Vee S.'s
How to be healthy
- 11Two Hands Massage TherapyFeatherstonEveryone knows stress can cause health problems so put yourself in the experienced hands of massage therapist Reanne Tawharu if you’re feeling like life is getting on top of you. She offers a range of different styles including deep tissue, hot stone and reflexology. Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy and stimulates blood circulation to invigorate your body and release tension, a sure bet to feeling better.
- 21Te Manaia OrganicsMastertonFor fresh, flavoursome vegetables, this farm offers sprouts, snow peas and fennel bulbs to the common broccoli and pumpkin. Organic vegetables are thought to contain on average higher levels of vitamin C, essential minerals and antioxidants and they are also free from pesticide used at conventional farms.
- 31Juno Olives ShopGreytownExtra virgin olive oil is the perfect for choice for the health conscious and Juno Olive’s range is delicious. Try the Picual premium extra virgin olive oil, it’s bold in flavour and rich in vitamins E and K and lots of beneficial fatty acids. They also have infused oils like rosemary infused and blood orange infused oil that go really well on salads. You can also do tours and tastings to try before you buy.
- 43CLM Health and Fitness MastertonMastertonExercise is key to keeping healthy so get your blood pumping at CLM. The value for money membership lets you access the fully equipped gym, pool, sauna and variety of classes. Try out the popular cycle or Zumba group classes or for a hardcore challenge, take the S.A.S.S fit circuit training classes - all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Whether you want to just get fit, lose weight or keep your endorphins up, the friendly and welcoming staff will help you reach your goals.
- 53Pinehaven OrchardsGreytownWhenever I need fresh fruit and veggies, I like to come to Pinehaven. If you’re going on a juice cleanse, stock up here but it also just has a big range of fruit and vegetables. They have regular specials and also stock eggs, bread, dried fruits and spices, jams, pickles and Greytown Butchery’s award winning meats. If it’s a hot day grab a real fruit yoghurt icecream made right in front of your eyes with whatever fruit you desire.
Vee S.'s
Rainy day ideas
- 12Ruakokoputuna Glow Worm CavesMartinboroughIf it’s a rainy day and you want an adventure, you might as well get your feet even wetter exploring the magical glow worm caves in the Ruakokoputuna Valley, just south of Martinborough. This hidden world is made up of several spectacular large caves lit up with glow worms making it exciting for the young and old. Don’t forget to bring a torch and expect to get wet feet as a stream runs through the cave system. They used to be open to the public but now you must get permission to access the caves by contacting Garry or Lois McAvoy (06 306 9797).
- 21Almo's BooksCartertonIf you’re an avid reader or literary buff, you will enjoy Almo’s Books monthly Wairarapa Word event. There is a featured writer who speaks, as well an open mic stage to hear poetry, spoken word, singing and story telling from locals around town. Many of the featured writers have a local or regional connection for example, Victoria University English Professor Harry Ricketts who is best known for his biographies of Rudyard Kipling will feature at the event this Sunday.
- 32Carterton Events CentreCartertonThe Carterton Events Centre is a state of the art facility that regularly hosts art, cultural and musical performances so check out what’s on offer because there will be something to interest you. It played host to the Royal NZ Ballet Tutus on Tour recently and offers up plays, concerts and performances by artists and companies from around New Zealand. The Oversew Fashion Awards are also held here and they also have many workshops for kids and adults, exhibitions by local artists and lessons, including belly dancing.
- 41Kaiparoro Historic House MuseumMastertonWhy not explore the past at this historic house nestled amongst Mt Bruce? It was built in 1911, and is now an international artist residency but it was originally built for Yorkshire clockmaker Christopher Burton whose family owned it for 80 years. They offer 45 minute tours and there is plenty to look at and discover about the Wairarapa and Tararua regions’ history. As well as its historic features, it includes a loft, library, children’s workshop and play area, a walk-in concrete and iron safe, and a Norwegian style cottage with sauna. Plus if you’re lucky, you might arrive when an exhibition is on, by one of the artists in residence.
- 53Regent 3MastertonA rainy day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a movie at Regent 3 in Masterton. With a recently upgraded audio visual system, Regent 3 offers high quality picture and sound for the latest movies and 3D movies. They screen the usual blockbusters as well as kids films and are part of the international film festival bringing the best arthouse and foreign films to Wairarapa. Don’t forget to grab some real buttered popcorn or a choc top!
