Wairarapa

A good place to see kiwis and kaka (bush parrot), and plenty of other native birds. Inside the kiwi house is Manukura, the only white-feathered kiwi in the world!

A full sized working model of an astronomical stone circle, like Stonehenge, constructed from modern materials, opened in February 2005. Guided tours take place on weekends and holidays but you need to book in advance.

Home to H199, the only remaining Fell locomotive in the world and one of six Fell locomotives that worked the Rimutaka Incline between Wellington and Wairarapa for 77 years (1878-1955). Make sure you go under the locomotive to see the four wheels that gripped onto the third centre rail and helped the train climb the incline. Also on display is a fully-restored Fell brakevan, plus photos, video footage and memorabilia from the Incline's operating days.

One of New Zealand's best examples of badlands erosion, these earth pillars tower above the Putangirua Stream. Part of the Paths of the Dead sequence from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was filmed here. The Pinnacles lookout is a 90-minute return walk from the carpark and DOC campsite.

The southernmost point of the North Island (it's further south than Blenheim in the South Island). Climb the 258 steps up to the red-and-white-striped Cape Palliser Lighthouse (1897) for magnificent views along the coast and across Cook Strait to the South Island. Look out for the North Island's largest fur seal colony on the coastal rocks along the road to the lighthouse.

Wairarapa's only paintball field with 3 epic playing areas, bunkers, trenches and tunnels. Low Impact Kids paintball available. By appointment only.