96 Main Street, Greytown-Tawaha, South Wairarapa

Greytown

Greytown was New Zealand's first planned inland town. It was bypassed by the railway and little development took place between 1920 and 1970. Consequentially there are many fine examples of colonial architecture set among the trees which have resulted from a planting tradition which dates back to New Zealand's first Arbor Day in 1890. The small town (population about 2,000) claims to have the most complete main street of Victorian architecture in the country. It was named after Governor Sir George Grey, who arranged for the land to be bought from local Maori Nearby Papawai Pa is a centre of Maori culture in the Wairarapa. In the late 19th century it was the focus of Kotahitanga, the Maori parliament movement.

The galleries, shops and café's along the main street of Greytown serve 'Weekenders' from Wellington as do a fine selection of B&Bs - many in delightful settings.

With its colonial architecture and laid-back cafe culture, Greytown, in the Wairarapa, has become one of the most stylish and relaxed country towns in New Zealand. Greytown was settled in 1854. It was the first planned inland town in the country. A gentle stroll along Main Street with its well preserved architecture, galleries, antique shops and cafes should charm even the most jaded traveller. The wooden two-storey buildings that line Greytown's centre are classic Kiwiana and the town boasts an abundance of colourfully painted colonial cottages and villas.

The White Swan hotel is one of Main Street's landmark buildings and takes its name from a famous shipwreck. In 1862 the SS White Swan was holed on a rock off the Wairarapa coast. Captain Allen Harper took desperate measures that saved his passengers and avoided disrup- tion to the expanding colony, when he deliberately ran his ship aground on Waiorongo beach. His actions saved the lives of many leading lawmakers, administrators and politicians of the day, who were sailing to Wellington for the first general assembly ever held away from the then capital Auckland. Lying as it does at the centre of the region, Greytown makes a great base from which to explore other parts of the Wairarapa.

Until the end of the nineteenth century it was the region’s main settlement and those wanting to soak up some local history and culture should visit the Cobblestones Early Settlers Museum and the nearby Papawai Marae. A good starting point for any visitor would be the i-point, a wonder of touch screen technology, next to the library on Main street. It faces the wrong way, unfortunately, so at certain times of day the sun can make it hard to see what's on-screen. Next to it is a map of historic Greytown which makes it easy to take your own tour of the town’s historic and architectural highlights. If you decide to stay awhile, you’ll be pleased by the wide variety of accommodation on offer. Whether you're looking for a friendly homestay,colonial cottage or boutique hotel, Greytown has them all.

Wairarapa has a growing reputation amongst gastronomic travellers as a region where good food and fine local wines combine with natural beauty and country charm. Greytown is a place that can satisfy the stomach as well as the soul, offering the visitor everything from the indulgence of a great meal at the popular Main Street Deli to the country simplicity of freshly picked fruits bought at one of its colourful roadside stalls.

Greytown also boasts some of the region’s uniquely individual and relaxed shopping experiences, ranging from contemporary chic to coun- try antique. It's easy to forget that this country retreat is little more than an hour from the bright lights and city bustle of Wellington. On high days and holidays, Greytown can get busy, so be warned: sometimes you might have to wait a little longer for that latte. Whether you’re planning a great day out or intending to stay and explore the Wairarapa, Greytown makes for a great stop on your travel itinerary.

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