’s North Island. It lays just 40 minutes drive or a 1 hour train journey from central Wellington. The area offers infinite beach paths of grey sand along the coast and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere of the little towns like Paraparaumu. Wellington’s district is an ideal spot for travelers and locals who have an affinity for wildlife, nature and hiking. From the beach side of Kapiti you won’t miss the sight of the big Island’s silhouette across the water, it’s the main attraction, Kapiti Island. But before you decide to visit it check the essential packing list for it!
The streets of Paraparaumu
Why you should visit Kapiti Island in New Zealand
Kapiti Island is the most important sanctuary for the rare native birdlife of New Zealand. It’s also one of the few accessible nature reserves and it’s rich in history. In 1897 Prime Minister Richard Seddon introduced a bill to Parliament in order to conserve and protect the flora and fauna of the Island’s territory. So the habitat of the area has been created to keep the endangered species away from the threatening ones such as mammalian predators and pests. The government needed to use drastic methods to provide essential breeding grounds for marine animals and sea birds: 2000 goats were removed in 1928, the cats were eradicated by 1935 and over 20.000 possums were killed in a period of six years.
Picturesque views of Kapiti Island
Stunning Kapiti Island is 10 km long and 2 km wide, furthermore the amount of visitors is strictly limited, to keep outside influence to a minimum. In this world-renowned bird sanctuary you can see many endemic bird species that are already extinct on the mainland. The most famous are Kaka, Weka, Kiwi, Hihi, Kakariki, Kereru and etc. There are also various tracks with beautiful paths flowing through the forest. The fittest and most adventurous can reach the summit, Tuteremoana, which sits 521m above sea level.
Be quite if you want to take a picture of Takahe bird
The best way to visit and to explore the unique island is with Kapiti Explorer. They offer a day trip to the sanctuary. The journey starts from the Boating Club near Paraparaumu beach at 8:45 am. If you decide to come from Wellington as I did, then you need to take a train at 6:49 which will cost you $11,50. From Paraparumu you can take bus 260. The final stop will be just a stone’s throw away from the departure spot. From there the boat will bring you to nature and bird lovers’ paradise.
Robin bird, a little poser
I would definitely suggest to book a guided tour to learn how to identify the rare species of New Zealand and to discover the secret nests of various birds like the cute little blue Pinguin, whom is living deep in the forest of this sanctuary. Acquiring this precious knowledge will cost you a mere $12 per person!
Fearless Weka
Where to eat in Kapiti, New Zealand
After a long day of exploring the island and getting to know various bird species you will arrive back on the mainland probably very hungry. Anyway this is what happened to me and luckily I discovered a cozy little beach restaurant Marine Parade Eatery on the main street, 50 Marine Parade. It’s the only restaurant in Paraparaumu which has an amazingly colourful and modern design with a big passion for lovely details. You can also enjoy the view of the sea and relish the warmth of the sun from the restaurant’s terrace. And if it’s too hot outside which can doubtlessly happen during the summer period, try one of their refreshing New Zealand made streaming soda drinks.
Welcome to the charming Marine Parade Eatery
Marine Parade Eatery is a perfect place to savor a delightful bagel with a cup of energizing coffee for breakfast or have a marvelous lunch or dinner served with magnanimous portions of delicious healthy food. Every treat is unexpectedly tasty in this little gem of Kapiti, whether it’s the chocolate cake or one of the main courses. The friendly and smily staff will help you to find the perfect choice for you and even if you would like to alter your meal the chef will be more than happy to accommodate your wishes. Additionally Marine Parade Eatery makes all kinds of customers happy: Vegetarian, meat addict, seafood junky or sweet like sugar.
You can’t say no to delicious chocolate cake
We ordered seared beef fillet with blue cheese and anchovy butter, duck fat potatoes buttered baby carrots and broccolini and red wine jus for $34, pan fried fish with edamame, snow pea, peanuts, coriander, chili and miso dressed soba noodles for $32 and last but not least macadamia nut and swede coleslaw for $10. The food is divine and the coleslaw salad was the best salad that I’ve ever tried: The incredible combination of roasted macadamia nuts and yoghurt mixed with garlic dressing let us reach culinary heaven. The fish and meat were done on point, juicy and full of flavours. I enjoyed my meal with a glass of French Les Embruns Rose, which was a terrific choice. The beef fillet went well together with the cold beer of the day: The Garage Project pilsener.
Not only esthetically pleasing but also a feast in a mouth
I would highly recommend to stop by Marine Parade Eatery and experience memorable culinary magic. Just be aware of the opening hours if you want to go out for dinner, it’s only possible on weekends after 5pm. Moreover every Sunday from 3:30 pm your exquisite meals will be accompanied by live music (and hopefully good weather!).
If you’ve never heard about Wairarapa, it’s time to experience this Wellington Day Tour and to get know this tranquil Wellington’s surroundings. It occupies the south-eastern part of the North Island and contains three main sub-regions, Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton. There are plenty of marvelous places to discover and activities to enjoy. But before you decide to visit New Zealand check the essential packing list for it!
Pinnacles Track at Rimutaka Crossing
Best Day Trip from Wellington
If you have only one day in Wellington the ideal way to explore the attractive destination is by car. The drive from Wellington to Wairarapa region also offers an amazing scenic view. I was lucky to get to know John, who owns and operates Capital Personolised Tours company and offers a great selection of journeys throughout the best spots and surroundings of Wellington. John took me for the entire day to explore the gems of Wairarapa. The best about traveling with Cap Tours is that it does personalised trip in smaller groups, so you don’t need to hurry up if you would like to enjoy picturesque views without time pressure. Nevertheless John’s company is flexible and also provides tours for groups up to 12 people!
