Featherston

Featherston accommodation opens the Wairarapa at the foot of the Remutaka hill, first town on the road and rail line out of the capital.

Cyclists ride the old incline route over the range from here, and the shallow southern edge of Lake Wairarapa draws birdwatchers down the road. A holiday home or cottage makes an unfussy base for either. The town carries a heavy military history from the First World War camp that stood on its outskirts.