Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from Deliverance Cove to Castle Rock. Keep well away from the lower reef when there
are heavy seas. Ask the staff at Masterton i-SITE about accommodation here.
Thirty kilometres north of Masterton on SH2,
Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife
NZ's most successful wildlife and captive breeding centres, it's also the most readily ac-
cessible bush experience off the highway. Get a good overview of the 1000-hectare wil-
derness on the scenic 1½-hour loop walk which affords good vantage points. The visitor
centre has various exhibits including an interactive gallery, while alongside is a kiwi
house with roaming adult birds, an incubation area and nursery. A series of aviaries al-
lows viewing of other special native birds. The daily visitor program allows you to see
tuatara being fed (11.30am), attend the eel-feeding (1.30pm) and watch the kaka circus
(3pm). There are also guided walks, day time and at night (adult/child from $20/6).
There's a cafe and shop on site.
is just south of Masterton on SH2; follow Norfolk Rd about 15km to the gates. Mountain
streams dart through virgin forest in this reserve, known as
Holdsworth
. A recreation
area has swimming holes, picnic spots, campsites and a lodge. Heading into the hills,
walks include short, easy family tramps, excellent one- or two-day tramps, and longer,
challenging tramps for experienced bush-bods (west through to Otaki Forks). The resid-
ent caretaker has maps and hut accommodation info. Check weather and track updates
before setting off, and be prepared to be baked, battered and buffeted by fickle condi-
tions.
Further south is
Carterton
, another of the small rural towns that punctuates SH2. It
boasts by far the best hanging flower baskets of the lot, and adds a raft of good second-
hand shopping and some good cafes to boot - don't pass through without stopping for a
wander.
As you've had the stamina to read this far, it's only fair that we share with you one fi-
nal tip. If you've got your own wheels, and you like a good garden bar, head to the
Glad-
stone Inn
(51 Gladstone Rd, Gladstone)
. Cheers!
Information
Masterton i-SITE
( 370 0900;
www.wairarapanz.com
;
cnr Dixon & Bruce Sts; 9am-5pm
Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun)
Can sort you out with oodles of information including a copy
of the
Wairarapa Visitor Guide,
advice on accommodation, and directions to the Glad-
stone Inn.
