Gladstone, Wairarapa, NZ

Gladstone is situated 1.5 hours drive from Wellington in the Wairarapa. Close enough to Masterton, Carterton and Greytown for shopping and cafes and surrounded by beautiful scenary, rolling farmland and some wonderful wineries.

Gladstone is well-known for its Scarecrow competition which is held by the local school every year, the Gladstone Inn - which people travel far and wide to; the Admiral Hill climb - an annual cycling event which has finished off many an athlete; the Gladstone Vineyard cafe and cultural events; Assissi Gardens, the Wheelwrights Shop where trains are restored and wheels are made the traditional way. Over recent years a number of wineries have also been established in Gladstone - all sharing the same river and terroir as the longer-established wineries in Martinborough. In March every year there is a wine harvest festival held at the Rocks in Gladstone.

At Stone Henge Aotearoa the stars are explained - all of which can be seen very clearly from most places in Gladstone as there is so little ambient light at ensuring black, unpolluted night skies.

The Gladstone Complex is hidden away behind the Gladstone Inn - a great venue for parties, weddings and the bi-annual country ball.....as well being the home for the local rugby team, tennis, badminton and a range of other sports. There is also the very quaint church - over 100 years old with bags of character!

The drive from Gladstone through to Martinborough is beautiful - if you want to be adventurous you can take the less direct, Admiral Hill route - takes a while to reach Martinborough but stunning views along the way!

A range of accommodation options exist from cosy baches, vineyard escapes and traditional B&Bs to a five-star retreat. Gladstone is a well-kept secret.....be amongst the first to come and discover it!