Things to do

For the outdoor and sporting type Featherston and its surrounding areas are a must, the scenery can be breathtaking and the challenges innumerable. 

4WD 
There are many coastal, river bed or mountain tracks in the area and a very active 4X4 Club. 4WD Tours call Richard or Lynne 06 379 6876. 

Abseiling 
Coastal rock outcrops and some inland rock faces make ideal rock climbing and abseiling sites. 

Art & Craft 
Visit local artists that are recognised more and more throughout new Zealand for their high standard of creativity and design. 

Bird Watching 
A large variety of bird like can be found around Featherston County, some species of which are very rare. Bird life can be viewed during a casual walk along the lake shore or in the surrounding countryside. 
Also visit Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre State Highway 2, Mount Bruce, 30 km north of Masterton 
See some of the world's rarest birds and work to protect their future when you take the easy walking tracks under our ancient rainforest canopy. The centre is the heart of endangered bird conservation on the New Zealand mainland. A one to two hour tour will bring you face to face with New Zealand's national icon - the kiwi - and a 200 million-year-old living dinosaur and many of the country's most endangered birds. Experienced conservation staff offer guided tours of the forest and birds and will explain their conservation work to make it a fulfilling experience. Guided tours must be booked.

Clay Bird Shooting

Moving Targets clay bird shooting Mobile, Martinborough Shoot at clay targets with a real shotgun and ammunition. Shooting experiences for first-timers as well as seasoned shooters in these all weather activities; Mobile Ten Targets, Simulated Duck Hunt and Quad/Shoot Combo. Ten Targets - Ideal if you want to 'have a go'. 
Simulated Duck hunt - Great fun for eight or more. Random targets - shoot and reload as fast as you can. Quad shoot combo - Half day experience combine Simulated Duck Hunt with 2.5 or 3.5 hr quad ride (min 8)  Prices vary according to numbers and/or number of targets.

McLeods Clay Target Shooting 
Step up and shoot at clay targets with a real shotgun and ammunition. Experience the thrill of shooting at a moving target. Licensed and experienced instructors are on hand to help you break targets. 
$25pp for ten targets 

For that extra adrenalin rush, try the Simulated Duck Hunt or ‘Flurry'. Basically two or more shooters at a time shoot and reload as fast 
as they can. The targets are released at random and it's up to you and your partner to get onto them as quick as you can. Huge fun and laughs! 
(don't be alarmed - no live animals are sacrificed for the purposes of entertainment!) 
Prices vary according to numbers. 
We can also come to you – we can operate at various locations throughout south Wairarapa. 

Country Towns 
Wairarapa's small towns retain character from colonial times New Zealand's first inland country town is historic Greytown. There are plenty of artisans as well as gift and antique shops spread around the towns and countryside of Wairarapa. You'll find true New Zealand cottage industry and matching country prices. 

Day Trips  
This area has many interesting areas to visit.  Ask us for ideas. 
Allure Llamas   Pahaoa Station, RD 4 Hinakura, Martinborough. Phone: +64 06 308 8843 
Llamas are gentle animals with inquisitive natures that will often captivate people for life. Enjoy a leisurely yet exhilarating walk along Pahaoa's sandy beach with your llama, or get as close to nature as you dare, with spectacular view's of Pahaoa's rugged coastline.These gentle and polite animals allow you to enjoy your backcountry travels without the burden of a heavy pack. 
Enjoy a leisurely lunchtime BBQ/picnic and a glass of bubbly, all refreshments provided. 
Walks are available all year round and can be tailor made to suit your requirements, from a simple farm visit to a multi day safari. 

Diving 
Snorkel or Scuba dive the picturesque waters of Cape Palliser coastline. Dive sites vary from shallow waters to over 30 meters with crayfish and many species of fish everywhere. 
J Turner Waihou Dive & Fish 06 3078833

Historic Wairarapa 
This area is has a many historic sites to visit. Maori legend tells of the spectacular exploits of the hero Maui. The South Island is Maui's boat from which he hooked the North Island, or Maui's fish (Te Ika a Maui). Palliser Bay is the mouth of the fish, and Lake Wairarapa its eye. The famous explorer Kupe is said to have spent much time in the Bay and many physical features are connected to his story. The Maori people of Wairarapa are of mainly Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane extraction. 1000AD Archaeological sites in Palliser Bay indicate human habitation.

Maori Culture 
Featherston County is very rich in Maori history and culture. there are pa sites around the district. A guided tour is the best way to see and learn about these. 
The Te Heru a Rangi Culture and Education Centre State Highway 2, Solway, Masterton  has New Zealand's only existing fully fortified Pa Whakairo (or Carved Fortified Maori village) with an earthed up whare runanga (traditional council house). 
Guided tours of the Pa Whakairo are available on request which cover the spectrum of precolonial Maori life where participants have the opportunity to experience the culture first hand. The centre also has a marae and wharenui available for marae stay accommodation. Cultural entertainment is provided by Te Heru a Rangi Culture Group and Maori cuisine can be provided at request. We also provide special packages for indigenous and environmental groups. Contact phone +64 063703839 

Walks 
Trips ranging from beach & Cliff top nature walks to bush walks. 
A popular walk is the Rapaki walk which is across farm land with spectacular views of the Wairarapa Valley. The walk requires moderate fitness as there are some steepish slopes and several stiles making it difficult for people with disabilities to negotiate. There is an optional viewing area over the scenic Te Muna valley. Please note that large curious cattle with horns may be encountered, just ignore them! Sturdy footwear is recommended. Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead and have a current worming certificate from a vet. This is to prevent the spread of "sheep measles". You will encounter some electric fences (scale via stiles) which may be problematic for large dogs. Walking from the Martinborough Square to the start of the Rapaki walk (on Te Muna Rd) takes half an hour. It takes one and a half hours to return to Martinborough. Please note that the walk is closed from mid July till the end of August for lambing.

