Vee S.'s
Best Accomodation
- 11The Old ManseMartinboroughThis grand old home is beautifully restored and will feel like you’re stepping back in time. The rooms have great views of the stunning Martinborough surrounds which come alive in spring, and you can even play petanque. The hosts are great and will recommend good places to eat and things to do.
- 21Duckback CottageMartinboroughThis quaint cottage from the 1890s is nestled amongst a lovely little country garden with roses and fruit trees, a perfect setting in spring time. Grab some dinner from one of the restaurants in the centre of town, just a few minutes away, open the French doors, wind down and enjoy the sun setting over the garden.
- 31Purnell HouseCartertonStay in this lovely rural homestead and experience Carterton’s natural landscapes of daffodils and lavender. Mt Holdsworth is very close by so you can go for a tramp and come back and relax in comfort. At up to only $100 for the studio or wing, including a continental breakfast, this is a good option for a bargain getaway.
- 42The SaddleryGreytownThis B & B is amazing in the spring time, with a stunning rose display, a colourful array of wild flowers and leafy trees, native birds flock to this historical home. You can even sit in the garden with a cup of coffee and have a specially-made German breakfast.
- 54Martinborough Top 10 Holiday ParkMartinboroughThis peaceful holiday park is friendly on the wallet and a nice place to pitch a tent, hire one of the cabins or park up a camper van in spring. Handy to the village, make the most of the lovely weather and enjoy Martinborough in full bloom.
Vee S.'s
Kids' activities
- 11Patuna Farm AdventuresMartinboroughFor a adventure-filled day amongst nature, give horse riding a go or attempt a high wire challenge at Patuna Farm. Catering for all ages, wee ones can be lead around a paddock and seven year olds and up can try the beginners flat ride on the farm. For older kids and parents, try the river ride or take in some stunning views on the ridge top ride. The high ropes course will challenge kids and adults alike with a giant swing, trapeze, and beam.
- 22Masterton Miniature Train SocietyMastertonThe society operates the red, miniature train in Queen Elizabeth Park and judging by the smiles on kids faces as they go around the scenic pond and through the tunnel, it’s lots of fun. It’s only a dollar a ride, so it’s a great option for families being careful with money.
- 31Mount Bruce Pioneer MuseumMastertonFor curious kids, this museum is a great place to step back into the past and discover all sorts of gadgets, machines, toys and even food, that aren’t in use today. It will be nostalgic for adults too with old telephones, gramophones, water wheels and farm machinery. Kids can also get hands-on with the working displays.
- 43Masterton Mini GolfMastertonGet some fresh air for the kids and challenge them to a game of mini-golf. With lots of variety in the course, this popular game is lots of fun with hidden tunnels and tricky bends. It’s reasonably priced, right beside the Queen Elizabeth Park playground for some free fun plus there’s usually an ice cream van nearby to get a cone and chill on the grass.
- 51Wallowing HeightsCartertonThis specially designed for children garden and farm will delight all animal lovers, with rabbits, miniature ponies, pigs, lambs, and other baby animals. Kids can ride the ponies and pet the animals, plus there’s yummy home baking. At only $4 a kid and $6 for an adult, it’s a reasonable price for a day of fun.
Vee S.'s
Top dessert spots
- 17Bar SaluteGreytownSpoil yourself at Salute with their tapas style menu and beautifully crafted desserts. Share some sweet treats amongst friends, like the amazing buttermilk panna cotta with saffron and vanilla poached stonefruit, and pistachio ice cream crunch. Also don’t miss the lemon fritters rolled in cinnamon sugar with pomegranate molasses and vanilla ice cream, it’s simply delicious. Even if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, these desserts are so elegantly presented, you’ll have to taste just a little bit.
- 23Tirohana Estate / Tirohana VineyardMartinboroughTop your night off with a fantastic dessert paired with a glass of Tirohana’s much talked about wines. Try one of the Italian style dishes like the refreshing raspberry and limoncello semifreddo or bombolini (filled doughnut) with dulce de leche and walnut brittle. Their signature dish however is something delicously different - spiced pumpkin bread and butter pudding, with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
- 37Stop by at the Trading Co for a glass of wine and a classic dessert. The steaming hot apple crumble, made from local apples, is a sure favourite or for the chocoholics, try the Death by Chocolate - a rich, flourless decadent chocolate cake served with chocolate mousse, sauce and mint-choc ice cream.
- 43Cafe MirabelleCartertonThis lovely cafe serves up delicious cakes and flaky, buttery pastries to die for, like pain au chocolat. Stop in during the weekday to satisfy or book for Friday and Saturday night when there’s a dinner menu for authentic, French bistro food. Try the classic creme brulee, it’s sure to satisfy.
- 56The Milk ChurnCartertonWhat is better for dessert than an ice-cream? Choose from a classic Tip-Top cone or have an over the top ice-cream sundae dotted with nuts, smothered in sauce and spiked with wafers. Try a fresh out of the oven lemon meringue tart or grab a slice of cake, also made fresh that day. Easy on the budget and delicious in the tummy.
