Wairarapa

The laid-back region of Wairarapa lies in the southeastern corner of the North Island, east of the national capital, Wellington, and southwest of Hawke’s Bay. It is named after its largest lake, Lake Wairarapa. The name means “Glistening Waters” and is said to have been coined by Huanui, an early Maori explorer. Wairarapa offers delicious food and wine and great scenic beauty. Rolling vineyards, apple orchards, fields of lavender, olive groves and historic towns all contribute to its charm. Wairarapa is part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail from Hawke’s Bay to Marlborough. About 30 wineries surround the delightful village square at Martinborough. Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island, hosts a large breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals.