Greytown

Settled in 1854, this is New Zealand’s first planned inland town and it was intended to be the region’s main centre. However, frequent river flooding meant that the railway bypassed Greytown in the 1870s and the town became better known for its orchards.

Rediscovered and revived in the late 1990s, Greytown’s Victorian main street now houses chic cafés, boutiques, galleries and antique shops. On the outskirts of town, there’s Papawai, an important marae and site of the first Maori parliament.

• Expect top nosh and a great shot of coffee from Greytown’s cafés, such as The French Baker, restaurants like Salute and our delis.
• The town offers upmarket shopping - from antiques to designer fashion, art, jewellery, homewares and shoes. A recent addition has been the Designer Clothing Gallery, the only one if its kind south of Hamilton and power packed with gorgeous samples and end of seasons specials
• Try a chocolate tasting at Schoc – keep an open mind, some of the truly unlikely flavours are the most delicious.
• Puzzlewood in Wood Street is full of fun for all members of the family with games and puzzles for all ages, and a great place for kids' parties. Come along and see the holograms, play "extra-large" board games, see yourself in distorting mirrors and go through the mini-maze.

  There are picnic tables in the garden where you can relax and have lunch and play the outdoor games. There are also a large number of indoor activities for everyone to enjoy. Look through our shop at the large number of puzzles and games.

• There's plenty of parking behind the Working Men's Club - if you're coming from Wellington turn left into Hastwell St (by Cuckoo Cafe). Simply walk along the side of the Club and you'll come out right on the Main St.
• Greytown still produces fruit and veges – take your pick from roadside sellers.
• The historic Cobblestones Village Museum includes coaching stables, Wairarapa’s first church, a settlers cottage, a vintage printing works and a country school.
• Take a glimpse at the history of the Papawai Marae here.

• The Soldiers Memorial Park in Kuratawhiti Street includes a playground, swimming pool, camp ground plus bush walks.