Welcome to MASTERTON

Masterton is the northern sub-region of the Wairarapa wine region and the largest town in Wairarapa. It is home to Lansdown Estate where New Zealand’s very first Pinot Noir vines were planted in the 1880’s. Opaki is the most notable rural settlement of the wine producing Masterton area. With close proximity to the Tararua ranges, early morning frosts are common in the cooler months, contrasted by the hottest temperatures of the region in the warmer months. This sub-region is home to one of the Wairarapa’s biggest producers, Matahiwi, but also a number of small vineyard blocks, planted in the early 90’s. Many of these small older vineyard blocks are located towards the south-east coast in Te Ore Ore and Bideford.

The mighty Ruamahanga river starts is journey in Masterton, heading through Gladstone and Martinborough before meeting Palliser Bay. This ancient river bed offers stony, free draining soils, promoting fruit forward characteristics. With varieties of soil structures in this vast sub-region, some vineyards are home to higher clay content, desired for a weighty and textured palate, and limestone, desired for age-worthy wines with high acidity.

a Family-friendly rural capital

Most wineries are gathered alongside premium olive groves, with smaller vineyards in the surrounding countryside. Take time to experience the distinctly rural charms of the Wairarapa’s capital, Masterton, home of the famous Golden Shears. From the colonial beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park with its mature trees, extensive children’s play area, and miniature railway to the vibrant shopping, eating, and entertainment district of Kuripuni or head just a little further north up state highway 2 to visit kiwi and other native birds at the Pūkaha National Wildlife centre.