The starting point is in Ngahape Valley at the Bird family home. Few people live in this isolated valley, but there are many birds, (of the feathered variety,) as well as an abundance of native flora and fauna.

Comfortable accommodation is available in both the main homestead and in purpose built cottages. Meals (optional) are in the main homestead. A cottage kitchen and sitting room are also at your disposal.

Route one

Directions to Ngahape when travelling from the NORTH.

As you enter the outskirts of Masterton turn LEFT at the Mobil garage into Te Ore Ore road, sign-posted CASTLEPOINT, RIVERSDALE.

About 3-4 km from this junction turn RIGHT, sign posted WAINUIORU. (there is also a sign saying CENTRAL LIME WORKS)

After about 15 mins you pass Wainuioru school. Continue along the road and
cross over a one lane bridge.

Turn LEFT, signposted NGAHAPE.

We are near the end of this no exit road. You travel for 10 mins on the seal and 20 mins on the gravel road. There is a gradual descent into the Ngahape valley.

In the valley the road follows the Kaiwhata river and then takes a significant left hand bend. We are on the RIGHT at this point. Fire box number 46 is on the main gate. The walls of the house are yellow, the roof is green.

(As you travel on the gravel road be careful to stay on Ngahape road. The logging trucks have created highways out of side roads which can sometimes be confusing. Just keep going straight ahead.)

Our phone number is 06 372 2772

Mobile phones will only function at high points on the road!

Have a safe journey and take time to enjoy the stunning scenery and panoramic views!

Route two

Directions to Ngahape when travelling from the SOUTH

When you reach Carterton turn RIGHT at the Westpac Bank - signposted to
Gladstone.

Turn LEFT at the next junction.

Take the next turn RIGHT - still signposted to Gladstone.

Follow the road past the pub on your left, until the T- junction at the store with a wheelwright - Turn LEFT

Continue past the school. Turn RIGHT onto a road that goes up the Kourarau hill, signposted to Te Wharau, Flat Point and Glenburn. There is an electric substation on your right just past the turn (So you’ll know if you have missed it)!

The road winds up the hill and then descends steeply. At the bottom turn LEFT - signposted Wainuioru.

At the next T- junction turn RIGHT past Wainuioru school. Continue along the road and cross over a one lane bridge.

Turn LEFT, signposted NGAHAPE.

We are near the end of this no exit road. You travel for 10 mins on the seal and 20 mins on the gravel road. There is a gradual descent into the Ngahape valley.

(Take time to enjoy the views - they are very panoramic on a good day).

In the valley the road follows the Kaiwhata river and then takes a significant left hand bend. We are on the RIGHT at this point. Fire box number 46 is on the main gate. The walls of the house are yellow, the roof is green.

(As you travel on the gravel road be careful to stay on Ngahape road. The
logging trucks have created highways out of side roads which can sometimes be confusing. Just keep going straight ahead.)

Our phone number is 06 372 2772

Mobile phones will only function at high points on the road!

Have a safe journey and take time to enjoy the stunning scenery and panoramic views!.

Climate

Our region (Wairarapa) has a temperate climate, yet distinct seasons.

Summer — from December to February — is generally hot and dry with day time temperatures often around 30°C (90°F).

Autumn — from March to May — is still characterised by warm days but colder nights. It's vintage (harvest) in our Wairarapa vineyards, and the trees and gardens have excellent autumn colour.

Winter — from June to August — is a great time for walking our track, with often crisp, clear, frosty nights with the day warming up by 10am. Superb views of snow on the Tararua Mountains.

Spring — from September to November — tends to be warm, green and breezy.