Wairarapa Destinations

Aunt Ginger’s Kitchen

It’s sweet, it’s savoury, it’s seasonal and it’s every bit terrific. Owners Kirsten Berry and Sarah Webster create moments of connection through food in this meticulously curated and welcoming space.Try, do, the deluxe (local) mushroom roll. Save space for a cake. Finom-enal!

Brac & Bow at The Royal Hotel

Local service, local produce; food you know done well. This restaurant and bar in Featherston’s historic hotel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner: they do it all. Our own literary Queen, Joy Cowley, dined royally recently. It’s got to be good.

Cool Change Bar & Eatery

In the beginning, it was the post office. Now times have changed. This plum corner spot on the town square has a much-loved menu inspired by the classics, but there’s a big nod to modernity (rather like the name itself) plus as much local produce as possible.

Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery

You can, truly, bank on Karahui. It used to be the BNZ; now it commands equally bankable status as Karahui (which means ‘to come together, gather and meet’). So do just that here on the main square, and soak up the superb hospitality and memorable menu.

Mesita

Mesita may mean ‘small table’ but the tastes here are colossal. Head chef and co-owner Hayden Gibbes delivers big on a cool and inspired Latin American menu that changes weekly. They love to keep things local: all wines are from Martinborough unless labelled otherwise.

Moy Hall

Oenophiles will be over the moon at this sweet little venue – a Scottish longhouse – set amidst the vineyards. There’s a small but spectacular lunch menu which tastes all the better enjoyed in the courtyard under a sun umbrella. Cycle out to the vineyard so you can make the most of it. Life is good.

St Sebastian

The pale blue facade of this ex-Freemason headquarters attracts attention and the restaurant does not disappoint. The theatre of an open kitchen is equal to the architecture and the aim is to connect people through delivering the best ingredients the region has to offer, all given the heavenly touch. Praise be.

The Captain’s Dining Room – White Swan Hotel

The business-class section of the White Swan Hotel. Here, first-rate examples of the best ingredients the region has to offer are showcased. It would be difficult indeed to bypass the local fave: the Palliser Ridge lamb backstrap. Paired, perforce, with a Martinborough pinot noir.

The Screening Room

This eatery is alongside a cinema so you can order from a special menu and pass on the popcorn as you take in the action on the big screen. Or visit for brunch, lunch or dinner without a show. The seasonal menu strikes a balance between local and global.

Union Square Bistro & Bar

A British chef with a Michelin-star history doing French-style bistro with finesse in the Wairarapa. And why not? This is Adam Newell (ex-Zibibbo, Wellington) who continues to produce memorable tricks in the Martinborough Hotel. You are so very safe in his capable hands.

We’d love to know about your favourite spots.
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