Getting there

Planes

The closest international airport to the Wairarapa is Wellington Airport (www.wellingtonairport.co.nz), about two hours drive away. Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.com) flies daily between Auckland and Masterton in Wairarapa (return from NZ$210).

Trains

Tranz Metro (www.tranzmetro.co.nz) trains run daily between Wellington and Masterton (NZ$14), stopping at Featherston, Greytown and Carterton.

Automobiles

The best way to explore the Wairarapa is with your own wheels. Pick up a hire car in Wellington: all the international big-name companies have offices at Wellington Airport, or at the ferry terminal if you’re arriving by sea from the South Island.