Martinborough

This charming village is central to several boutique wineries in the area. There are 20 vineyards producing limited quantities of varietals and blends. However, it's Pinot Noir is what the region is well known.

Take a tasting tour around the 20 wineries. Spend an afternoon quad biking and clay target shooting.

Wellington

As far as cities go, Wellington is certainly a mover and a shaker - and not just because of its proximity to a major fault line. In recent years it has undergone quite a cultural revolution.

Many new cafés and restaurants have opened.
Step on a suburban train and, on the other side of a rail tunnel or two, you'll emerge in one of the three other cities of the region.

Porirua

Porirua is one of the youngest and most culturally diverse cities in the Wellington region. It is close to many outdoor activities, especially sailing, fishing and swimming at the nearby beaches.

A must-see visit is Pakata - the Museum or Arts and Culture.
Shop at the early morning Saturday market to get the freshest fruit and vegetables, and a myriad of ethnic foods.

Upper Hutt

Set at the base of the Rimutaka Range, Upper Hutt is at the northern-most reaches of the larger Wellington metropolitan area. The nearby Hutt River is known for its trout fishing, and there are many mountain biking tracks in the surrounding hills.

Visit the steam engine and vintage vehicle museum. Go hiking in the Kaitoke Regional Park.

Lower Hutt

Unsurprisingly, situated just south of Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt is Wellington suburbia at its best. One such suburb, Petone, has the distinction of being the first organised European settlement in New Zealand.

Have a look at the Dowse contemporary art and design museum.
Step back in time at the Petone Settlers Museum.

Masterton

Wairarapa's biggest town, Masterton is a hive of activity in the region. It hosts the annual International Golden Shears competition between all the top sheep shearers in the world.

Its outdoor swimming pool complex has one of the longest hydroslides in the country. The Shear Discovery centre celebrates the cultural contribution wool has made to New Zealand.