Bulls township is approximately 20mins drive from the Homestead and boasts some beautiful boutique shopping including French & Sons, selling authentic French antiques, hand picked & pre-loved French treasures. Intrigue is a boutique shopping destination for gifts, accessories and interiors, if you loved your Ruanui wool blanket on the end of your bed, you can purchase your very own here. Also in Bulls is where you can find Scullys bath, body & home flagship store. It's beautifully set-up in an old villa, with gorgeous smells & loads of products to try. We use these locally made products throughout the homestead, room spray, hand & body wash, bath salts - so if you've enjoyed them, it's your chance to take some product home with you.
For the adventurous
Rafting Awastone Rafting has some great rafting adventures just a 45-minute drive away & Rivervalley Lodge in Taihape (1.5hr drive)
Hiking The stunning terrain of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges offer walks, hikes and multi-day tramps for all abilities and are dotted with a solid range of huts. All of this makes for a diverse and exciting outdoor playground, right in Manawatū’s big backyard. Check out the Irongates Experience web site for more detail: www.irongates.co.nz/walks.html
A few favourites within a 45min drive from the homestead are;
Ian McKean Pinetum where you’ll discover the largest collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere. Rangiwahia Hut Track A Slightly challenging but hugely rewarding tramp onto the tops of the Ruahine Ranges, the views are incredible.
Iron Gates Gorge Iron Gates Gorge is a narrow chasm where the Oroua River squeezes between the walls of sheer-sided cliffs as it leaves behind its remote backcountry headwaters and spills into farmland on its way to the sea.
Limestone Glow Worm Caves These are a 40 min drive from the Homestead past Apiti village. These special and unique caves are on private land and protected by QE11 National Trust. A short walk through bush, and along a riverbed, easily accessible from the road.
