Activities

Waiohine Swingbridge

On the property there is access to the Waiohine River for swimming and/or trout fishing. There is a petanque court, a dart board, giant Jenga, Kubb, stilts, a basketball hoop, corn-hole, ladder golf and other sports equipment as well as outside dining areas and two bonfire/fire pit areas. There is also a duck pond and paddocks for kids to run around in.

At the end of the road (5.5km) is one of the best swing bridges in NZ. That bridge is at the start of a great day-walk which is detailed on Tracks.org here: tracks.org.nz
This day-walk is a good, honest 13.5km hike through some stunning bush. Not easy. 5-7hrs depending on the group.

Stonehenge Aotearoa

There is also the Carterton MTB park. While it is probably not quite as adventurous as they say on this website, it is still a bit of fun for a couple of short loops. Particularly good for families. It is only 10km away from Thrive.
www.wairarapanz.com/see-and-do/carterton-mountain-biking-track. For the more adventurous and experienced MTB riders, Rivenrock offers a wide range of more challenging tracks.

The neighbour, Alex, runs horse trekking (on demand) from her place for up to six people at a time. This is not the standard walk around the paddock horse trek though, it involves swimming the horses across the river etc. Her prices are (per person) $60/hr, $75/1.5hrs and $90/2hrs. If you are interested I can make your bookings.

Another great activity is Stonehenge Aotearoa.
www.stonehenge-aotearoa.co.nz
Seriously well worth a visit at $25 a head, and with groups of 6+ they will do special private tours. Stonehenge Aotearoa is on the other side of Carterton, 25km away.

Carterton Farmers' Market. Held each Sunday in Memorial Square (Carterton Events Centre during Winter) from 9:00-12:30. Well worth a visit if only for the nice coffee and (normally) live music. www.cartertonmarket.co.nz

Fensham Reserve is a beautiful remnant of 700 year old podocarp forest preserved and maintained by NZ Forest and bird. A gorgeous hour long loop walk only 25 minutes from thrive.

Carter Scenic Reserve, 30min away on east side of Carterton, right behind Gladstone Vineyards (see below). This area of swamp and semi-swamp forest on two old terraces of the Ruamahanga River represents a patchwork landscape that was once typical of the Wairarapa - grass, wetland, shrubland, and forest. Includes the 30min Kahikatea walk (NZ white pine).

Gladstone Vineyard: Come and taste and buy their award-winning range of Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines at cellar door, open daily from 11.00am-4.30pm (except public holidays). Discover the story behind the wines, get some great cellar door specials and merchandise, and walk away with some wines to enjoy and cellar. The sunny and sheltered wine garden overlooks the vineyard and is a great spot to enjoy a glass or two and stay awhile. The setting is relaxing and idyllic, with a petanque court and space for children to play. If it's a nice day, bring a picnic to enjoy with a bottle of our wine. No need to book.