[Pulsarblu]

Yep, I went to the Wairarapa region twice actually.

The first time, I drove there with some family members on their visit to NZ. We visited the vineyards and do some walks which are really nice. Also drove around the region taking in the sights and wind and sun.

The second time, I took the train from Welly. This time I went alone. The train is more comfotable than driving. For driving you have to pass thru the Rimutaka hill road which is dangerous for drivers who is not familiar with windly steep bends. Also some other drivers are simply crazy and seems to take the roads as race tracks. Anyway I like the train ride, took about 1.5 hours. If you are doing a day trip it is worth while to get the Wairarapa explorer ticket. It is $15 return. Other wise I think it is $14 each way. I did a day trip to Masterton and went to the Queen E. park to chill out, read a book and have my own picnic. Because I went on Wellington Anniversary, most shops are closed except for NW of course. You can rent a bike and explore further out field from Happy Valley Cycles. Also worth visiting is the museum at Masterton.

If interested, you can also stop along the train route to Featherson, I saw many people got off so must be quite interesting, I will do that in the next trip.

Cheers.
Alex