Robin R.'s
Shape Up For Summer
- 13CLM Health and Fitness MastertonMastertonThe thing about excersize is the more you do it, the more you want to do it! If you are just getting started on your fitness journey a class is a great way to start. I've always wanted to have a go at kickboxing too!
- 24This swimming pool is really impressive, the kids will love it! Complete with hydroslides it's a great way for the kids to burn off energy especially during the winter. You can easily spend the whole day there!
- 31Wharite Peak TrackWoodvilleMy husband has walked this track many times and he tells me the view is beyond amazing! This is for experienced and very fit walkers only and it is a very steep track. However, it's so worth it once you reach the the top!
- 41Coppermine Valley Creek WalkWoodvilleThis is a great walk if you are just building your fitness or want to go somewhere that doesn't take all day, the whole walk is around 2-3 hours return. Tramps are an awesome way to get active because you are out in nature getting fresh air and these hills will really work out your legs! It's one of my favourite places to go because it's a free activity and much more fun than going to the gym!
- 52Ballance DomainWoodvilleI took my daughter here a couple of weeks ago and she loved it. There is a really small section of the Gorge walk that you can do from here which only took us about 15 minutes which is great for preschoolers! After that we had a play at the park and it was an awesome family outing!
Robin R.'s
Summer Shape Up
- 12Evolve FitnessFeildingI attended this gym for the time we lived in Feilding, their trainers are helpful, their plans are easy to follow and the equipment is always maintained very well. There opening hours make it easy to find time to work out and even at the busy times there is always enough equipment for everyone.
- 21SNAP Fitness 24/7- FeildingFeildingSnap Fitness Feilding is a great place to work out, the trainers are knowledgeable and friendly. This is a welcoming gym that isn't intimidating for first time gym goers, they have plenty of equipment that is maintained well. If you are looking to lose weight, get fit or just get out of the house Snap Fitness is open 24 hours so it's easy to fit a workout into your schedule! Their fitness classes are super fun and a great chance to meet some new people.
- 31Rangiwahia Hut TrackRangiwahiaThis is an awesome free activity! No matter your fitness level, it's a great way to get outside, get active and get away from cell phones, emails and reconnect with nature! I love going on walks like this, it's a gre de-stresser!
- 41Te Apiti Gorge Tawa Loop TrackPalmerston North CentralWe have done this track with our 4 year old, we try to do one active family activity every weekend. This track was great for her, it was challenging enough for her without being too hard or too long. It's a free activity that gets you moving! Who needs a gym when you have views like this!
- 51Manawatu Gorge Bush WalkAshhurstGrab the family, a picnic lunch, a warm jacket and do the Manawatu Gorge Bush Walk. Stroll among the native trees and plants while listening to the birds chirping above your head. A great day trip that involves the whole family getting outdoors and active in this beautiful location!
Robin R.'s
Markets, Fairs and Craft Shows
- 12Carterton Daffodil FestivalCartertonYou know spring is approaching when the daffodils come out! At the daffadil festivl you can pick your own to take home with you, browse the local art and craft stalls and take part in a bunch of activities. I love taking my daughter and it's a great way to celebrate the beginning of spring!
- 22Martinborough FairMartinboroughThe biggest fair and craft show in the country, twice a year on the first Saturday of February and March, the most talented artisans from all over the country pack up their goods and head to the small town of Martinborough! You will find some real treasures and spend the day browsing through the stalls, tasting delicious handmade cheeses and breads!
- 31Scarecrow FairCartertonThis is set to be an awesome day out for the family, fair rides, stalls, yummy local food and the famous cake and plant stalls! Take a picnic or buy some yummy food there and make a day of it!
- 41The Winter Martinborough Vintage FairMartinboroughI am a passionate market goer, I love seeing all the talented local makers. I know there are going to be some great stalls at this year's fair and I can't wait to check it out! I always find them such fun thing to do with my family and well worth the drive out there.
- 51New Rags MarketMastertonThis great event held in Masterton is a must see destination! A few times a year the hall fills up with some amazing handmade goodies from makers around the region! You never know what you will find there and everytime there is something different. Bring the kids, do some shopping and see what these amazing crafters have to offer!
