Wairarapa

Specialising in events up to 300 delegates, the Wairarapa can combine first rate venues like the Carterton Events Centre, with the relaxed atmosphere of a rural setting and boutique towns and villages.
Wairarapa is well equipped to host small to mid-size conferences and incentive programmes thanks to its wide variety of accommodation which ranges from luxury lodges and 5 Star hotels to motels and charming B&Bs. 

Accommodation is located right throughout the valley – stretching from Wharekauhau Country Estate, with its dramatic coastal views, in the south to the Copthorne Solway Park Masterton, which has stunning views of the Tararua Ranges, in the north.

Venues here are equally diverse. Parehua Resort, The Martinborough Hotel and Brackenridge Country Retreat & Day Spa, all are in the wine village of Martinborough, and are just a short walk or bike ride to charming cellar doors and vineyards.  

The purpose built Carterton Events Centre is centrally located, has a 450-seat flexible space auditorium that can be set up for a variety of layouts and easy access to a range of break-out rooms. The renowned Copthorne Solway Park Masterton has been refurbished ensuring its facilities remain top notch.  

The Wairarapa is a one hour drive or train ride from Wellington and provides an excellent escape from a city business event or a rural venue for the whole thing.

Wairarapa Points of Difference:

-open jaw airport access through Wellington and Palmerston North
-train travel from Wellington through the longest passenger train tunnel in the country
-world class coach transport from Masterton based Tranzit Coachlines 
-boutique towns and villages, Castlepoint and Cape Palliser
-the most easily accessible wine region in New Zealand
-only 40,000 people...we know everyone and can organise just about anything for a special themed event
-southernmost point on the North Island of New Zealand... spectacular!
 

Some top group experiences are:  

Greytown Village 
Explore the boutique, independent shops of Greytown Village offering books, fashion and homewares.    
 
Schoc Chocolates 
Schoc Chocolates creates beautiful, hand-crafted tablets in 85 flavours. Chocologist sessions available for groups.  
  
Martinborough 
20 family-owned vineyards, most within walking or cycling distance of the village square. 
Wine experiences include:

Tastings and lunch at one of several beautiful restaurants

Green Jersey Explorer Tours 
Cycling the vines on flat easy to cycle, wide, roads.   Huge range of bike styles available.

With a mild and pleasant climate all year round visitation works in Wairarapa!   Summer is packed with events and weddings so capacity at venues and accommodation can be under pressure. Autumn is settled and sunny and winter sis he perfect time to enjoy a good glass of pinot noir in front of a roaring open fire.  

Winter is also the optimum time for viewing the region's famous dark skies in our  International Dark Sky Reserve.