Picturesque Castlepoint offers gurnard, kahawai and blue cod in good numbers and its also possible to get kingfish and groper. With a good holiday park right by the beach with a range of accommodation options, go on a fishing trip with mates or have a mini family break.

The Ruamahanga River has plenty of access points to 100 km of trout fishing water with a large population of brown trout and a growing population of rainbow trout. There’s plenty of tracks and reserves to use as a base point. Downstream below the Tuhitarata Bridge, salmon are occasionally caught and some of the best perch fishing is found here with fish weighing up to 2kg caught.

A day out at Lake Ferry can be pretty fun for families or serious anglers, whether or not you get lucky. Park up with a picnic chair and enjoy some lunch while you wait to catch your dinner. It’s well known for its Kahawai and Red Cod fishing all year round, as well as Moki and Snapper. It’s also good for whitebait, during whitebait season, when everyone comes out to have a go with their nets.

Join the commercial fishermen at the fishing village of Ngawi on a nice day and take a boat to take advantage of the large variety of fish which are known to frequent the area. Blue cod, tarakihi and groper are commonly caught. There’s also other seafood like crayfish, kina and paua available. If you’re feeling competitive, don’t forget to enter the annual fishing competition.

This is an ideal, safe place for teaching young kids how to fish as well as having park amenities to enjoy. The man made lake has carp and rainbow trout. It’s also dog friendly and has a playground if not all the children are into fishing. Centrally located, you don’t have to drive far to get here.

Also known for its yummy pizzas, this place has a great ice cream selection. It’s hard to choose a flavour from kiwi favourite Tip Top or the luxury Kapiti ice cream, I suggest grabbing a cone and wandering down the main street to stop and enjoy in the park.

Well known for its generously portioned ice creams, this dairy is the perfect place to stop after coming from a swim at the river. They have the old favourites like goody gum drops as well as Tip Top’s other classic flavours like boysenberry and hokey pokey. Add on some choc dip for an awesome value summer treat.

Enjoy massive cones of refreshing fruit ice cream and even apple slushies in the sun outdoors at Pinehaven Orchards. watch the delicious ice cream being made in front of your eyes with your choice of delicious fruit like kiwifruit, feijoa, pineapple, or strawberry for example. You can also choose from regular ice cream or yoghurt ice cream as the base.

What a classic summer moment - relishing a cool treat at the spectacular Castlepoint beach. The store is based right in front of the beach so you can grab a cone, cross the road, and relax drinking in the fantastic view.

For a great range of cool, creamy fruit ice cream, this place serves up big cones that are sure to satisfy. Mix it up with different fruit or keep it simple, they also have milo flavour for something different. While you’re here why not grab some fresh fruit and vegetables?

The reliable and friendly Kuripuni Takeaways has some good meal deals especially for families. The service is good and there’s plenty of mags to flick through while you wait. It’s pretty popular, especially on a weekend, so call ahead and place your order.

A Friday night favourite, Mac’s has won quite a few awards and is still one of the best places in the region for fish and chips in my books. They serve fresh fish like snapper, warehou and tarakihi, battered or crumbed plus the best crispy yet fluffy inside chips. Close to the park, you can even enjoy your meal in the summer sun in a picturesque settings.

For a bit of a fancy fish and chip dinner, head to Lake Ferry and dine out on the deck, overlooking the lake. They have a great seafood menu with whitebait fritters, paua fritters and pan-fried flounder. The fish and chips are pretty well known so try it at least once.

If you need a little more than just fish and chips, Chop Sticks offers good Chinese and yummy Thai food as well. The sweet and sour pork dish and chop suey is good. t’s also a fully licensed and BYO restaurant if you feel like dining in.

Make your own fish and chips at home with delicious, freshly caught fish from Marconee. They specialise in fresh blue cod and export-quality crayfish for a bit of decadent lunch or even for Christmas lunch. Centrally located, order in the morning and pick up on the way home.

Good atmosphere, drinks specials, and generous and tasty meals make the Trading Co one of the best restaurants in Wairarapa. The herby lamb rack and BBQ sticky ribs are delicious as a mains choices but their gourmet burger menu also offers big, juicy burgers. Whether you’re part of a big group or just want a quiet meal, there’s plenty of space to enjoy a meal.

