Things to Do in Masterton

• Zest Wairarapa
  Masterton will host New Zealand's newest taste sensation on the 22 January 2006. A celebration of the region, Zest Wairarapa will feature beer, wine, food and local music. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
• Aratoi Museum
  Wairarapa's Museum of Art and History is a focal point for local history, travelling exhibitions and performance arts.
• Queen Elizabeth Park
  The town's 32ha park has beautiful gardens and trees, a miniature train, paddleboats, a flying fox, children's playground, mini golf and a bird aviary.
• Golden Shears
  This annual shearing competition draws contestants from all over the world to prove their finesse and speed at shearing. There are also wool handling competitions. Held during the first week of March.
• Henley Lake
  Watersports such as sailing, rafting, rowing, fishing and windsurfing are enjoyed on Henley Lake on the Waipoua riverbank.
• Castlepoint
  East of Masterton, this beautiful beach provides safe swimming and plenty of walking tracks.
• Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
  30km north of Masterton, the centre has a kiwi house, tuatara (native reptiles) and large aviaries. The outdoor reserves are home to some of New Zealand's most endangered birds and wildlife.
• Tararua Forest Park
  This lovely park has swimming, picnic and camping areas and a range of walks through beautiful virgin forest. A resident conservation officer has information about walks in the area, which range from easy family tracks to challenging multi-day hikes.