Masterton, New Zealand Travel Guide

Discover Masterton: A blend of natural beauty, rich history, and local culture in the heart of New Zealand's Wairarapa region.

Nestled in the lush Wairarapa region, Masterton is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. Known for its vibrant community and picturesque landscapes, Masterton is an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the authentic New Zealand lifestyle. Masterton is home to the stunning Queen Elizabeth Park, a sprawling green space with beautiful gardens, a miniature train, and even a lake. It's a great spot for a relaxing picnic or a leisurely stroll. Nearby, you can visit the Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, which showcases local art and historical exhibits, giving you a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage. Adventure seekers will love the nearby Tararua Forest Park. With its numerous hiking trails and breathtaking views, it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't forget to explore the local wineries and indulge in some of the finest wines produced in New Zealand. Masterton's warm climate and fertile soil make it a prime location for vineyards. If you're visiting in March, make sure to check out the Golden Shears, an annual sheep-shearing competition that attracts participants from all over the world. This unique event highlights the town’s agricultural roots and is a spectacle not to be missed.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Masterton.

Visit Queen Elizabeth Park early in the morning for a peaceful experience and the best light for photography.
Check the schedule at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History for special exhibitions and events.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore Tararua Forest Park, as some trails can be challenging.
Try the local wines at the nearby vineyards; Masterton is known for its excellent Pinot Noir.
Book your accommodation in advance if you're visiting during the Golden Shears competition, as it attracts many visitors.

Explore Masterton: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Masterton

Top-rated picks

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Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café

Explore Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café: A captivating blend of wildlife encounters, nature trails, and delightful café experiences in New Zealand’s Akatarawa Valley.

4.7

Queen Elizabeth Park

Discover the serene beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and outdoor adventure for every tourist.

4.6

Henley Lake Park

Discover the tranquil beauty of Henley Lake Park in Masterton, New Zealand, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and families alike.

4.5

Kaitoke Regional Park

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Kaitoke Regional Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in New Zealand.

4.7

Best landmarks in Masterton

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Queen Elizabeth Park

Experience the lush beauty and cultural heritage of Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, a perfect retreat for tourists and nature lovers alike.

4.6

Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe

Discover the delightful Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe in Masterton, a haven for cookie lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike.

4.5

Henley Lake Park

Experience the tranquil beauty of Henley Lake Park, a perfect escape for nature lovers and families in Masterton, New Zealand.

4.5

The Farriers Bar & Eatery

Experience the best of Masterton's culinary scene at The Farriers Bar & Eatery, where grilled specialties and artisan pizzas come to life.

4.1

Best restaurants in Masterton

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McDonald's Masterton

Experience the comfort of classic fast food at McDonald's Masterton, where family-friendly meals meet local charm in New Zealand's Wairarapa region.

3.5

Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe

Experience the best of Masterton at Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe—where fresh baked goods meet cozy charm.

4.5

The Farriers Bar & Eatery

Discover Masterton's culinary gem at The Farriers Bar & Eatery—where every meal is a celebration of flavor!

4.1

Lone Star Masterton

Discover Lone Star Masterton: A premier dining destination offering delicious Kiwi cuisine in a lively atmosphere.

4.4

Best bars in Masterton

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The Farriers Bar & Eatery

Discover The Farriers Bar & Eatery in Masterton for an unforgettable dining experience featuring delicious grills and gourmet pizzas in a cozy atmosphere.

4.1

Lone Star Masterton

Experience the best of New Zealand dining at Lone Star Masterton, where hearty meals and a vibrant atmosphere await every guest.

4.4

The Screening Room

Experience culinary excellence at The Screening Room in Masterton, where gourmet dishes meet a cozy atmosphere and cinematic charm.

4.6

Don Luciano Café Masterton

Experience the rich flavors of Latin American coffee at Don Luciano Café, the heart of Masterton's vibrant café culture.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Masterton

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CBK Masterton (Craft Bar and Kitchen)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Masterton at CBK Masterton, where delicious grill dishes and a welcoming atmosphere await.

4.2

Kuripuni Sports Bar & TAB

Discover the excitement of live sports, delicious food, and great company at Kuripuni Sports Bar & TAB in Masterton, New Zealand.

4.2

Jackson Street Bar

Jackson Street Bar in Masterton: A lively sports bar offering great drinks, delicious bites, and an energetic atmosphere for every sports enthusiast and casual visitor.

3.8

Club Wairarapa

Discover the pulsating nightlife at Club Wairarapa, Masterton's premier destination for entertainment, dancing, and socializing with locals and travelers alike.

4.1

Best shops in Masterton

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The Warehouse Masterton

Explore The Warehouse Masterton: Your ultimate shopping destination for clothing, home goods, toys, and seasonal items in New Zealand.

4.1

Farmers Masterton

Experience shopping like never before at Farmers Masterton, where style meets convenience in the heart of Masterton, New Zealand.

4.1

Briscoes Masterton

Explore Briscoes Masterton for a diverse selection of home goods, appliances, and decor to elevate your living space in New Zealand.

4.2

Salvation Army Family Store

Explore the Salvation Army Family Store in Masterton for unique second-hand treasures and support local community initiatives.

4.3

Explore Masterton on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Masterton, mapped for you.