Vee S.'s
Best pies
- 18Clareville BakeryCartertonWith lots of tasty baked goods, you might find it hard to choose but you can bet you won’t regret opting for anything. Along with a great selection of cakes, expertly crafted pies are seriously good - I recommend the lamb and kumara mash pie that won the 2014 Supreme Award for Best Pie in New Zealand or the beef red wine. They’re so yummy, I guarantee you’ll be buying some to take home.
- 21The Old Bakehouse MastertonMastertonRelatively new on the scene, this bakery serves up delicious pies and sausage rolls, including a yummy vegan option. Freshly baked everyday with a variety of fillings, it's a good way to warm up in the winter with my favourites, including a kumara or a steak pie. The Mega Mate has mashed potato and bacon wrapped around the meat with cheese on top of the pastry.
- 32Taste Cafe MastertonMastertonWell known for its tasty gourmet pies, their deep dish, perfect crust pies are worth the $7, which is slightly high on the pie cost scale. Try the peppersteak or one of the many options including lamb and mint, pork and apple, beef red wine and onion or butterchicken. There’s plenty of other food options too and great coffee.
- 42Wai PiesMastertonProudly homegrown, these flaky pastry more-ishly meaty pies will fill your hungry stomach. They offer up classic mince, steak and chicken and more adventurous options like wild venison and red wine. They are baked and sold from The Village Cafe in Kuripuni or you can pick one up from local cafes around Wairarapa.
- 51Solway Pie ShopMastertonA shop dedicated to pies is a sure bet you will get a good pie. A favourite with busy tradies, the pies are filling and warming especially on a cold winter's day. Love it!
Vee S.'s
Best of NZ Beef and Lamb
- 11Pirinoa Station LimitedPirinoaPirinoa Station, on the South coast of Wairarapa, sits beside the sea which farmers Guy and Andrea Didsbury say ‘pre-seasons’ their lamb. The platinum seal lamb is some of most succulent lamb you can buy. These lamb connoisseurs don’t farm any other animal and they have a proud history of farming at the station - Guy is a fifth generation farmer. Top chefs like Ruth Pretty and David Burton have rave reviews for the lamb saying it was "superb" and "impossibly tender."
- 22Rannoch MeatsGreytownRannoch Meats is a family run business based out of Greytown where they breed Red Devon cattle. They are grazed on rich and varied pastures producing a well marbled, top quality meat. They believe healthy, happy animals produce better quality beef so their cows roam the field, eating grass. They supply bulk beef packages and cuts or you can order a the fortnightly 5kg beef pack which includes prime cuts, stewing beef, mince and roast or schnitzel to pick up or get delivered to your door. You know you are in good company as they supply to many popular eateries like Ti Kouka and Hummingbird in Wellington.
- 31Gourmet MeatsLansdowneThis boutique butchery in Lansdowne offers high-quality beef and lamb that is sourced from Wairarapa farmers who use ethical practices. Founder and butcher Dave Gallagher was trained by old-school butchers and with his team of experienced butchers offers all kinds of cuts of beef and lamb. Grab some tasty pure beef sausages for the barbecue or for something different, try the beef and blue cheese or the moroccan lamb sausages. As well as beef and lamb, there is also a range of free-range chicken and pork cuts.
- 42Greytown ButcheryGreytownThis award-winning European-styled butchery is a pleasure to visit and shop. Established in 1873 it remains in its original building which adds to its old-school atmosphere. There is an extensive range of beef and lamb cuts as well as gourmet lamb dishes like Horopito lamb meatballs, prune and apricot mini lamb roasts and rosemary and pepper rolled shoulder roast. They are famous for their massive range of gourmet sausages including manuka smoked beef and lamb with cracked pepper and merlot. As well as meats, they offer spices, rubs, sauces, eggs, cheese and other locally made goods.
Vee S.'s
Where to go for dinner and a movie
- 13Cafe StradaMastertonTake advantage of the Movie Meal Deal at Strada, conveniently located right beside Masterton’s Regent 3 cinema which has all the latest films. The deal includes a movie ticket, a meal valued up to $19.80 and hot drink for only $29.50, saving you $7.50. Perfect for a date, the food and service is excellent here with a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, try their speciality Chatham Island Blue Cod. Of course, they also serve nachos, steak and chips and have a full dessert, beer and wine menu. It’s best to book , especially in the weekend, as its one of the most popular places in town. Regent 3 also takes part in the film festival from September 3 - 17 to get your fix of indie, foreign and other interesting films.
