The Homestead Cottages provide a good base from which to explore the local area,  unwind and watch the birds or turn the pages of your book beneath the 180 year old oak trees.

Rustle up a game of petanque, play darts, cards or board games. We have an extensive DVD Library for you to use when Netflix doesn't deliver. The property has many lovely vistas so bring your easel or sketchbook and paint or sketch to your hearts content.

Explore the farmland and bush, contemplate by the stillness of the dam, or  enjoy a soak in your personal Cottage Spa Pool.

There is a choice of two country pubs offering hearty meals for lunch and dinner, 5mins to Tinui Café and Bar back over the one-way bridge, or 15 mins to the Whakataki Hotel on the way to Castlepoint.

Before you reach the Whakataki you pass the Castlepoint Golf course which is open to all.

Castlepoint is a superb beach with a  spectacular walk to the historic lighthouse. There is a safe lagoon and beach for swimming, a large reef and rocks and a number of great walks. Both Castlepoint and Riversdale beaches provide several breaks for surfers. The general store at Castlepoint sells just about everything along with specialty fish and chips.

More locally Tinui Craft corner sells lovely, hand-made crafts,  right next to Tinui Village Pantry for daytime teas, meals and treats. There is a small historic building area behind these shops and an historical museum at the back of the craft shop.

The Tinui Anzac walk is a fantastic climb to the top of the Tinui Taipo and takes up to 90 mins depending on your level of fitness. Of course you can also do the brisk hike up to the cross lookout via the track up past the dam at the Homestead.

If you find yourself looking for something to do please ask - there is always weeding to do in the 6ha garden and wood to chop.

For a more comprehensive guide for things to do in the Wairarapa check out:
wairarapanz.com or www.newzealand.com.