Kiwis and tourists should be treating the Wairarapa less as a stopover and more of a destination, according to Lonely Planet’s new guide, which is urging people to pair wining and dining with unrivalled stargazing before the crowds start to catch on.

The region’s unique day-and-night offering has just been named by the travel media company as one of the world’s most coveted experiences to try in 2026 - and it’s the only one in New Zealand to make the list.

Destination Wairarapa chief executive Anna Nielson said being chosen by Lonely Planet for its publication “is like winning the Oscars for travel”.

“We are over the moon,” she told the Herald.

Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel guide features 50 of its editors’ top destinations and experiences for its loyal reader base to consider visiting or trying in the new year.

Wairarapa was highlighted for its boutique cafe and restaurant scene, as well as premier wineries that produce some of the “finest” red varieties in the country.

The Wairarapa is the only New Zealand entry in Lonely Planet’s 2026 list of must-try experiences. Photo / Mike Heydon
The Wairarapa is the only New Zealand entry in Lonely Planet’s 2026 list of must-try experiences. Photo / Mike Heydon

The Wairarapa’s rare status as an International Dark Sky Reserve - officially accredited in 2023 to become Aotearoa’s largest - has only deepened understanding of its tranquil beauty come nightfall, when the Milky Way and Southern Sky light up in such a way few city dwellers will have seen.

Being chosen by Lonely Planet only reaffirms that the Wairarapa is worth travelling to, Neilson said.

“It acknowledges the special combination of both day and night-time experiences here. As we say, our regional stars aren’t only in our skies - they’re in our villages, cafes and restaurants and our vineyards too.”

The accolade centres the region - approximately one hours’ drive from Wellington - alongside other world-class experiences such as hiking and freedom camping through Tajikstan, exploring the food scene of Old Dubai and following African elephants through the Namibian desert.

The exposure Lonely Planet’s guide gives “is simply priceless”, Neilson said.

“It reflects the hard work by many to establish our region as a sought-after wine and food destination, with the added draw of a magnificent dark sky.”

The Wairarapa region’s status as an International Dark Sky Reserve has only deepened the appeal brought by its world-class wine and dining scene. Photo / Daniel Rood
The Wairarapa region’s status as an International Dark Sky Reserve has only deepened the appeal brought by its world-class wine and dining scene. Photo / Daniel Rood

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston found it “wonderful” to have the region and its people recognised in the high-profile publication.

“I encourage New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike to travel to the Wairarapa and visit this unique attraction,” Upston said.

The North Island as a whole was named among one of 25 must-visit destinations, with destination editor for Oceania Jessica Lockhart describing Te Ika-a-Māui as the place “to see regenerative tourism in action, with Māori tour operators leading the way”.

“Both destinations reflect what Lonely Planet has always believed – travel should be about connecting across cultures, uplifting local communities and supporting local businesses.”

Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.