Graytown Attractions
20km southwest of Masterton is Graytown (pop. 1,800), once the center of the fertile Wairarapa area (fruit growing, vegetables). The township was founded by small farmers in 1854 and named after Governor George Gray, who had supported the Small Farm Association in its efforts to help workers on the land own their own holdings.
The dense primeval forest was cleared for cultivation, but because of the unpredictable nature of the Waiohine River the railroad was built at some distance from Graytown and the town's development was brought to a halt.
The dense primeval forest was cleared for cultivation, but because of the unpredictable nature of the Waiohine River the railroad was built at some distance from Graytown and the town's development was brought to a halt.
Papawai Marae
The Papawai Marae, the main stronghold in the 1890s of the Kotahitanga movement that fought vehemently for self-government for the Maoris. Discussions were held here between the government and representatives of the Maoris. Subsequently the movement was absorbed into the Young Maori Party. The carvings round the marae face inwards, not outwards as was usual. A small Maori house that belonged to the tohunga (priest) still stands.
Waiohine Gorge
20km northwest of Greytown, on the edge of Tararua Forest Park, is the wild Waiohine Gorge. For the more adventurous there are trails from here up to Mount Omega (1182m) and Mount Holdsworth (1474m).
