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Wairarapa’s stargazing, food, and wine have been named among the world’s top 25 travel experiences for 2026 by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel — the only New Zealand experience to make the list.
Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s annual celebration of destinations and experiences for the year ahead. The 2026 edition, launching on Wednesday, October 22, highlights Wairarapa’s stargazing, food, and wine among 50 essential picks worldwide. A global launch event will be held at London’s National Portrait Gallery on Wednesday, November 5, where the award will be presented.
Lonely Planet describes Wairarapa as not “just an after-hours destination” but a place where both day and night offer unforgettable experiences. By day, visitors can enjoy award-winning food and wine, boutique shopping, outdoor adventures, and charming towns. By night, they can look to the stars under some of the clearest skies on Earth or join guided tours led by expert local astronomers.
As one of only 22 International Dark Sky Reserves worldwide — and among the most accessible — Wairarapa provides a range of stargazing options within easy reach of high-quality hospitality. Just an hour’s scenic drive or train ride from Wellington, it offers world-class starry skies alongside vineyards, villages, and country charm.
Destination Wairarapa chair Roger Wigglesworth says the recognition puts the region firmly on the global stage.
“Being selected for this prestigious list is a remarkable achievement, especially alongside experiences such as rafting the Grand Canyon and tracking elephants in Namibia,” Roger says.
“From daylight to starlight, you can explore our villages and vineyards, then marvel at the stars — all of it easily accessible from Wellington.”
Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston has congratulated Wairarapa on the accolade.
“It’s wonderful to see Go Stargazing Wairarapa recognised alongside so many overseas attractions,” Upston says.
“I encourage New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike to travel to the Wairarapa and experience this unique attraction.”
For more than 50 years, Lonely Planet has been one of the world’s most trusted travel resources, inspiring millions of travellers through its guidebooks, website, digital content, and social media.
In Australia and New Zealand, Lonely Planet’s 2025 Best in Travel campaign generated nearly 150 media stories across television, radio, print, and online, reaching more than 53 million people through print coverage alone.