Salute in Greytown is perfect for a Spanish-style tapas meal. With a central location, enjoy the bustling village from an outdoor seat and graze on tasty tapas like citrus marinated local olives or chargrilled squid with compressed watermelon. The mains are just as delicious and they also serve pizzas - try the blue cheese, bacon & caramelised onion pizza.

Try the fragrant flavours of India at Curry Twist. With a modern setting and friendly staff, try the delicious, perfectly cooked prawn Malabari curry or Goan beef curry. Or if you’re vegetarian, there’s a good selection, including the popular savoury pancake dish, masala dosa. Nice beers and wine on offer including India’s own Kingfisher beer.

As one of the hippest places in town, Strada usually attracts a good crowd, so book ahead for a table. They serve up lots of yummy food like pan-fried Blue cod and juicy steaks and often have a drink special to go with your meal. Don’t forget to take advantage of the movie meal deal, with the neighbouring Regent Cinema and save a few bucks.

Cuckoo serves up yummy stoned baked pizzas that you can enjoy in the sunny courtyard or porch of this vintage townhouse. Named after native birds, the pizzas have some not so typical tasty toppings like artichoke, sage roasted pumpkin, lamb chorizo and smoked fish. They also have a great range of Wairarapa wines to go with a slice or two.

This mobile pizza cart makes its way to Masterton and Carterton every weekend to sell delicious pizzas which have that smokey wood fire taste that just can’t be replicated in a regular oven. Try the classic Margherita or for something a bit more luxurious, try the Smoked Chicken, Cranberry and Brie. This cart is popular so expect a little wait if there’s a line but it’s worth it. Find them at South Wairarapa Autos, 386 High St, Carterton on Fridays and 212 Chapel St, Kuripuni, Masterton on Saturdays.

Mmm gourmet pizzas at The Milk Churn are simply yum, and they often change up their menu while keeping the tasty classics. The Bacon, Asparagus and Wild Mushroom pizza is delicious or if you want a bit of heat, try the Spicy Mexican pizza. If you’ve still got room, finish off the meal with a gourmet Kapiti icecream or a fancy sundae.

With almost 20 pizzas to choose from, it can be a little tricky deciding what one to go with because they are all very good, but Blue & Bacon is a good choice - bacon, blue cheese, cashew nuts, caramelised onions & capsicums and St Pepperoni - pepperoni, red onions, feta, tomato, olives, & mozzarella. Keeping on theme, you can even get a dessert pizza - cranberry sauce, white chocolate, berries, mascarpone & mixed berry sorbet.

This a nice place to come if you like crispy, home-made bases that make pizzas extra tasty. Start with some nibbles and then tuck into the smoked salmon or halloumi & rocket pizza - you’ll be more than satisfied. And of course, neing in the wine village of Wairarapa, there’s plenty of good local wines on offer to pair with your pizza.

For an extra special date night or if you want to impress, Wakelin House offers an unforgettable dining experience. The food is made from top quality, local ingredients with innovative presentation and cooking. This place has excellent service making for a great night out for a couple.

For a classic date night, why not have dinner and a movie at Circus Cinema? It has a licensed restaurant with a variety of mains and an extensive pizza menu. The setting is relaxed and intimate, cosy up by the fire with a drink and even if the movie is starting you can take it into the cinema.

Take a romantic stroll around Henley Lake at sunset and watch the swans, or take a picnic and chill out on the grass on a nice day. With paths winding around the lake and the wetlands, there’s plenty of spots to picnic at and enjoy nature in this picturesque setting.

For a special little getaway, stay for a night at Castlepoint with stunning views of the sea. With different types of accommodation to suit your budget choose from a motel unit, the more romantic garden cottage or the seaview cottage which has a spa bath. Right by the beach, spend the day together swimming and sunbathing on this lovely piece of coast.

Learn something new with your partner and take on a day of wine tasting in beautiful Martinborough. You’ll visit the best Wairarapa wineries, meet the makers and try some amazing wines plus have a lovely lunch among the vines. There’s also another tour exploring the spectacular Palliser Bay and the lighthouse.