Located just an hour’s drive from Wellington is the ruggedly beautiful Wairarapa. With its friendly small towns and gourmet food options, it offers city slickers a welcome respite from the concrete jungle. From wide open plains to craggy coastline, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a little time with nature. Whether you prefer to cycle, hike or simply take in the scenery while on a road trip, the great outdoors beckon.

The town of Martinborough also happens to be the epicentre of the local wine industry, where mostly family-owned wineries produce some of the best pinot noir wines in the country. Or you can keep kids entertained in Masterton, where they can spend hours exploring the fabulous Queen Elizabeth Park.