Lord of the Rings Film locations in Wellington
The archway from the movie Lord of the Rings
The day trip started when John picked me up from the place where I was staying in Wellington and we drove to our first stop: the exciting film locations of Lord of the Rings in Kaitoke. Shortly about Kaitoke: It’s a magnificent regional park where you can follow the signs to the spectacular Lord of the Rings filming locations complete with information panels. There you will find the secret spot used as the set for Rivendell in Peter Jackson’s trilogy. Faithful fans should doubtlessly be aware that their camera battery is fully charged. The adventurous ones can walk on the swing bridge and enjoy the views of the Hutt River.
Swingbridge in Kaitoke
Towns in Wairarapa: Greytown
There are some cute towns in Wairarapa and one of them is Greytown. It has nothing to do with the grey colour, contrariwise it’s a cute, colourful and sophisticated village with free Wi-Fi hotspots along the Main Street. It’s worth to make a stop and stroll through the mix of independent boutiques, art galleries, antique stores and great cafés.
Incredible Medina products: Daily Face Cream, Exfoliate, Eye Cream
It’s unexpectedly a great shopping destination where you can find various intresting products. I discovered the marvelous organic skin care shop Medina on 81 Main Street. It’s a little heaven for every girl and woman who are aware of taking good care of their skin using only natural, high quality products. Medina Morin is an inspired owner with a background in beauty therapy. All her products are handmade without any bad toxins and furthermore, they are not tested on animals. You would probably expect that the prices are insanely high, but surprise, surprise! Nothing is over $60 and you can already find natural daily face cream made from olive leaf extract for $35. I couldn’t resist and purchased 3 different products: face and eye cream, Egyptian hibiscus exfoliate. Additionally I got a little present, a detox mask tester. I’ve tried them all and they are amazing, my skin has never been so smooth and bright. So don’t hesitate to visit Medina in the shop or online and you can even ask for a consultation.
Taste Wine in Martinborough
Wine lovers don’t need to be asked twice to explore the surroundings of Martinborough, famous for it’s never-ending grape fields and family owned vineyards. Martinborough features over 30 wineries, most within walking distance of each other. If you decided to come without John’s luxury 4WD then you can rent a bike and experience a diverse representation of vineyards in a sporty way.
Infinite vineyards of Martinborough
The vineyards are not only for admiring but also to taste the great wine of Wairarapa. You will doubtlessly discover why Martinborough is famous for it’s Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. If you have the opportunity to visit this area in November don’t think twice: Toast Martinborough will be on, a famous wine, food and music festival.
Martinborough is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Wellington but it’s an ideal rural place to escape the hectic city and to enjoy high quality food and world class wines. Furthermore there are marvelous olive groves producing the finest award winning olive oil. If you have an opportunity to enjoy your sunny day somewhere else, then definitely go to this picturesque colonial village!
Amazing Sauvignon Blanc
Tip: Hungry one’s shouldn’t be worried, John from Cap Tours will take care of it and bring you to a top local restaurant to let you experience the best of the surroundings!
An expedition to Cape Palliser Lighthouse
Colony of cute fur seals, count how many you can see!
Cape Palliser is the most southern point of the North Island of New Zealand. The road to it is dramatically scenic and offers a fascinating sea and landscape. Furthermore on the roadside of the Cape is the largest colony of New Zealand fur seals. It’s worth to make a stop and observe sleepy voluptuous animals camouflaged on the rocks. The seals in New Zealand have lovely pointy noses and long whiskers. If you go on an adventure between November and January you will see plenty of adorable seal babies. Just be careful and don’t come to close to them, the seals may seem huge and lazy but they can move pretty fast when the feel threatened.
Just 251 stairs to reach Cape Palliser Lighthouse
When you reach Cape Palliser Lighthouse, which stands there since 1897, don’t be frightened by the notable 251 step climb to the cliff, it will test your fitness. On the top you will be rewarded with the unforgettable scenery of Palliser Bay. Unfortunately there is a sad story behind the deep majestic ocean: during the 19th century more than 20 ships wrecked near this area. Although it’s an incredible place to watch waves dramatically crash, to hear the strong wind roar and to feel one with nature.
Book a tour in New Zealand with Capital Tours
It was a long day but it was full of magnificent and memorable impressions. I was happy to explore the treasures of Wairarapa in an exclusive and most comfortable fashion. The road back to Wellington may seem for some travelers like me, to be winding and unsettling. John’s jeep is perfectly suited for whole day scenic trips, that’s why no need to worry. The pre-cautious person can bring some motion sickness pills or just try to fall asleep on the return journey as I did. Conclusively Wairarapa area is a must see and experience in New Zealand! Check also The Ultimate List of the Best Free Things to do in Wellington NZ
John’s comfortable four-wheeler (Capital Tours)
Things to Do in Wairarapa Outside of the Tour
Visit Native New Zealand Wildlife
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
You can also see Native New Zealand Wildlife in the wonderful Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. There are various rare birds and the world-famous in New Zealand “Manukara”, unique white kiwi bird.
Visit The Tui Brewery
Tui is the most iconic New Zealand beer and it is brewed in Mangatainoka. You can visit the brewery, taste beers and buy something nice at their “Tui” shop.
Walking & Hiking experience in Wairarapa
There are plenty of various hiking, walking and biking tracks. There are awesome coastal views, easy walking forest parks and more Lord of the Rings locations.
