Things to do from the Summit Lodge

The Summit Lodge is central to a large number of visitor activities in the Wairarapa region. There are also numerous events on throughout the year in the Wairarapa, concerts, wine and food, sports, markets. You might, however, just want to relax in our gardens or the lounge - watch a movie or read a book or marvel at the night skies!

With minimum ambient light, the night skies are amazing - shooting stars, the Milky Way, satellites and the constellations are all so clear. An added bonus is that we often enjoy the most incredible sunsets - a photographer's dream!

Local Towns

Masterton - 16 mins Carterton - 15 mins Greytown 17 mins Martinborough - 22 mins

Walks - Tararuas (Mt Holdsworth, Mt Dick, Waiohine Gorge) or out at the coast - Castlepoint or Riversdale beach both about an hour's drive , Honey Comb Rock at Flatpoint, Riversdale or a gentle walk around Lake Henley and the wetlands or Carters Reserve;- lots of options! Download the Department of Consevation brochure here .

Cycling - there are several road circuit options from the Summit Lodge through beautiful countryside. There is also the very challenging Admiral Hill climb right on our doorstep.Bring your own bike over or hire one! Check out the many cycling options here.

Admiral Hill view — *The view from the top of Admiral Road. Great cycling!*

Swing bridge at Waiohine Gorge — *One of the walks in the Tararua Ranges starts by crossing the Waiohine Gorge*

Attractions - Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre is a must, visit the very rare white kiwi-birds; Stonehenge Aotearoa, a replica of the ancient stone circle in Wiltshire, England is a working henge and provides insights into the southern skies. Paua World in Carterton manufactures wonderful jewellery and souveniers and is worth a visit.

Sport - there are 6 golf courses in the Wairarapa so bring your clubs; there is also local rugby and hockey to watch and a variety of cycling and running events over the year.

Food and wine - visit nearby Martinborough, famous for its vineyards, or the nearby Gladstone wineries for world class wines. Olive oil, cheeses, honey, fruit, meat produce and vegetables are all grown and processed locally. Farmers markets are held in Masterton and Carterton on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Events -there are lots, some annual and some one offs - a sample: the Gladstone Scarecrow Fair, Daffodil Day in Carterton and Middle Run, the Kokomai Arts Festival. Celtic Equinox and Solstice celebrations. Wairarapa Wine Festival, lots of cool music events .....check out Destination Wairarapa for events throughout the year.