23 June 2015
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Need a break? We've got just the thing; a region of spectacular coastlines, big skies, wide valleys and small towns, all full of character and only an hour's drive from Wellington.
The Wairarapa is a perfect weekend escape. It’s so easy to reach with a Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry crossing. Only an hour’s drive from Wellington on State Highway 2, there’s nothing like coming off the final sweep of the Rimutakas and heading into the wide expanse of the beautiful Wairarapa valley.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in the Wairarapa:
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Head up to Pukaha Mount Bruce to visit our white kiwi Manukura
Manukura is the only white kiwi you can see on display in the world and she’s right here in the Wairarapa at Pukaha Mount Bruce. This is a great way to spend a day - Pukaha has a daily feeding program that includes eel, tuatara and kaka feeding as well as aviary talks so you can see conservation in action! Just 20 mins from Masterton. -
See how the beer’s made at Tui Brewery
Visit the iconic Tui tower at Tui Brewery! Take a tour and see how the beers made before heading to the bar to taste it. Enjoy a yummy lunch at the cafe and take a look around the shop for some great Tui merchandise. Just 40 mins from Masterton. -
Stay the night at Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Solway Park
After all that exploring you’ll need a rest. Our favourite option is the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park in Masterton, complete with a golf driving range, indoor and outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and cafe. Plus there’s a fantastic new Whisky Bar (part of the Royal Scotch Malt Whisky Society!). At the southern end of Masterton. -
Spend a relaxing day on the Martinborough Gourmet Wine Tour
This is one of the best ways to explore Martinborough. A fully guided, all inclusive coach tour taking in four top Martinborough vineyards, a gourmet lunch and afternoon tea. All the while learning about how this little place transformed from a dusty service town to a beautiful wine village. You can be picked-up and dropped-off at Copthorne Hotel.
Bluebridge have put together a fantastic package for visiting the Wairarapa including a return crossing for two people, a Cross Country rental car, three nights accommodation for two at the Copthorne Hotel and discount vouchers for Pukaha, Cafe Solway at Copthorne, Martinborough Gourmet Wine Tour and Tui Brewery! For more information and to book this spectacular package click here.
