Nourish - November 2017

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Wairarapa might just

be New Zealand’s

best-kept secret.

Words: SAM EMMS | Photography: TOURISM NEW ZEALAND, WAIRARAPA TOURISM

At the bottom of New Zealand’s
North Island, a scenic one-hour
drive from Wellington, lies the
Wairarapa region. It is perhaps
best known for the Golden
Shears (an annual sheep shearing
event), but day-trippers from the
windy city come for the warm
weather, bike and hiking tracks
and, of course, the great local food
and wine.
Wairarapa’s major settlements
lie in the large valley beside the
Tararua and Rimutaka ranges.
This natural shelter makes not

only for sunny days, but also for

fantastic produce. Martinborough

is home to some of New Zealand’s

most beautiful vineyards, and

some of the world’s best pinot

noirs. There’s also a growing olive

oil industry, which has flourished

alongside the local berry farms

and orchards. These industries,

as well as local fishermen, supply

fresh produce to some of the

region’s outstanding culinary

destinations, as well as to the

hungry tourists and locals alike.

Though the region is full of

off-the-beaten-track allure and

rural charm, it’s also becoming a

cultural and creative hub. Artists

have flocked to the area to set up

art and pottery studios, and the

annual Kokomai Creative Festival

(which began in 2015) has seen

creative folk from all over the

world perform in the Wairarapa.

Those wishing to stray too far

from the towns rural roots might

prefer the Country Music Festival,

which is held every January.

And of course, there’s always the

Golden Shears.

At the bottom o
North Island, a s
drive ve frfrom Welli
WWairarapa region
best known for t
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Julian Apse/Tourism

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