MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Wairarapa Prepares For Eclectic Easter Weekend

Vintage cars, vintage crafts, a farmers market and seeing New Zealand’s top comedians in a vineyard setting will greet visitors to the Wairarapa this long Easter weekend.

Destination Wairarapa marketing manager Barb Hyde says the region is preparing for an influx of visitors with these key events on. They include the North Island Car Rally being hosted by the Wairarapa Vintage Car Club; the New Rags Market which will be held at the Solway Showgrounds to sit alongside the Car Rally’s Show and Shine Day; Comedy in the Vines which features comedians from TV3's 7 Days: Michele A'Court, Steve Wrigley and Jeremy Elwood; and the final Wharekauhau Wine & Food Society Market at Te Kairanga vineyard in Martinborough.

“The Wairarapa is always a popular destination for visitors at Easter time due to our settled weather and variety of things to do,” says Barb. “This Easter visitors to the region will also be able to enjoy an eclectic range of events that cater to all members of the family.”

On Saturday March 30, Gladstone Vineyard will host Comedy in the Vines featuring comedians from TV3's 7 Days: Michele A'Court, Steve Wrigley and Jeremy Elwood.

This event follows in the footsteps of Gladstone’s previously successful events, Summer Shakespeare and the Topp Twins. Christine Kernohan of Gladstone Vineyard says visitors can purchase delicious food or bring their own picnic. Due to licensing, visitors can’t bring alcohol onto the site but wine, beer, coffee and soft drinks will be available to buy.

Visitors are also encouraged to bring rugs, cushions and/or low chairs as there is no allocated seating. Gates will open at 4pm and the show will start at 5.30pm. Tickets are available from Dash Tickets.

Over 100 vintage car rally enthusiasts will descend on the Wairarapa this weekend for the annual North Island Car Rally. The three day event will see a range of vehicles that date between 1908 and 1978 take to the region’s scenic rural roads.

The event will feature a competitive car rally that tests drivers on their driving ability and navigation skills while Sunday’s Car Show at the Masterton Show Grounds will be open to the public for a $2 gold coin donation and feature an old fashioned Show & Shine. There will also be Gymkhana events, which are comprised of individual and team tests of driving skills over and around obstacle courses (10am – 12pm).

In addition the popular New Rags Market will be held under the grandstand with a wide variety of stalls offering visitors wonderful crafts and vintage goodies. Organiser Abbie McCall says there will also be a vintage stylist offering hair and makeup tips and products to ensure people can enjoy the full theme of the day. Food and locally roasted coffee will also be available.

On Sunday, Te Kairanga Vineyard in Martinborough will host the final Wharekauhau Wine & Food Society Market for the summer with proceeds generated by hosting the market, donated to the Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Visitors to the region should also stop in at Greytown based Chocolate Studio Schoc, who are celebrating 10 years in business, to sample its new line-up of special edition Easter treats including Schoc’s funky arty eggs.

Whilst there, they can also taste Schoc’s range that includes tablets, truffles, moulded and dipped chocolates. Schoc features over 85 flavours with the top three being chilli/lime, sea salt and lemon and white. Flavourings are organic and where possible sourced locally.

For more information on these events visit www.wairarapanz.com or www.newragsmarket.co.nz

ENDS

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