Masterton Essentials

Masterton is located in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand's North Island. The nearest international airport is Wellington International Airport, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Wellington, you can take a train on the Wairarapa Line, which offers a scenic journey through the Hutt Valley and Rimutaka Ranges, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive via State Highway 2, which takes about 1.5 hours. Bus services are also available from Wellington to Masterton.
Masterton is a small town, making it easy to navigate on foot. For longer distances within the Wairarapa region, local buses are available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also options for getting around. If you plan to explore the surrounding countryside, renting a car is a convenient choice. Masterton also has a well-connected train station for trips to nearby towns and Wellington.
The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Masterton, including Visa and MasterCard. ATMs are plentiful throughout the town. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.
Masterton is generally a safe destination for tourists. Like any other place, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Masterton does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant is always a good practice.
In case of emergency, dial 111 for immediate assistance, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies. Masterton Hospital provides medical services for more serious health issues. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually; smart casual is acceptable for most dining establishments. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in more conservative settings. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting places of worship; removing hats and speaking softly is appreciated. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'kia ora,' which is the Māori greeting. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like lamb and seafood. Don't refuse an offer to join a meal, as it may be considered impolite.
To experience Masterton like a local, visit the Farmers Market held on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at the Queen Elizabeth Park, which is a popular spot for families and leisure activities. Explore the nearby Tararua Forest Park for hiking and nature walks. Don't miss the annual Golden Shears event, a premier sheep shearing competition that showcases local culture.

When is the best time to visit Masterton?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Masterton

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Masterton. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloKia ora
  [key-ah or-ah]
- GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-ree rah]
- YesĀe
  [aye]
- NoKāo
  [kah-oh]
- Please/You're welcomeTēnā koe
  [ten-ah koi]
- Thank youNgā mihi
  [nah mee-hee]
- Excuse me/SorryWhakapāha
  [fah-kah-pah-ha]
- How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [key teh pay-hay-ah koi]
- Fine. And you?Māmā. Ā koe?
  [mah-mah aye koi]
- Do you speak English?Kei te kōrero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [key teh core-air-oh koi ee teh reh-oh pah-keh-ha]
- I don't understandKaore au e mohio
  [kao-ray oh ee moh-hee-oh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe tirohia te menewa, tēnā
  [meh tee-raw-hee-ah teh men-eh-wah ten-ah]
- I don't eat meatKaore au e kai mīti
  [kao-ray oh ee kai mee-tee]
- Cheers!Tumeke!
  [too-meh-key]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe utu au, tēnā
  [meh oo-too oh, ten-ah]
- Help!Āwhina!
  [ay-fee-nah]
- Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-ree ah-too]
- Call the Police!Karanga atu ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rung-ah ah-too kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
- Call a doctor!Karanga atu ki te rata!
  [kah-rung-ah ah-too kee teh rah-tah]
- I'm lostKei te ngaro au
  [key teh nah-row oh]
- I'm illKei te mate au
  [key teh mah-teh oh]
- I'd like to buy...Me hoko...
  [meh haw-kaw]
- I'm just lookingKei te titiro
  [key teh tee-tee-raw]
- How much is it?E hia te utu?
  [eh hee-ah teh oo-too]
- That's too expensiveHe rawa te nui
  [heh rah-wah teh noo-ee]
- Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [kah tie-ah eh koi teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]
- What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [heh ah-ha teh wah]
- It's one o'clockKotahi karaka
  [kaw-tah-hee kah-rah-kah]
- Half past (10)Tekau mā rua
  [teh-koh mah roo-ah]
- MorningAta
  [ah-tah]
- AfternoonAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
- EveningPō
  [paw]
- YesterdayInāianei
  [ee-nah-ee-ah-neh-ee]
- TodayTēnei rā
  [ten-ay rah]
- TomorrowĀpōpō
  [ah-paw-paw]
- 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
- 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
- 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
- 4Whā
  [fah]
- 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
- 6Ono
  [aw-no]
- 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
- 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
- 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
- 10Tekau
  [teh-koh]
- Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...
  [key hay-ah teh]
- What's the address?Ko wai te wāhitau?
  [kaw why teh wah-hee-tow]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai ki ahau (i te mahere)?
  [kah tie-ah eh koi teh fah-kow-too my key ah-how ee teh mah-heh-ray]
- When's the next (bus)?Āhea te wā nui (auta)?
  [ay-he-ah teh wah noo-ee ow-tah]
- A ticket (to ....)He taki (ki ...)
  [heh tah-key kee]

History of Masterton

Masterton was founded in 1854 by the Small Farms Association, a group of Wellington and Hutt Valley workers seeking affordable farmland. Named after Joseph Masters, one of the association's founders, the town was established to provide opportunities for settlers to own and farm their land.
The arrival of the railway in 1880 was a significant milestone for Masterton, connecting it to Wellington and other parts of the North Island. This development spurred economic growth, facilitated the movement of goods, and made the town more accessible, contributing to its rapid expansion.
On June 24, 1942, a powerful earthquake struck Wairarapa, causing extensive damage in Masterton. Buildings were destroyed, and the community faced significant challenges in rebuilding. The earthquake remains a pivotal event in the town’s history, shaping its architectural and urban development.
Agriculture has been the backbone of Masterton's economy since its founding. The town is at the heart of the Wairarapa farming region, known for sheep shearing, dairy farming, and cropping. The annual Wairarapa A&P Show highlights the area's rich agricultural heritage, celebrating local produce and farming expertise.
Masterton is home to several educational institutions that have played a crucial role in the community. The establishment of Wairarapa College in 1923 provided quality education to local youth, while the UCOL Wairarapa campus offers tertiary education and vocational training, fostering innovation and skill development.
Masterton has a vibrant cultural scene, with institutions like Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History showcasing local art and historical exhibits. The Golden Shears World Shearing Championships, held annually in Masterton since 1961, celebrates the town's shearing heritage and attracts competitors and spectators from around the globe.
Today, Masterton blends its rich historical heritage with modern amenities. The town offers a mix of historical sites, like Queen Elizabeth Park established in 1897, and contemporary attractions, such as boutique shops and cafes. Masterton continues to grow as a vibrant community, balancing tradition with progress.