There’s big news for our region—Lonely Planet has named Wairarapa’s stargazing, food and wine experiences among the top 25 travel experiences on the planet for 2026.
Even better, it’s the only New Zealand experience to make the list.
Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s annual guide to where to go and what to experience in the year ahead, and this year it’s shining a bright light on Wairarapa. The award will be officially presented at a global launch event in London’s National Portrait Gallery
in November.
Lonely Planet described Wairarapa as “not just an after-hours destination” – a place where you can enjoy fine food, boutique shopping, and outdoor adventures by day, then step outside at night to see one of the clearest skies on Earth.
As one of only 22 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, and arguably the most accessible, Wairarapa offers a range of stargazing options with the comforts of civilisation close by. Thanks to our proximity to Wellington, it’s the perfect place to enjoy starry skies with world-class hospitality.
Destination Wairarapa Chair Roger Wigglesworth says the recognition is something the whole region can be proud of. “To be featured alongside experiences like rafting the Grand Canyon or tracking elephants in Namibia is incredible,” he said. “From daylight to starlight, you can explore our villages and vineyards, then marvel at the stars – all so close to Wellington.”
Martinborough is ideally situated in the Dark Sky Reserve, with Under the Stars offering private mobile stargazing tours that allow visitors to discover the stories and science behind the stars above. Add to that the range of local vineyards and restaurants like The Runholder, along with accommodation options such as The Martinborough Hotel and Parehua Resort, and it’s clear why the world has taken notice.
With Lonely Planet’s huge international reach, this recognition will put Wairarapa – and Martinborough – firmly on the map for travellers.
