Carterton has traditionally been a stopping off place, originally known as Three Mile Bush, it was founded in 1857 to house men working on the road between Greytown and Masterton. Today it has become a destination in it’s own right as home of Paua World, a base for hot-air ballooning and as an access point for the recently opened astronomy centre Stonehenge Aotearoa.
Just outside the township experience the Waiohine Gorge swing bridge and the Parkvale Mushroom Factory.
Carterton offers a tapas bar, Turkish restaurant, bakery/café, steak house and even a café designed especially for children! Stay over at rustic cottages, motel and campground accommodation.
Close to Carterton find Gladstone, home of the Scarecrow Festival, New Zealand’s only full-time wheelwright and several vineyards open for tasting. Find a unique wetland reserve, glow-worms, English-style gardens and great swimming holes. Relax at the riverside pub or vineyard café, stay over at retreat, vineyard or farmstay accommodation.
Click on a town or region to discover what makes the Wairarapa unique.
