Greytown

Greytown, Wairarapa, New Zealand - a popular weekend getaway for people wanting a relaxed, friendly place, with plenty to enjoy. Only one hour from downtown Wellington and twelve minutes drive to Martinborough's world renowned vineyards. New Zealand's first planned inland town, historical Greytown has the most complete main street of original Victorian wooden architecture in New Zealand. It is the oldest town in the Wairarapa and was for a long time considered to be the region's capital. Governor Grey bought land from the Maori to establish Greytown in 1853 for the Small Farms Association. The town is named after him. A wooden statue of Governer Grey, carved by local artist Harry Watson, stands outside the Town Hall. The recent removal of overhead power lines in the main street, and the addition of very elegant victorian style street lamps has allowed the beauty of the historic architecture to be fully appreciated. Greytown is home to Cobblestones, Wairarapa's regional early settlers museum which is a fitting tribute to those early settlers, and to Greytown's one-time status as the province's main centre. Greytown is loved for its mature trees (Arbor day was first celebrated in New Zealand here in 1890), its friendly village atmosphere, excellent services including education facilities from kindergarten and primary, through to secondary, deli-cafes, restaurants and its fascinating collection of craft, gift and antique shops.