- 23Circus CinemaMartinboroughFor a good night out in Martinborough, hit two birds with one stone at Circus - it has a cinema, restaurant and bar in one handy location. It’s a great place to relax - sit back by the fire in the luxurious surrounds with a mezze platter of dips and grilled ciabatta and a nice glass of Martinborough wine. They offer a fresh, seasonal menu and there is also an extensive pizza menu appropriately named after iconic films and plenty of gluten free options. They not only screen the typical box office movies but they also have special screenings of art house and New Zealand films.You can also take your drinks into the cinema which is a nice touch.
- 32The AberdeenMastertonJust around the corner from Regent 3, the Aberdeen is nice spot to have dinner in Masterton. Set in a historic Masonic lodge, this building has a grand feel to it and it’s an excellent place to come before seeing a movie. With a bistro-style menu, there’s lots of delicious meals to choose from including the slow braised lamb shank served on minted mash potato, apple and onion relish and mint jelly or the vegetable stack of garlic aubergine and bell pepper with roasted field mushrooms, red onion and feta with a pesto sauce. There’s a full bar so you can relax on a couch or outside on the deck with a beer or wine.
- 45Cafe MediciMartinboroughFor fine-dining before catching a movie, Cafe Medici is a good choice. It has an intimate atmosphere and lots of fresh ideas on the menu - try the Chinese Bang Bang Chicken entree of spicy poached chicken, Chinese rocket salad and sesame and ginger dressing, it’s delicious. The Morrocan lamb tagine is also a rich, flavoursome dish. Medici is also part of the Wellington on a Plate festival in August, with a special dinner menu of two courses plus a Wellington regional beverage for $49. To round off your meal, grab a Mojo coffee before you head to the local cinema, Circus, just a short walk away.
- 55Curry TwistMastertonIf you feel like a taste of India, this is a sure bet. It has a lovely modern atmosphere with great service and helpful staff and won’t disappoint. There’s lots of vegetarian options and spice levels can be catered for. Fully licensed, enjoy a beer with your meal before you head to the movies. This restaurant is in Kuripuni, just a few blocks away from Regent 3, the local cinema in the centre of town.
Vee S.'s
Family outings
- 19Castlepoint BeachMastertonFor a fun family day at the beach, the picturesque Castlepoint on the East Coast of Wairarapa is good for both parents and kids. Let the kids and dog loose on the beach with some cricket or football, go fishing, watch the surfers or go swimming. For some exercise, trek up the family-friendly path to the lighthouse or head up the hill overlooking the lagoon. There’s a store if you are needing an icecream or a cool drink and if you want to make a weekend of it, book a unit at the camping ground.
- 22NgawiCape PalliserFor a fun road trip, head to the small fishing village of Ngawi - it has more tractors and bulldozers per capita than anywhere else in NZ and several of them are parked up on the beach for kids to have a look. It’s an amazing scenic drive, cruising through rolling hills to descend into a magnificent view of Palliser Bay. Don’t forget to stop on the way to see the seal colony and the spectacular Putangirua Pinnacles.
- 33Masterton Mini GolfMastertonFamily-friendly fun for all ages, this mini putt course accomodates wheelchairs and strollers and is a nice activity on a sunny day. Go for gold and try to top the monthly record or just practice your putt on the 18 hole course. With plenty of variety, obstacles and tunnels, it will challenge young and old. It’s a pretty reasonable price to grab a golf club and a ball at $6 a game for adults, $5 a game for students aged 13-17 and kids under 12 for $4.
- 42Queen Elizabeth Park MastertonMastertonTake a picnic to the park and settle under a leafy tree and relax. Children will love the Kids Own Playground which has lots of slides, bridges and swings to play on. The flying fox is also a drawcard as well as feeding the ducks at the lake. If your kids are skaters or into scooters, take them to the skate park or if they’re more animal lovers, head over the bridge to check out the deer park.
- 51Queen Elizabeth Park BoatsMastertonFor lots of fun with the whole family, take a cruise around the lake at Queen Elizabeth Park. Glide over the water in a kayak, row boat or novelty pedal boat and feed the ducks with the free duck food included in the boat ride cost. For a majestic ride in style, ask for the special swan four-seater paddle boat. Lifejackets and cushions are provided and pirate or captains hats for the kids, or the adults young at heart. The boats have quite a history - they were built in the 1950s and have been restored.