Wairarapa Business Information and Conferences

The Wairarapa is beginning to pack some real clout as one of New Zealand's premium wine-making regions, so it's no surprise that much of the region's business development has taken place in the viticulture, tourism and hospitality industries. That's good news for those searching for a boutique conference and meeting destination that is handy to a major airport, has rail and air charter links, offers all the latest business services, and also boasts some of the country's finest wine and food.

Wairarapa takes in five main townships – Featherston, Carterton, Greytown, Martinborough and Masterton, and these service the surrounding agriculture, horticulture and viticulture sectors. While Masterton is the region's commercial heart, there are plenty of options for conference and corporate retreat venues throughout Wairarapa, from charming country houses and upmarket lodges ideal for smaller management meetings, to larger hotels and purpose-built conference venues featuring state-of-the-art facilities.

A big bonus for conference planners – and delegates too – are the acclaimed wineries of Masterton and Martinborough. When a touch of rest and recreation is needed, or a break from business planning, the area's fine vineyard cafés offer plenty of choice. Many wineries are clustered around the historic wine village of Martinborough, and easily toured by foot. Local operators can also plan a guided gourmet wine and food adventure, or drop by the Martinborough Wine Centre, in the heart of the village, to try the superb range of Wairarapa wines.

If physical activity or teambuilding events are on the conference menu, Wairarapa's rivers, hills, forest parks and beautiful coast lend themselves well to outdoor adventure. The stunning coastal areas at Castlepoint, Riversdale and Cape Palliser offer fishing, swimming, surfing and native wildlife, or head into the Wairarapa countryside for a host of teambuilding opportunities including heritage trails, hiking, abseiling, jetboating, quad and mountain biking, 4WD safaris, horse treks, hot-air balloon adventures or a tour of the local limestone caverns.

For a change of pace, there are some quirky country golf courses to enjoy, or hire some clubs and tackle the 18 hole course at Martinborough Golf Club. You could also consider a day at the races country-style. The Wairarapa Racing Club holds three race meetings a year in November, January and February at Featherston's historic Tauherenikau Racecourse.

If you're planning a conference or business event over the peak spring/summer season, be mindful that Wairarapa is traditionally busy in the third weekend of November, when the region's annual Toast Martinborough festival draws a crowd of thousands. Wings Over Wairarapa, a biennial celebration of vintage aircraft held in January (next in 2011), is also hugely popular, so be sure to do your planning well in advance of peak times. 

Accommodation & Event Planning
For more details of accommodation, events and leisure activities contact:
GO Wairarapa, 316 Queen Street, Masterton, phone 06 370 0900, www.wairarapanz.com

Order your free Jasons Lower North Island Routeplanner, Jasons Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and Jasons Business Traveller Directory at www.jasons.com/guides now.