Masterton accommodation from AU$135

History

Masterton was founded in 1854 by the country’s Small Farms Association as a village for working people. By the 1870s, it had grown into Wairarapa’s main town.

Things to do

Every March you can check out the world’s biggest and best sheep-shearing event: Golden Shears. A New Zealand institution since it began in 1960, it’s held at the War memorial Stadium and features three days of shearing and wool handling events. The Wool Shed Museum is New Zealand’s national sheep and shearing museum and features a rebuilt traditional wool shed. Head to the tree-lined Queen Elizabeth Park and let the kids loose on the playground while you take a walk by the lake. If you need more activities, check out Masterton’s bowling alley or mini-golf course.

History buffs can take a trip to Greytown, 25 kms away, one of NZ’s oldest towns and full of Heritage-listed Victorian-era buildings.

Shopping and dining

Masterton has a broad range of shops, including a 100-year-old book store, and plenty of bakeries, bistros, restaurants and cafes. If you’d like some delicious tropical sauvignon blanc to go with lunch, visit the nearby wine town of Martinborough. With 20 wineries in walking distance from the main street, Martinborough has enough distinct drops to satisfy even the most avid drinker.

Getting here

Book one of our cheap flights to Wellington and your Masterton hotel with us and get ready to be the master of Masterton.