Rugged country boasts outdoor options

At the bottom of the North Island, bordered by the rugged Tararua Mountains to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, Wairarapa is often overlooked by holidaymakers. Yet this isolated part of the country offers a surprising variety of options for families who enjoy activity holidays, often free. Try the following:

Coast Castlepoint Beach: This beach landscape offers open surf, a safe lagoon, fishing reef, and several short walks, to the lighthouse (30 minutes), a limestone sea cave (45 minutes at low tide), the 160m high Castle Rock and its spectacular views (two hours), and the fascinating coastal rock formations north of Whakataki (one hour). Fishing and diving charters are available.

Honeycomb Rock walkway: Drive 60km east of Masterton through Te Wharau and down a spectacular ridge to Glenburn Station. The coastal walk (allow four hours return) culminates in the weird eroded features of Honeycomb Rock, a seal colony and a shipwreck. A good day out with something for everyone.

Cape Palliser: Explore the dramatic scenery in this remote corner of the country by car, but allow time to climb the 250 steps to the Cape Palliser lighthouse (the view is worth it), visit the nearby seal colony (but, oh, the smell), and marvel at the majestic Putangirua Pinnacles (various walks ranging from one to four hours).

Rimutaka incline: The walkway/cycleway follows a 17km former railway route, including tunnels and bridges, between Kaitoke (Upper Hutt) and the Wairarapa (south of Featherston). A great walk or mountain bike ride.

It's a 1-in-15 slope on the eastern side. Make the entire one-way trip (five hours' walk), or you can turn back at Summit station.

Martinborough Bike Rental, ph (06) 306 8477. Return transport (people and bikes): South Wairarapa Tours, ph (06) 308 9352.

Waiohine Gorge: Near Greytown, the 90-minute loop track in this spectacular gorge area features the added excitement of crossing this country's longest swing bridge.

Mt Holdsworth: Near Masterton this area offers several one- to two-hour walks (including a wheelchair-accessible track) plus longer tramps into the Tararua Ranges.

GUIDED ACTIVITIES

Patuna Chasm: Patuna Farm, Haurangi Rd, Martinborough. Native bush and a spectacular limestone canyon, including its fossils, stalactites, waterfalls, eels, wild pigeons and native birds. Two- or four-hour guided tours, adult $15, child $10. Take a picnic lunch.

Also at Patuna Farm: Martinborough horse trekking ($45 for two hours) and a ropes confidence course ($60 half day). Ph (06) 306 9966, fax: (06) 306 9506.

e-mail: inquiries@patunafarm.co.nz, On the web: Patuna Farm

Kahutara canoes and taxidermy museum: On the peaceful Ruamahanga River just 15 minutes from Martinborough. One-hour, half-day and day trips available. No experience needed. Half-day trip: adults $35, students $20, children $15. Ph (06) 308 8453.

Seven Oaks canoeing and jetskiing: A two- to three-hour canoe trip on the calm Whareama River. Or 15-minute jetski ride with driver. Adults $25, students $15, children $10 (half price for second activity). Seven Oaks, RD12, Riversdale Beach Rd, Masterton. Ph (06) 372 3801.

McLeod's Quad Adventures: Explore rivers, bush, and hills by quad bike in safety. Full training, all equipment and light refreshments provided. Two-hour-plus trip: $100. Three-hour-plus trip: $140. Lachie McLeod, Hautotara, Martinborough. Tollfree: 0508 478 237, ph/fax (06) 306 9032, email: lachiemcleod@xtra.co.nz