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The
Wairarapa is located in the south-eastern corner of the North Island,
east of metropolitan
Wellington and south-west of the Hawke's
Bay region. It is lightly populated, having several rural service towns,
with Masterton being the largest. It is named after its largest lake - Lake
Wairarapa.
Located only 1hour drive from Wellington, the Wairarapa is the perfect rural
retreat in the heart of New Zealand.
From Wellington, you can make
easy day trips to see working farms, country gardens to wild coast line
complete with seal colonies. Alternatively, you can stay over night at only
of the many homestays, Bed & Breakfast Guesthouse to exclusive lodges that
is within the region.
While only a hour drive from
Wellington, the Wairarapa is separated from the Capital by the rugged
Tauraua Ranges, the Pacific ocean is on the east coast.
Besides the rural farming landscape, the Wairarapa is becoming know for is
growing number of wineries at Martinborough, craftwork, etc. The Wairarapa
has major events like the annual Golden Shears, The Martinborough Wine and
Food Festival, the Carterton Daffodil Carnival, The Big Coast Mountain Bike
Event and the Tauherenikau Races.
The Wairarapa also hosts the 'Ballons over Wairarapa' event.
The agricultural industries, including forestry, cropping, sheep, beef and
dairy farming, are major land users. The area around Martinborough, in the
south, is renowned for its vineyards and wine, as is the outskirts of
Masterton and Carterton. Local beer has been brewed at Mangatainoka, near
Pahiatua, since 1889. Deer farming is growing in importance.
The major city in the region is
Masterton. The Wairarapa is served by the
Wairarapa Connection train rail services
operating on a regular daily services between Masterton, Carterton, Featherston
and Wellington.
The nearest airport for domestic and international air services is
Wellington .
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