Vee S.'s
Gifts for Dad
- 12Regent 58 Ale HouseCartertonFor tasty, locally made beer, make up a gift box of Regent 58 beers for dad. The brewers have 25 years experience and their expertise makes for some refreshing beer. The Extra Special Bitter is particularly good especially on a hot day. They have also just opened an ale house on site of the brewery if you want to take dad out or grab a rigger instead of bottles.
- 24Colonial Trading Company LimitedFeatherstonIf your dad is into hunting, fishing or just nifty gadgets, this store will have something for him. There’s a good range of top quality European knives, rifles, ammo and other useful stuff. Grab some hardware, like building tools, gardening gear and bits to help Dad start that DIY project or a stylish percolator to make coffee with while on a camping trip.
- 31Intersection MenswearMastertonYou’ll be able to find lots of smart shirts, pants and merino jerseys to make a good gift for dad instead of a typical pair of socks. They have a huge range so there’s lots to choose from. There’s also a store in Greytown now too which is handy if you want to do some of your shopping of your own.
- 42Hedley's BooksMastertonIf your dad is a keen reader, this is the best bookshop in Masterton. You’ll find modern literature, biographies, non-fiction, cookbooks, art and music books. They also stock CDs, DVDs and lots of New Zealand authors and many local writers. If you can’t decide, grab a bunch of magazines from their extensive range.
- 54Moore Wilsons MastertonMastertonBake dad some homemade, from the heart biscuits with premium ingredients from Moore Wilsons, or grab some choice cuts of meat and fire up the barbecue for a special Father’s Day dinner. If your dad likes cooking, don’t forget to check out the kitchenware section for some useful gadgets and high end products like Le Creuset. They also have an excellent wine, beer and spirits section that offers some good gift ideas.
Vee S.'s
Great ideas for spring
- 15Pukaha Mount BruceOpakiCelebrating spring and as a fundraiser, the wildlife centre holds the Wairarapa Garden Tour which includes entry to see real live Kiwi and other native birds and animals as well as entry to 18 of Wairarapa’s most spectacular gardens. Some are private gardens that you wouldn’t see otherwise. It’s also Kaka month there, the inquisitive birds start hanging around the deck of the cafe and at 3pm everyday, you can watch them being fed.
- 22Stonehenge AotearoaGladstoneEnjoy the spring equinox at this replica of Stonehenge, there will be a tour and special shared dinner after watching the sun set over the beautiful Carterton landscape. Learn all about the antiquity of the solstices and equinoxes and signs of the Zodiac and discover how stones, posts and shadows were used to unlock mysteries of the earth and sky which formed a cornerstone to the rise of civilization.
- 31Wairarapa Eco FarmMastertonCheck out this stunning orchard and farm that blooms to life in spring with apple blossom. To celebrate the new growing year they hold an annual spring blossom farm day for the public. Come find out how all the fruit and vegetables grow here and enjoy the cute spring animals.
- 42Carterton Daffodil FestivalCartertonThis hugely popular festival starts with the traditional daffodil picking at Middle Run, a historic property in Gladstone. The town fills with people perusing the markets with lots of locally made goods for sale and the Wai art sale at the Carterton Events Centre. There’s also a steam train ride and plenty of other side events on for you to enjoy.
- 53Lake Ferry Hotel, Bar & RestaurantLake FerryTake a scenic drive through Wairarapa checking out what plants are coming up for spring and end up at the south coast having a drink at the Lake Ferry restaurant and pub. Overlooking the lake, relax with a local wine or beer in the evening sun, a luxury after long dark winter days.
Vee S.'s
Where to shop for spring
- 11MarcoGreytownThis boutique store has some of New Zealand’s best designers like Wellington’s Philippa and Alice, Karen Walker, Deborah Sweeney and Standard Issue. Plus they have their own Marco brand of homeware and accessories if you’re spring cleaning your house and want some new feature items. With regular sales and an online gallery, you can also browse in the comfort of your own home and then go in and try on those spring looks you’ve got your eye on.
- 22VerilyMastertonFor fun, feminine spring looks, have a look through Verily. They have a great range of dresses, from flowery prints to graphic, sharp patterns to suit all tastes, plus lots of great denim that can be dressed up or down. If you’re into leggings, you’ll be spoilt for choice with their range of colourful leggings for those crisp spring days.
- 32Password Please LtdGreytownPassword Please stocks brands like All About Eve, Jorge and Wrangler for the latest on trend looks. There’s a variety of spring looks from minimalist styles to loud, bold prints to match the flowers blooming all over Greytown. They have new arrivals every week so there is always something fresh to update your spring look.
- 43Hebe Designer BoutiqueMastertonI love browsing through Hebe’s range of local designers. Conveniently located in the Kuripuni shopping village, you can get the latest from Wairarapa’s own local designer My Boyfriend’s Back spring range ‘She’s in Bloom’. They also stock designers from over the hill like minimalistic, fair trade brand Kowtow and the ever-popular sophisticated Ricochet.
- 52Invest BoutiqueGreytownThis chic boutique specialises in New Zealand designers, for example, Obi, Sabatini, and Sable & Minx. They have some really well-cut, high quality dresses from their spring 2014 stock which has just arrived in store and they stock plenty of jewellery and accessories to go with your new spring look. They are also happy to let you have the store to yourself to get advice from a stylist to help you refresh your wardrobe.