Self-Contained Accommodation in the heart of Martinborough,
Southern Wairarapa, New Zealand

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golf - tennis - clay pigeon shooting - quad biking - horseriding - trekking - vineyards - local brewery - cafes - art galleries - art and crafts - garden tours.

The costal areas of Wairarapa are magnificent and well worth exploring
from your base at Martinborough Retreat.

Stonehenge Aotearoa, an open-sky observatory, inspired by and built on a similar scale to the famous Stonehenge on England’s Salisbury Plains has been built in the Wairarapa countryside (1.5 hours from Wellington). Unique in New Zealand and internationally as a place of science and wonder this stunning new attraction officially opened on 12 February 2005. The story of and background to remarkable astronomical project is told in Awa Press’ exclusive/quintessential guide book Stonehenge Aotearoa: The Complete Guide.

The Wings Over Wairarapa Air Show, run by the Masterton based NZ Sport & Vintage Aviation Society is a great day out every second summer.

Featuring rarely seen vintage aircraft and offering even greater variety than before, Wings Over Wairarapa 07 once again showcased why this biennial event has deservedly become a significant date in the New Zealand aviation calendar. Also featuring a stand alone Food and Wine Festival, static displays, expo sites, pyrotechnics and mock battles, live music, vintage and contemporary military vehicles, classic and vintage racing car and motorbike displays, movie props, children’s entertainment and much more - Wings Over Wairarapa 07 was something for everyone.

About Wairarapa

Wairarapa is the perfect rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand. Located in the south east of the North Island, Wairarapa is just an hour away from the vibrant capital city, Wellington. You can make an easy day trip from the capital to see working farms, country gardens, and wild coastline complete with seal colonies. Or stay overnight in one the region's many farm stays, bed and breakfasts, country cottages or exclusive lodges.

Off the beaten track you'll be awed by the region's unique natural heritage. The rugged Tararua Mountains to the west and the wild Pacific Ocean to the east create a sense of isolation and wonder. The untamed coastline from Palliser Bay in the south to Akitio in the north is raw in energy and rich in Maori mythology. Learn about nature at Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre - New Zealand's showcase for the captive breeding of threatened species.

For a more active appreciation of the outdoors, the full range of classic kiwi adventures are on offer from jet boating to hot air ballooning, from superb fishing to surfing.
© www.wairarapanz.com

Hot air balloon rides

Carterton is the Wairarapa base for Early Morning Balloons Limited, just over one hour's drive from Wellington and Palmerston North, and nearby Masterton, Greytown, and Martinborough.

Enjoy spectacular scenery on your flight over the Wairarapa at dawn, with views of mountains, rivers, and pastoral land.


Martinborough Retreat is your ideal base in Wairarapa, near Wellington, New Zealand.

Sleeps 6-13. Contemporary, warm, spacious home with large fully fenced grounds.
Five minutes walk to the Square, handy to vineyards, restaurants, hotels, golf, tennis etc.77 - 79 Dublin Street, Martinborough, Sourth Wairarapa,
New Zealand