Caving Experience 
Eco Anventure One or Two day caving trips exploring the underworld. abseil into caves, down waterfalls inside the caves, and explore passages. This is "sport" caving and you need an element of adventure . 

Cavelands Adventures Cavelands, 15 minutes S/E Masterton, Masterston, Wairarapa 
Belay up the waterfall- negotiate the squeeze! Guided tours for the nervous novice to the more adventurous. Experiene the glow worms and ancient limestone formations, approx. two hours. 

Flying Fox at Cavelands Adventures Freephone: +64 0800 4D CAVES 
Harness up and shoot the "Moonrock Valley" for 200 metres of pure excitement! Cave/flying fox combo available 

Ruakokopatuna Glow Worm Caves A short walk through private property into glow worm caves. Take a torch and expect to get wet feet. Obtain permission from Stan McAvoy, Blue Creek Farm, Dyerville 06 306 9393. 

Fishing (sea) 
Surf cast at Lake Ferry or from the many miles of beaches on the coastline or simply dangle a line from the rocks. With deep oceanic currents pushing food close inshore there is a large variety of fish to be caught. At Ngawi Commercial charter boats can be chartered to go after the Cook Strait's big ones. For a great days fishing or diving contact J Turner Waihou Dive & Fish 06 3078833

Also Keith Banks Fishing charters Ngawi  06 307 8086 banks@actrix.co.nz

Fishing (rivers) 
Excellent fly and spin fishing and trolling is available in many of the streams rivers & lakes

Farm Tours 
Spend time on a farm and see sheep dogs in action, sheep shearing and wool handling demonstrations, cattle, deer etc. True rural New Zealand. 

Four Wheeler Safaris 
Four wheeler motorbike, coastal or mountain safaris, are offered by experienced operators. McLeods Quad Adventures.

Garden Tours 
There are many gardens worthy of a visit in the area. 

Golf 
A pleasant few hours can be spent on an excellent 18 hole golf course situated 4km south of Featherston on the Western Lake Road. This level tree lined course has a lot to offer to both the casual and serious golfer. The course is open to all with visitors and groups both catered for. Club day is Sunday, but green fee players are most welcome. 
Martinborough Golf Club at Martinborough is available to visitors

Ngawi has an interesting unique 9 hole golf course on the shores of Cook Strait.  To contact the Ngawi Golf Club contact Dick Hymers on 06 3078277

Hang Gliding and Parapenting 
The hills and mountains in the surrounding district provide updrafts for all levels of experience. 

Hau Nui Wind Farm New Zealand's first commercial wind farm can be seen from 21km south-east of Martinborough on the road to White Rock. Hau Nui wind farm

Horse Treks 
There are a a variety of horse treks, ranging from seashore to farmland, lake shore and bushy hill country to choose from. 
Patuna Farm Adventures , Patuna Farm, Ruakokopatuna Valley, RD Martinborough 
For a great outdoor adventure try horsetrekking over our beautiful 1650 acre hill country farm. We have horses to suit all levels of riding experience. Enjoy stunning views of the Wairarapa valley from the high ridges, or take the beautiful bush clad river ride. All 
treks are guided by experienced, friendly riders. 1, 2 or 4 hour treks are available. Pack a picnic or arrange beforehand for a meal back at the farmhouse. See a working farm in action, we stock sheep cattle and deer. We are ten minutes from Martinborough Wine 
Village 

Hunting 
Hunters can find red deer, pigs, possums and goats in the mountains. permits must be obtained from the Department of Conservation. 

Local Country Store at Pirinoa also has fuel (not premium) pirinoacountrystore@xtra.co.nz

Jet Boating 
Jet boating on the Ruamahanga River. jet boating events are held annually. The Ruamahanga River is an ideal river for waterskiing. 

Mountain Biking 
Featherston County is a mountain biker's paradise. Beginners and the more adventurous can ride up the scenic Rimutaka Incline and down to Ocean Beach. 

Museums and Archives 
A wealth of information on subjects ranging from early Maori settlement to recent events. Displays are varied and interesting with items such as the Japanese Prisoner of War Camp. 

Rafting, Canoeing & Kayaking 
The Ruamahanga River makes for a good fun rafting, canoeing & kayaking experience. 
Eco rafting at its very best. You will discover what is unique about NZ's native forests. Learn about the food sources and native medicines as you descend these prostine waters of the easy grade two Waiohine River. An amazing experience of discovery. 
An equally popular trip is our night rafting. Feel the aura of an impressive gorge rafting under moonlight. 
ecoadventure.co.nz

Ruakokopatuna Glow Worm Caves 
A short walk through private property into glow worm caves. Take a torch and expect to get wet feet. Obtain permission from Stan McAvoy, Blue Creek Farm, Dyerville 06 306 9393. 

Sailing 
Sailing on Lake Wairarapa for visiting and local yachts alike with great views of mountains and bird life. Visit Lake Domain.

Back Country Scenic Drive Take a drive to Martinborough to Gladstone via the Ponatahi Valley. Return via Carterton and Greytown. 

Surfing 
Good surf can be found at spots around the coast towards Ngawi and Tora  & White Rock Rugged coastal areas.

Wind Surfing 
The most popular spots are on Lake Wairarapa.

Wine Trail The Martinborough area just a few kilometres north of the Gateway Motel produces many of New Zealand top wines. Visits to many of the vineyards is a must while staying here. Below is a list of the areas vineyards: