Given its relative geographical isolation (thanks to the Tararua Ranges), Masterton was not settled to any great degree until the late 1850s, but with rich fertile soils and a favourable climate, when settlement came, growth was rapid. Today, the town is the chief commercial centre for the Wairarapa Region. Masterton also gives Te Kuiti in the Waikato (the ‘sheep-shearing capital of New Zealand’) a run for its money in the big woolly event stakes. The Golden Shears is the major date in the local young farmers’ calendar and offers moderate fame and fortune to the fastest clipper around. It is held at the beginning of March, lasts about four days and ends with a dinner and cabaret.
Also within walking distance of the VIC (I-Site) and town centre is the much-loved and celebrated Queen Elizabeth Park. First planted in 1878, today it boasts a lake (with boats for hire), sports grounds, a miniature railway, swing bridge, aviaries, a deer park and the usual tracts of manicured herbaceous borders. A little further out of town, on Colombo Road, is Henley Park, with lakes offering fishing and lakeside walks.
Masterton has a number of interesting gardens and Heritage Trail Walks (one to two hours) which are part of an eight-walk Regional Heritage Trail. Information and leaflets for all can be obtained from the VIC (I-Site). If you are a budget traveller, or simply a little tired from your endless travels, be sure to check out the bronze statue and charming story of Russian Jack, the erstwhile Wairarapa ‘swag’ man, on Queen Street.
For recreational walks the Mount Holdsworth area offers access to the Tararua Range with short and long walk options. Details are outlined at the car park. To get there take Norfolk Road just south of the town (17 km).
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