DRIVE WAIRARAPA
Drive Wairarapa showcases the region’s most scenic and iconic road journeys — connecting unforgettable drives with great coffee, local wine, unique stays, and authentic country experiences. Explore the Wairarapa at your own pace, one beautiful drive at a time.
Drive 1: Coastal Escape
Where rugged coastline meets open road
A spectacular coastal journey from charming village streets to dramatic seaside cliffs. The Coastal Escape blends rolling countryside, quiet beaches, heritage character, and fresh ocean air — the perfect Wairarapa day trip.
Drive Overview
Route: Greytown → Castlepoint
Drive Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (one way)
Total Return Time: Approx. 2.5 hours
Best For: Couples · Weekend Explorers · Nature Lovers · Relaxed Day-Trippers
Drive 2: Vineyard & Village Loop
An easy, relaxed countryside loop linking Greytown, Martinborough and Gladstone. Open roads, boutique wineries, riverside scenery and charming village stops make this the perfect short escape — ideal for turning a simple drive into a memorable weekend. Perfect for those who love good wine, local food, and unhurried exploration. Ideal for turning a simple drive into a memorable weekend.
Drive Overview
Route Loop: Greytown → Martinborough → Gladstone → Greytown
Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour round trip (if driving non-stop)
Best for: Easy, scenic loop with plenty of reasons to linger. Perfect for those who love good wine, local food, and unhurried exploration.
Drive 3: Southern Coast Backroads
Wind through rolling farmland, quiet backroads and elevated coastal lookouts before arriving at one of the North Island’s most dramatic shorelines. This rewarding southern drive captures the true rural heart of Wairarapa — wide landscapes, open skies, vineyard pockets and a spectacular coastal finale at Cape Palliser.
Route: Greytown → Pirinoa → Lake Ferry → Ngawi → Cape Palliser
Drive Time: Approx. 2.5 hours return from Greytown
Style: Scenic rural backroads with coastal destination
Best for: Scenic drive enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, adventurers explorers, those seeking something both wild and beautiful
Note this is a single road for approx 20km through farmland.
Drive 4: The East Coast Explorer
A true off-the-beaten-track adventure from Greytown to the remote shores of Akitio. Choose the scenic River Road (fully sealed) for a smoother journey, or take sections of quieter single-lane rural roads for a more authentic backcountry feel. This is a drive for those who enjoy space, solitude and discovering the lesser-known corners of Wairarapa.
Route: Greytown → Masterton → Mount Bruce → Mangatainoka → Pongaroa → Ākitio
Drive Time: 2.5 hours one way, Approx. 5 hours return
Road Notes: Some sections are single-lane rural roads. River Road provides a fully sealed alternative.
Drive 5: The Hinakura Backroads Loop
A rewarding rural loop combining world-class Martinborough vineyards with quiet Hinakura backroads and dramatic coastal views. This drive is for those who enjoy authentic countryside — including approximately 20km of single-lane rural road through farmland. If you love open space, rolling hills and discovering lesser-known routes, this one delivers.
Not recommended for drivers uncomfortable on narrow one-way country roads.
Route: Greytown → Martinborough → Hinakura → Coastal Outlooks → Return Loop
Drive Style: Vineyard charm meets remote rural backroads
Road Notes: Approx. 20km single-lane rural road
Best for: Wine & Gin Enthusiasts, Confident Rural Drivers, Countryside Explorers, Photographers, Couples Seeking a Weekend Escape, Those Who Prefer the Road Less Travelled
Drive 6: The Coastal Country Loop
A scenic rural-to-coast adventure linking rolling farmland, forestry backroads and relaxed seaside charm. Travel from Greytown toward Riversdale Beach, with the option to loop back via Homewood for a more remote countryside experience. Expect open skies, winding single-lane stretches (approx. 20km through forestry one way), and a rewarding coastal finish.
Drive Overview
Route: Greytown → Riversdale Beach → (Optional loop via Homewood) → Greytown
Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes one way, approx. 2 hours 15 minutes return
Road Notes: Single-lane sections through forestry (approx. 20km one way). Drive with care and enjoy the quiet backroad experience.
Best for: Scenic Backroad Explorers, Beach Lovers, Golf Enthusiasts, Walkers & Cyclists, Landscape Photographers, Families Looking for a Coastal Day Trip
Drive 7: Wairarapa Garden Drive
Discover Wairarapa through its gardens — from sculpted formal landscapes to expansive rural estates and hidden private retreats. This curated drive invites you to slow down, explore, and experience the region at its most beautiful, where design, nature, and heritage meet.
Option 1 - The Essential Wairarapa Loop: One-Day Garden Drive
Drive Time: Greytown → Martinborough → Rotowai, Kahutara → Whakapuni Station & Garden → Stablehouse Garden→ Greytown
Total driving time: ~ approx 3 hours drive time
Total experience time: Full day (with stops)
A scenic rural-to-coast adventure linking rolling farmland, forestry backroads and relaxed seaside charm. Travel from Greytown toward Riversdale Beach, with the option to loop back via Homewood for a more remote countryside experience. Expect open skies, winding single-lane stretches (approx. 20km through forestry one way), and a rewarding coastal finish.
Whakapuni Station & Gardens: Where working landscape meets refined garden design
Rototawai: A Gallery, Gardens & Venue at the historic homestead of Rototawai.
Stablehouse Garden: Precision, symmetry, and world-class garden design
End or Start the day — Greytown or Martinborough with a long lunch, wine tasting or a relaxed cafe stop.