Take '''State Highway 2''': it passes right through the Wairarapa from the Woodville junction to Featherston, and over the Rimutaka Hill to the Hutt Valley.
From Palmerston North, take State Highway 3 via the Manawatu Gorge. This joins to State Highway 2 at Woodville in Northern Wairarapa. An alternative route is the 'Pahiatua Track' (actually a fairly good sealed road).
There is a regular morning and afternoon train service to and from Wellington known as the '''Wairarapa Connection'''. Primarily for commuters to Wellington from the Wairarapa, it runs seven days a week with at least one service each way morning and afternoon. Purchase tickets at the station ticket office (if there is one open) or on the train. There are no reserved seats but there is a luggage compartment and bicycles can be carried. The train stops at ''Featherston'', ''Woodside'' (for Greytown), ''Matarawa'', ''Carterton'' and at 3 stations in ''Masterton''.
A car is probably a good idea if you intend to get out of town. Though the country is reasonably flat so bicycling is practical for short distances.
Martinborough is a small wine-growing area. There are several ''wine and food'' festivals throughout the year.