Wairarapa Transport

Transport options in Wairarapa

A rental car is a traveller's best friend around the Wairarapa region. The roads are well maintained and uncrowded, and you'll have the flexibility to stop whenever you see something interesting. Your feet will also come in handy - particularly for exploring the wineries of Martinborough wine village. You can walk from one winery to the next, without any risk of overexertion.

Getting to and from Wairarapa

By Air:
International and Trans-Tasman flights arrive at Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Palmerston North. Wellington and Palmerston North are the nearest domestic airports, linking with coach, rail or rental car to Wairarapa.

By Road:
>From Auckland or Rotorua
Drive via Hawke's Bay or Tongariro National Park. Just south of Mangaweka turn off onto State Highway 54 and follow signs for Cheltenham, Ashhurst, Manawatu Gorge, Woodville and Masterton.

>From Wellington and the South Island
Wellington provides the Cook Strait ferry link with the South Island. Take State Highway 2 to Wairarapa, a route that includes a 30 minute scenic drive through the re-generating forest of the Rimutaka Range.

>From Palmerston North
Follow State Highway 3 to Woodville, where you'll connect with State Highway 2 to Masterton.

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
Martinborough is on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, a driving route that runs from Hawke's Bay to Marlborough.
Drive times:

Auckland to Wairarapa - 9 hours and 20 minutes

Hawke's Bay to Wairarapa - 3 hours

Wairarapa to Wellington - 1 hour 30 minutes

Palmerston North to Masterton - 1 hour 15 minutes

By Rail:
The train journey from Wellington to Wairarapa is an attraction in itself. It takes you through the Rimutaka Tunnel, emerging to spectacular views across Lake Wairarapa to Palliser Bay and the Aorangi Ranges.

Getting around Wairarapa

Rental cars are available from Masterton, the region's largest town.
Tranzit Coachlines provide services Monday to Friday between Martinborough, Featherston and Masterton and return on a regular timetable.
Wairarapa Coachlines provide time-tabled services from Martinboroough to Featherston, connecting with the morning and evening commuter trains to and from Wellington.