Activites
Fallow Ridge Retreat is full of relaxing and fulfilling activies without the need to hop in your car and go somewhere. But there are some wonderful things right on our doorstep that you can enjoy if you feel like a little drive.
Fallow Ridge Retreat activities
Bathe
There is something magic about a hot bath, and even more so when perched high on a hillside with nature immersing you. Grab a cuppa, a wine, a good book and soak the hours away in our outdoor Stoked bathtub. Our handcrafted bath caddy will hold all your needs as well as the candles and gorgeous Real World bath salts provided.
Read
Our mini library is stocked with a selection of whimsical and thought provoking reads to while away the afternoon. Simply select your seating posy of choice and curl up for some me time.
Games
Nothing like some classic board games to bring a sense of nostalgia. Chess, Yatzee, Cards, Domino’s, Scrabble, and some mind teasers will entertain those who want to activate the brain cells.
Walk
If you fancy stretching your legs and exploring your surroundings then there are several walking tracks available to explore. From a short stroll through the tussocks to a steep climb to the peak of Mt Watkin/Hikaroroa we have something for everyone. Inside the retreat you will find details and maps on these.
Wildlife Watch
Often when sitting out on the deck you will spot a fallow deer grazing or perhaps a NZ falcon swoop past right at eye level. There are binoculars inside the retreat to spot with. For the bird enthusiasts you can take a short stroll to the Mt Watkin Wetland and sit on the manuka seat whilst watching our feathered friends in action.
Fishing
Feel free to pack a rod when you come and stay as the Waikouaiti River boasts some sizable trout that you're more than welcome to try your luck at catching.
Massage
After your walk on the beach in Karitane why not treat yourself to some ultimate relaxation with a deep tissue massage. Rose Martin is a qualified therapeutic massage therapist working from her studio in Karitane and is avaliable by appointment. A one hour session is $85. Phone or txt Rose on 027 223 2472.
Yoga
What better place to breathe deep and strech out on a yoga mat than in your own private wilderness. You will find two yoga mats and a deck of yoga cards to use at the retreat.
Beyond the front door
Take advantage of all there is to offer in the local area. Below are some places that are worth a bit of the drive to see and experience.
Waikouaiti
Waikouaiti is our nearest town, just 15minutes down the road on SH1. The beautiful Waikouaiti Beach is a must visit, it stretches between two headlands, Cornish Head to the north where you can visit the oldest farm buildings in New Zealand at Matanaka Historic Farm, and to the south Huriawa Peninsula, a historic Maori pa site.
In the main street you’ll find good food and coffee, a history museum, and quirky shops selling modern and vintage homeware. There is even a golf course!
Find out more
Matanaka
Otago’s first Farm established by Johnny Jones around 1840. There is a stable, a granary, a school house, a privy and a farm shed still standing today. These are probably the oldest surviving farm buildings in NZ and they are sign posted from State Highway One. Inside the farm shed is an old whaling boat. The buildings are cared for by the Historic Places Trust and are open to the public.
Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre
There is a Heritage NZ category one 1869 BNZ bank building, open to the public for a $5 guided tour. The second building is the new modern heritage centre which includes a gift shop selling local craft/art items, quality gift items and souvenirs. There is also a display of heritage items and an extensive collection of research information in relation to the history of the surrounding area. OPEN 1-4pm Wednesday and Thursday, 10-4pm Friday to Sunday and most public holidays.
Karitane
Karitane is a quaint little seaside settlement, just off SH1. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, golden beach, tranquil environment, plus Māori and European history. Karitane is a base for various ocean activities, including kayaking and fishing charters.
A walk along the beach and the walkways of the Huriawa Peninsula will often provide encounters with fur seals or sea lions, as well as the wide range of sea birds. To the keen surfer, there is a consistent swell, white sand and clear waters.
Huriawa Peninsula Reserve and Walkway
This area has been developed by the Department of Conservation and Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki. The walkway passes the blow holes where the incoming tide is forced up through the rocks. Views from the walkway are spectacular out over Taiaroa Heads to the South and Matainaka and Butterfly Bay to the North. Plaques along the way tell the history of the area and show the site of the old Waikouaiti Whaling Station and Tavern.
Karitāne beach
Grab a coffee from The Karitane General Store and Kitchen and take a stroll along this popular surfing beach. Enjoy searching for crabs, starfish and shellfish off the rocks and watch out for sealions basking in the sun!
Karitāne Māori Tours
Karitāne Māori Tours offer a 2-hour Māori Waka journey where you will paddle up river and likely encounter some local wildlife plus plant native harakeke near the Spit as part of the Coastal Restoration Program. Or you can stay on land and take a guided tour of Huriawa Peninsula and learn of the vibrant history and stories of the pa. Karitāne Māori Tours also hires kayaks, perfect for a relaxed paddle around the lower river and estuary. The area is home to seals, sealions, and a multitude of bird life.
Moeraki Boulders
Head north on SH1 for 50minutes and you will come across the Moeraki Boulders. One of the South Islands most fascinating attractions, the boulders are a group of large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach near Moeraki.
These boulders are concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. They started forming around 60million years ago originally in ancient sea floor sediments and the largest boulders are estimated to have taken about 4 million years to get to their current size. A café, bar and gift shop sit up above the beach also.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Orokonui Ecosanctuary is 307ha of Coastal Otago Forest and home to multiple species of plants and animals.
The area is surrounded by a predator fence and pests have been removed and many rare and endangered species re-introduced. The Ecosanctuary is open from Saturday – Monday and provides a café, many walking tracks and encounters with many NZ natives including Takahe, Tuatara and Kaka, Kiwi, Otago Skinks and Tui.
Head south and turn at Waitati onto Blueskin Road – approx. 35min drive from Fallow Ridge Retreat.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary WebsiteArc Brewery
A neat little spot just 30min south on SH1 at Blueskin Bay.
This boutique brewery is a lovely setting for an afternoon beverage. Arc specialise in handcrafted beer and cider and hosts a variety of food trucks too. They are open Friday - Sunday.
Arc Brewery
Otepoti / Dunedin
Our beautiful southern city has something for everyone! Check out the local food and shopping scene, the various art galleries or get your history fix at the award winning Otago Setters Museum Spot the local wildlife with a tour from Portebello, enjoy a high tea at Larnachs Castle or take a stroll along one of our lovely beaches at St Clair or St Kilda. Dunedin is a 45minute drive south on SH1. We recommend checking out this great website for more information:
