Longbush Cottage Pizza Night
Friday 16th January 2026
Free, relaxed, and very delicious. Once a month through the warmer months we host Pizza Night at Longbush Cottage with our friends at Roving Pizza — masters of wood-fired Napoletana pies made with long, slow-fermented dough and top-notch ingredients. Pair yours with a glass from our licensed bar and settle in among the flowers.
Pizza Night at Longbush has become a favourite way to unwind and connect with local friends and family — authentic, easy, and outdoors. We’re a short drive from Martinborough, Carterton, and Greytown.
For further information, please click on the website link below.
Time: 4.30pm - 9.00pm
Price: No tickets required - pay on consumption
Where: Longbush Cottage, 1023 Longbush Road, RD 4, Masterton
Website: www.longbushcottage.co.nz
Astrophotography Masterclass: Capture the Southern Sky
Friday 16th January 2026
Spend an evening under one of the world’s finest dark skies and learn how to photograph the Milky Way, constellations and deep-sky objects. This immersive masterclass is designed for curious explorers, hobby photographers and anyone who has ever looked up and wished they could capture what they saw.
Your instructor is an experienced astro-educator, and you’ll be taken step by step through the art and science of night-sky photography with DSLR or mirrorless cameras. You’ll learn how to focus at infinity, choose the best camera settings, build compositions under the Milky Way, and work with RAW files, noise control and exposure strategy. You’ll photograph live star fields and leave with images you can genuinely be proud of.
No astronomy expertise or prior astrophotography experience is required — just your curiosity. Bring a camera and tripod if you have them, but if not, you can still attend, learn from telescope-linked imaging feeds, and gain the skills and confidence to shoot the cosmos on your own.
Held at Star Safari, right in the Wairarapa dark-sky heartlands, this experience takes place under the same southern skies recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top stargazing destinations. If you’ve ever wanted to try astrophotography, this is the moment, and this is the place.
What you’ll gain:
- Confidence to shoot the night sky
- Proven camera settings and workflow
- Real photos of the Milky Way and southern star fields
- Knowledge you can use anywhere the southern sky is visible
- A rare, premium learning experience under a world-class sky
Perfect for couples, travellers, creatives, astronomy lovers, and anyone who wants a deeper connection to the night.
Spaces are limited to keep the experience personal.
Time: 7.00pm
Price: $185.00. Phone 021 269 2908 to purchase tickets.
Where: Star Safari Observatory, 1169 Ponatahi Road, Carterton
Website: www.star-safari.nz
Colossal Squid - Freaky Features
Friday 16th - Sunday 18th January 2026
The ever-popular Te Papa exhibition Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua opens at Cobblestones on 11th December 2025 and runs through until 1st February 2026. The Exhibition is free but standard venue admission fees apply.
The Colossal Squid is so rarely seen that only eight adult colossal squid have ever been scientifically reported. Now venue name, in co-operation with Te Papa, is set to reveal some of the fascinating science and wonderful secrets of one of New Zealand’s most significant natural history specimens.
Te Papa's Head of Natural History, Phil Edgar, said, “In learning about this weird and mysterious creature, we hope visitors will have a greater appreciation for life in the deep sea, much of which remains undiscovered.”
The Colossal Squid is one of the most iconic specimens at Te Papa, and while touring the complete specimen is impossible, some of the important parts of the squid have found their way to Cobblestones.
Te Papa’s Curator of Invertebrates, Dr Rodrigo Salvador, explains how important the Colossal Squid has been for the science community, and how popular it has been among the public.
“Te Papa’s Colossal Squid has been a major source of information for scientists and the museum’s most popular exhibit since its debut. They live in the deep Antarctic waters, and despite being one of the largest invertebrate species in existence, they are very rarely captured”.
Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua centres around an interactive table displaying many different objects, including the lens from an eye of the Colossal Squid, part of a tentacle, and a complete tiny squid, a miniature of its colossal relative. Touchable rotating models of a squid’s tentacle hook and the Colossal Squid's beak are also on display.
The exhibition also displays two documentaries which show life in the depths of the Southern Ocean, and how the most complete Colossal Squid ever found ended up at Te Papa.
The public can continue the experience and learn beyond the exhibition with a new Te Papa press book for children, Whiti: Colossal Squid of the Deep, and online Te Papa resources, including a free downloadable Colossal Squid Activity Book.
“Thanks to the support of WBS and Te Papa, Cobblestones is delighted to be bringing this fascinating exhibition to Wairarapa during the summer holidays. It’s a must-see exhibition for the young and young at heart to learn about this fascinating creature, its world, and habitat.”
Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua is developed and toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm
Price: Free Admission
Where: Cobblestones Museum & Early Settlers Village, 169 Main Street, Greytown
Website: www.cobblestonesmuseum.org.nz
Greytown Crop Up
Every Saturday
As much as a social gathering event as it is a fresh food market - Crop Up is back for summer every Saturday. Fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, flour, flowers, bread, fish, plants, coffee and brunch!
Its mission: local people buying the best, freshest food from other locals for the health of our bodies, environment, as well as our local economy. It all stacks up, and you get to enjoy brunch and coffee with your friends while you do yourself a healthy favour.
Time: From 9.00am
Price: Free Admission
Where: 102 Main Street, Greytown (just up the driveway)
Alexia Urban Winery
Open Saturday & Sundays (October to March)
Want to do a tasting? We offer the ‘Alexia Experiment’ - a tasting paddle you can purchase with 4 of our still wines (you choose which ones) for a self-guided tasting experience. Visitors have described the ‘Alexia Experiment’ as one of the best things to do in Wairarapa.
We also offer a delicious lunch and snack menu and all our wines can be enjoyed inside the winery amongst the barrels, on our terrace, or purchased to take home.
Enjoy our mural ‘Goodly Creatures’ painted by Cromwell based contemporary figurative artist Jen Olson. It really is something.
Time: 12.00pm - 5.00pm
Price: Free Entry - pay on consumption
Where: Alexia Urban Winery, 197 West Street, Greytown
Website: www.alexia.co.nz
Greytown Sidewalk Sale
Saturday 17th January 2026
The annual Greytown Sidewalk Sale returns on Saturday 17 January, where Greytown’s boutiques put tables and racks outside their stores, with incredible finds and great bargains.
It’s the joy of the find, fuelled by great coffee and delicious local food, chatting with friendly owner-run businesses and discovering pieces you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.
Stroll the charming streets of Greytown, coffee in hand, a bit of cash and a tote bag at the ready and shop at your leisure with plenty of free, close parking.
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Where: Main Street, Greytown
Telescope Mastery
Saturday 17th January 2026
Our Telescope Course is back!
You already own a telescope, but... If you already have a telescope and would like to learn more about how to use it, how to collimate it and any other maintenance they need, what type of eyepieces are the best to buy and any other equipment.
BRING YOUR TELESCOPE ALONG! OR
You don't have a telescope, but... would like to learn how to use one, don't fret! We have 14, and you can learn all about them.
Your instructor: Sam, our resident astrophysicist.
Sam is skilled in explaining the intricacies of telescope operation and makes learning both accessible and engaging. Our course offers hands-on experience with our diverse collection of 14 telescopes, ranging from classic reflectors to sophisticated refractors and versatile catadioptrics.
There's no "but" after our course. You'll know exactly:
- Where to start?
- What to do?
- How to get the best out of your telescope?
- What must you consider if you wish to plunge into deep-sky astrophotography?
You get:
- A collimation cap - no more guesswork on how to collimate your telescope. With this tool, you can keep your telescope sharp.
- Tea and coffee - refreshments.
Bring your lunch and a picnic blanket! We have a spectacular setting at Star Safari Observatory, and we will stop for a lunch break to enjoy our Moon garden and the surroundings.
Take the giant leap; reach for the stars!
At the end of the course, you'll learn all about the types of telescopes available and mounts, attachments, and eyepieces. We cover the whole lot. We have been using telescopes for a long time and now have an excellent range for our public sessions and at our home observatory.
We're not affiliated with retailers, so our advice is unbiased and based on our years of experience with lugging telescopes around the world, maintaining them and using them.
Time: 11.00am - 2.30pm
Price: $150.00. Phone 021 269 2908 to purchase tickets.
Where: Star Safari Observatory, 1169 Ponatahi Road, Carterton
Website: www.star-safari.nz
Garden Bar Live Music - Steve Southern
Saturday 17th January 2026
Summer Nights Sorted!
We’re your local hub, your summer hangout, and the perfect spot for long afternoons in the sunshine. The Garden Bar is officially open — and she’s looking gorgeous.
Time: 5.00pm - 8.30pm
Price: Free Entry - pay on consumption
Where: White Swan Garden Bar, 109 Main Street, Greytown
Website: www.thewhiteswanhotel.co.nz
Greytown Country Market
Sunday 18th January 2026
Market set in a beautiful Park. Stalls offering coffee, BBQ sausages, artisan products, plants, art, crafts, upcycled, recycled, vintage and so much more. All proceeds raised from running the Market go to the Greytown Trails Trust for the maintenance of and future projects on the Greytown Trails
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Price: Free Admission
Where: Stella Bull Park, Main Street Greytown
Alexia Urban Winery - Pizza Nights
Friday 23rd January 2026
On occasional Friday evenings we have a little pizza pop-up with Roving Pizza!
Roving Pizza make beautiful wood-fired Napoletana style pizzas. Fresh spins on authentic Italian flavours with delightfully soft and crunchy bases achieved through a 24-hour dough fermentation process. All handmade, using the best ingredients, cooked in front of you. Delicious!
- Alexia is open from 4.00pm – 8.00pm. Pizzas are available to order 4.15pm – 7.15pm or until we sell out. Cheeseboards, little charcuteries plates and ice-cream are also available. Pizza Nights example menu ishere, (slight topping changes may be made on the night) please note the Pugliese Pizza can be vegan on request.
- No bookings taken – just turn up and find a spot. If the weather is nice we’ll be on the terrace and lawn. If the weather is not so nice we’ll be on the terrace and in the winery (all covered).
- Takeaway pizza is also available, walk-in only - no email/phone orders. You need to turn up to order your pizza. Enjoy a glass of Alexia while you wait, and grab a bottle of something delicious to take home.
- Gluten Free? Apologies but Roving Pizza does not currently offer gluten free pizza bases but our cheeseboards and charcuterie plates can be GF.
- No BYO food/drinks.
- Leashed dogs are ok!
Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm
Price: Free Entry - pay on consumption
Where: Alexia Urban Winery, 197 West Street, Greytown
Website: www.alexia.co.nz
Stallkeepers Greytown Market - Shades at Grays
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th January 2026
Shades at Grays offers beautiful lampshades and stunning wood lamps – inspirational lighting that isn’t available in retail stores. You can find their handcrafted products twice a month at the local Stallkeepers Greytown Market, held in the old town hall at 89 Main Street.
The market is a carefully curated boutique market, with a wide selection of high quality homeware, clothing, jewellery and more.
You can buy Sue’s ready-made lampshades off the stall or order one from a wide range of fabrics and lampshade sizes to perfectly fit your home. Update a floor stand, brush off your favourite lamp base or add an eye-catching ceiling shade. Life’s too short for boring lampshades!
JB’s wood lamps are stunning, crafted from timber that resonates with New Zealand’s past. Each lamp is unique and each has a journey that begins more than 100 years ago, and which is described in an individual story that accompanies each piece. The finish is so gorgeous you won’t be able to resist touching them!
Visit the market or shop our lampshades and lamps online at shadesatgrays.co.nz
Time: 9.30am - 3.00pm
Price: Free Admission
Where: Greytown Town Hall, 89 Main Street, Greytown - click here for future market dates
Website: www.shadesatgrays.co.nz
Greytown Heritage House & Garden Tour
Sunday 8th February 2026
If you’re looking for another reason to head to Greytown over Waitangi Weekend, we’ve got one!
Discover historic homes and timeless beauty with the Greytown Heritage House & Garden Tour on Sunday 8 February 2026. This event is a fundraiser for the restoration of Greytown's historic Kōuka Cottage (c.1860) at Stella Bull Park, 113 Main St. This important renovation will be a notable further achievement in fostering Greytown's architectural heritage and rich social history.
Our friends at the Greytown Heritage Trust have released tickets for their much-loved Waitangi Weekend Tour, and we think it makes a beautiful gift - or a fantastic excursion for yourself over summer. Spend a glorious summer’s day wandering through nine distinctive Greytown homes and gardens, each lovingly cared for by owners committed to preserving the town’s heritage.
The spacious, self-guided route means you can explore at your own relaxed pace. Along the way, enjoy three delightful stops: a new country café serving delicious baking and view of the Tararuas, a relaxed Waiohine barbecue, and a charming fête filled with perennials, handmade crafts and homegrown treats. Expect Devonshire teas, Wairarapa rosé, bubbles and bunting.
Tickets are limited and selling quickly. This promises to be a truly special Greytown weekend. Book now.
Time: 10.00pm - 4.30pm
Price: $95.00 (plus fees) - click here to purchase a ticket
Where: Self guided tour
Website: www.greytownheritagetrust.co.nz
Wairarapa Balloon Festival 2026
Thursday 2nd - Monday 6th April 2026
The Wairarapa Balloon Festival takes place over Easter, which makes it the perfect mini break for the family. Extend your stay, and explore the wonderful things that our region has to offer.
Full programme coming soon - keep an eye out on the Balloon Festival website below.
In the meantime book your accommodation and plan your journey with ASURE Oak Estate Motor Lodge for Easter 2026 - click here to book.
Website: www.nzballoons.co.nz
Pure Massage
Open 7 Days
Pure Massage, originally established in Martinborough in 2023, has now opened a beautiful new studio here in Greytown.
Choose from a wide range of treatments, including traditional Thai, deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stone, relaxation massage, facials, and back–neck–shoulder or foot massage.
Booking is simple through their website, or you can email them directly. Gift vouchers are available online, or you can call 027 324 9595 to arrange a Pure Massage Gift Card for pickup.
Treat yourself and make a relaxing massage part of your Wairarapa holiday experience.
Time: 9.00am - 7.00pm
Price: Click here to view the prices - bookings are highly recommended
Where: Thai Massage, 92 Main Street, Greytown
Email: bookings@puremassage.co.nz
Website: www.puremassage.co.nz