Robin R.'s
The Best Craft, Artisan and Farmers Markets
- 14Feilding Farmers MarketFeildingIf you are in Feilding on a Friday morning the best place for a healthy takeaway is the farmers market! Fresh fruits, vegetables, jams, pickles and fresh meat and fish direct from the growers and makers which all make for a fantastic takeaway lunch! Try before you buy and you will be back next week to get some more!
- 23Whanganui River Traders MarketWanganui CentralEvery Saturday the Wanganui locals and lots of people passing through town head to the river bank to get their dose of weekly produce and handmade crafts. Over 100 traders set up their stalls and sell to the public. This is a great way to get fresh produce fresh from the farmers themselves and support local businesses!
- 32Cloverlea Sunday MarketHighburyI remember going to the Cloverlea Market when I was a kid, we used to get our veggies and fruit for the week and some frybread for lunch! I've been back recently and I love supporting the small vendors!
- 41The Magic Of Christmas Night MarketPalmerston North CentralThe most popular Christmas market in the region. Spanning over 2 days and 2 nights of shopping from over 150 of the best stall holders in the lower North Island. Bigger and better every year, there are craft stalls, entertainment, music and yummy food!
- 51Cross Hills Gardens Country FairKimboltonThis is an iconic market made up of over 160 stalls and set in the most beautiful gardens. Entry to this market gives you the opportunity to browse around the beautiful grounds as you shop and enjoy the country air! Ideal for groups of friends or a family day out!
Robin R.'s
Best Night Courses and Adult Education
- 11ACE CoursesMastertonRun by the Wairarapa REAP their ACE courses are available all over the Wairarapa and can help you with getting your driver's licence, Te Reo, sign language and general life skill courses. This is such a great asset to the community and I recommend you check out their website for avalible courses and timetables.
- 21Jane Sinclair ArtMastertonJane has been an artist for more than 20 years and has now opened up her studio to the public for art classes and workshops throughout the year. If you are a budding artist or would like to learn a skill this would be amazing! You can even get a group together for a private lesson!
- 31Training VenturesMastertonBeing that the Wairarapa is a farming district it's vital that everyone on the farm know how to do things safely. Training Ventures will come to your farm and train your staff on health and safety, productivity and anything else that's applicable to your farm. They also run small business management courses which is great for managers and owners.
- 41The PhotoWorkshopMartinboroughThis commercial photographer runs some amazing courses, from learning how to use your DSLR camera (I need this one!), how to use the very intimidating photo editing software and how to frame and present your images.
- 51Agricultural Training CentreMastertonIf farming is something you want to get into this is a great way to learn and get a feel for what to expect. From dairy farming, operating tools , vehicles and machinery this is a great thing to put on your CV if you have no past experience. For school leavers or people looking for a new career this 4 day course includes all your meals and accommodation!
Robin R.'s
Best Night Classes
- 11Queen Elizabeth College Night SchoolPalmerston North CentralIf you are looking for further education there are so many awesome classes you can take here. Everything from beginner photoshop and photography to cooking classes to teach you how to cook healthy cheap meals from your family.
- 21My mum did a year long Te Reo course here and I plan on doing one too so I can teach my daughter Te Reo. This is such a great resource for the community, I have also heard great things about their small business course. The best thing is it's completely free!
- 31Alliance Française of Palmerston NorthPalmerston North CentralI studied French at school but after then I stopped using it, a night class to learn French would be an awesome way to get back into the language and the culture. There are adult evening classes and day and weekend classes for kids too!
- 42Bernina Sewing CentrePalmerston North CentralIt's a great skill to know how to sew, I have been teaching myself for the past couple of years but going to a class would be a great scheduled time to be able to sit, sew and learn from people far more advanced than me! They have a huge range of sewing classes depending on your skill level and what kind of projects you are interested in!
- 51Zing StudioPalmerston North CentralThe art of meditation and yoga is something indescribable. I have loved learning yoga it has been great for both my physical strength and flexibility but also for my mind. Yoga has also been fantastic for my husband's muscle and back pain when nothing else has worked. It really is life changing I recommend you check out one of their night classes!