Activities

Ranginui Retreat is a place where you can kick back, relax and do nothing. Or you can take advantage of our location to see more of the wonderful Wairarapa. Some of the attractions that we recommend:

• Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a sanctuary for native wildlife in a 942-hectare forest that is home to wild birds. Inside the aviaries the Centre hatch kiwi, kākā and kākāriki for release across Aotearoa New Zealand.https://pukaha.org.nz/
• The stars. Much of the Wairarapa has recently been designated a dark sky reserve, one of the largest areas in the World with this designation, so there are a number of things guests can do to see the stars! Under the Stars - https://underthestars.co.nz can come to Ranginui Retreat with all the equipment needed for a memorable night of private stargazing. Star Safari - https://star-safari.nz/stargazing-in-wairarapa/ visit their site and be amazed as qualified guides introduce you to the night sky using the largest telescopes available in the Wairarapa.  Stonehenge Aoteroa is New Zealand's unique open air astronomical observatory, built following ancient knowledge of the stone circles and adapted to the conditions of New Zealand. https://stonehenge-aotearoa.nz/
• Wine! The Wairarapa makes up only one percent of New Zealand’s wine, making it Aotearoa’s smallest wine-producing region. But lack of size, doesn’t mean lack in quality with extremely small parcels of expertly crafted, memorable wines. The Wairarapa is home to over 60 boutique wineries with some of the world’s most acclaimed winemakers and growers, most of them family owned and operated. Wairarapa Wine Region  https://www.wairarapawine.co.nz/
• Walks and cycling. There are a multitude of walks you can do in the Wairarapa. From a gentle stroll around Henley Lake and Queen Elizabeth Park to a multi-day tramp through the magnificent Remutaka range, there is a walk to suit everyone. https://www.wellingtonregionaltrails.com/trails/
• If you are into mountain biking there are many trails to try out, including the famous Remutaka Cycle trail https://www.nzcycletrail.com/find-your-ride/22-great-rides/remutaka-cycle-trail.
• Shopping and retail therapy. The Wairarapa is seamlessly linked by a succession of quirky and artistic towns packed with specialty shops from antique and homeware stores, fashion and beauty boutiques to arts and crafts retailers. https://www.wairarapawine.co.nz/shop

Wanting to experience an even more up close and personal look at the Wairarapa? 

A helicopter is a great way to see more of the Wairarapa, be it a tour of the region or to visit a particular place. Or, a helicopter will quickly get you into the forests and rivers of the Tararua ranges for some back country tramping, fishing, or hunting. Guides are available to make the day a success and the experience of the chopper pilot an experience not to be forgotten. Pick up and drop off from Ranginui is available.

Night Sky view. In many parts of the World it is not possible to see the night sky because of light pollution or smog. Not so in the Wairarapa which is clear and dark! And, if you are staying at Ranginui Retreat, we can arrange for experts on the night sky to come here with all their gear to give you a private tour of the universe. We do need plenty of notice to organise this (and a bit of help from Earth’s weather!), so let us know you are interested when you book.

Yoga. Missing your regular yoga class while on vacation? Well at Ranginui we can organise a private yoga class for you at a wonderful yoga studio. Jolanta runs The Yoga Gem https://www.theyogagem.co.nz/ and offers authentic Iyengar yoga for absolute beginners and general practitioners. Subject to availability, Jolanta can come to Ranginui Retreat or we can take you to her studio and we can arrange this for you when you book your stay at Ranginui Retreat.

Massage. A relaxing massage in a relaxing environment. Let is know when you book if you would like us to arrange a private massage session for you, on site, during your stay with us.