The Screening Room
The Screening Room is Masterton’s boutique Cinema & Eatery, adding to the already bustling Kuripuni village atmosphere with a sophisticated, state-of-the-art two-screen cinema and a lively, modern restaurant catering to a diverse range of tastes. The Screening...
Waifest
Waifest is Masterton’s way to celebrate and commemorate Waitangi Day. Showcasing live entertainment, arts, food stalls, storytelling and history, 2019 marks the 179th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty, and New Zealand's most beautiful city warmly invites you to...
Top 3 reasons to visit Masterton
Masterton: North Island's hidden gem. Master-WHERE? Ok, so we know you might not know much about mighty Masterton…this summer is your chance to come and see what you’re missing out on. We give you the top 3 reasons why Masterton is a popular holiday spot with Kiwi...
Ashley Mitchell
Masterton: a new adventure. While there are many people choosing to make Masterton their place to live, not everybody is exiting the bright lights of the city for the same reason. Recent arrival Ashley Mitchell lists “new adventure” as one of the reasons she has...
Hitiri and Jacqui Turner
Making the most of new surroundings. Relishing all that Wairarapa has to offer, Hitiri and Jacqui Turner could easily be the poster family for living and loving life in Masterton. So smitten with their new environment the family of six encourages others to be bold and...
Lianne and Warren
Turning the lifestyle dream into a reality. There is so much to like about living in the city. The variety, the vibe . . . not a day goes by when there isn’t something worthwhile seeing or getting involved in. Then there is the opportunity, created in part...
Aratoi
Masterton is home to the Wairarapa’s Museum of Art and History – Aratoi. Located in Masterton’s visitor hub on the corner of Bruce and Dixon Streets, the iSite Visitor Centre is also part of the complex. Visit Aratoi’s events page to find out what’s on. Contact...
Arts & Culture
Castlepoint Beach Races
If you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the Castlepoint Beach Races. The beach races date back to 1872 when local farmhands would race each other for bottles of rum and stray coins. Today, thoroughbreds have replaced farm hacks and the day is as much about picnicking...
Castlepoint & Riversdale
These beaches are among the best you will visit – both are about an hour’s drive from Masterton. At Castlepoint you can venture up to the lookout behind the lighthouse - first lit in 1913, it's one of the last two remaining beam lighthouses in NZ. If you’re game,...
ConArt
Next to Aratoi is ConArt Gallery & Studios - a space for Wairarapa artists to create, exhibit and sell their art to local and visiting art lovers. ConArt is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-430pm. Contact Details Corner of Queen Street and Dixon Street ...
Cycling
Whether you’d prefer to cycle around vineyards or tackle our local mountain bike park, both options are on offer near Masterton. Opaki Cycle Tours offers the vineyard option while Rivenrock Mountain Bike Park offers the alternative. Links Explore...
Family Fun
Masterton is the perfect choice for families with fantastic schooling options and activities (many of them free) to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Flying
Masterton is home to one of the friendliest Aerodromes in the country. It’s not often that you can simply drive in the gate and take a look at vintage aircraft. It’s all part of what Hood Aerodrome has on offer, including skydiving, tiger moth flights and aviation...
Hood Aerodrome
Masterton is home to one of the friendliest Aerodromes in the country. It’s not often that you can simply drive in the gate and take a look at vintage aircraft. It’s all part of what Hood Aerodrome has on offer, including skydiving, tiger moth flights and aviation...
Henley Lake
Henley Lake is a favourite with both tourists and locals. The reserve has 43 hectares of wetlands and native plantings and more than 72 different species of birds have been spotted here. Viewing towers over the lake and wetlands allow for a range of different viewing...
Queen Elizabeth Park
People that live here affectionately call Queen Elizabeth park the “Jewel in Masterton’s crown”. It’s been described as “probably the best family park in New Zealand” and we’re glad to take that title! Feed the ducks, take a ride on the miniature railway, have a hit...
Real Estate
At the end of March 2018 Masterton’s average house price was less than half New Zealand’s average house price, making it an attractive option for those wanting to get on to the property ladder. With housing demand at high levels, building is booming and there are...
Sport & Recreation
For people who love the outdoors, you’ll be kept busy in and around Masterton. If you want to head into the hills you’ll be there in under 15 minutes or, if you fancy a fish, head out to Castlepoint or Riversdale.
Swimming
Masterton’s Trust House Recreation Centre is an integrated health and fitness centre offering hours of aquatic fun for the kids. The hydro slide will keep them busy while Mum and Dad can relax in the spa or sauna. There’s also a toddlers pool, a lazy river, 25 metre...
Wairarapa Balloon Festival
There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing hot air balloons dotted throughout the Wairarapa skies. Masterton is lucky enough to host some key events as part of the annual Wairarapa Balloon Festival – including the splash and dash at Henley Lake. Details April 18th -...
Walking
Masterton boasts around 10 kilometres of recreation trails throughout the town, linking the Waipoua River, Henley Lake, Queen Elizabeth Park and elevated Lansdowne. If you’re after a longer walk, head out to Mount Holdsworth or Kiriwhakapapa. Castlepoint, Riversdale...
What’s On
Masterton has a range of attractions to keep the whole family entertained, even the big kids! Even though we’re only a little city, we have great events here in Masterton.
Wings Over Wairarapa
Every two years the skies above Wairarapa come alive with one of New Zealand’s largest airshows – Wings over Wairarapa. Featuring WWI, WWII aircraft, agricultural, helicopters, military and civil aircraft, Wings draws crowds from far and wide. We also have, for the...
The Wool Shed
Celebrating Masterton’s sheep farming history is The Wool Shed. Experience the ambience and smells of two historic wool sheds. Videos, models, photos, wool handling and shearing equipment combine to tell the story of the 160 years of shearing history that have...
Pukaha Wildlife Centre
NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENTRE Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a stunning conservation reserve and visitor centre located just 20 minutes north of Masterton. Check out native and endangered wildlife such as tuatara, longfin eels, kākā, kōkako and kiwi including Manukura...