A diverse range of events will showcase the Wairarapa’s wine and food, arts and crafts and heartland rugby this Wellington Anniversary weekend (January 23- 25). 

“This is one action packed weekend and perfect for people wanting to get out of Wellington for a few days and experience all the different things the Wairarapa has to offer,” said Destination Wairarapa marketing manager Barb Hyde.  

Bookending the long weekend is the Greytown Arts Festival, which will see the streets come alive with music, performance, arts and crafts. The Festival will showcase visual and performing artists from Wairarapa and further a field while free music, street performances and tours of the historic town’s parks and gardens will also be available. The highlight of themusic programme is the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, who will play a sold out concert at the Kuranui College Performing Arts Centre (Te Whare o Moroa) on Saturday 23 January. Additional music events include a chamber concert by The Amazon Trio and an American Blues Night. The Lego Building Competition and display of Lego creations is sure to be a hit with the kids who may also enjoy spotting which urban structures and historic trees have been ‘tagged’ with graffiti knitting. For more information visitwww.greytownartsfestival.co.nz

Heartland rugby will be alive and kicking on Saturday afternoon when the small Northern Wairarapa town of Mangatainoka hosts the Hurricanes and the Blues in a pre-season Super 14 match. Being held at the Mangatainoka Rugby Football Club grounds, right beside Tui Brewery, the sold-out game will see over 8700 rugby fans keen to enjoy an old-fashioned afternoon of sport complete with New Zealand rugby greats Sir Brian Lochore and Colin Meads and rugby commentator Keith Quinn. 

If aviation is more your thing, why not take in the Joyous Noel WW1 Air Display on the same afternoon in Masterton (from 4.30pm until 7pm with gates opening at 3pm). There will be steam traction rides available as well as other entertainment on the day. Adults $20pp, children under 17 $10pp, families $50. For more information phone Sara Randle on 021 311 606. 

Those with a penchant for wine and food will also be well catered for on Saturday during the Meandering Vineyard Lunch. Four family owned Martinborough wineries –  

Croft Wines, Coney Wines, Julicher Estate and Te Hera Estate - will share their experiences and passion for wine and the region. This is a day of experiencing the

ambience of the vineyard together with a sumptuous selection of food. Starting by bus in the Martinborough Square at 10.30am and returning at 5pm. Tickets are $135pp and available from the vineyards or Wineseeker, 86-96 Victoria St, Wellington 

For those just wanting to chill out, enjoy the scenery and test themselves against nature why not enter the Lake Ferry Fishing Competition. Starting at 9am on Saturday, the competition boasts best fish prizes and great spot prizes. Tickets are available from 7am at Lake Ferry and Whangimoana. Costs: senior $20, junior $5 per rod.   

For more information about other events happening in the region this Wellington Anniversary weekend or during the rest of the summer visit www.wairarapanz.com.