Over the Hill

You will constantly read the phrase 'Over the Hill'. Useage of this term is shared by both Wairarapa residents and Wellington (region) residents. The Hill is called 'The Rimutakas' or 'Rimutaka Hill Road' and is 22kms long, windy, and not for the faint-hearted. Takes around 17-25 minutes to get over - depending on whether you get any hold-ups on the 'down' (Wairarapa) side where there are no marked passing lanes. The hill is frequently closed on very windy days, and occasionally for snow and sleet. Featherston is the first town when travelling from Wellington.

From Wellington city to Featherston, about 1 hr 20 mins drive. We currently live in Lower Hutt, about where the '2' is on the map, and it's exactly 1 hour's drive from here to Fossils Retreat in Carterton

Here's some tourist blurb on the Wairarapa Region : Nestled at the southern end of the North Island, this region combines urban life with wilderness experiences and the simple pleasures of a rural paradise. The Wairarapa region offers exciting opportunities to acquaint yourself with New Zealand's rural off-the-beaten-track charm. Fringed by mountains and rugged coast, the region offers a diverse range of experience for lovers of great wine, gourmet organically grown food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. The area is particularly renowened as a wine-growing region, boasting over 30 vineyards. The Wairarapa is also home to a wealth of other specialist food growers - from olive oils, fruits and vegetables, nuts and herbs, to honey, traditional cider (alcoholic - for American interest), boutique beer, cheeses and chocolate - this region is the perfect destination for those with an interest in culinary indulgence.

That pretty well sums it all up ... heaps more, of course, and we know several secrets ... about all sorts of things

Photos taken while travelling 'over the hill'.

The first view of the Wairarapa valley - about one third of the way down (from Wellington) from the summit. Sorry about the uv haze and the dirty windscreen

Taken going back 'down' over the hill, on the Wellington side

Get a good look at the quality of the fences on the left as you go up the hill from Wellington, because ...

they are not much good at stopping your vehicle. Some poor chap went right through the fence here going down the hill (to Wgtn) the day before. We saw his car still down the side - 200 metres down. He was coptered out.

We know several people who won't even venture over the hill.

The Kia Ora dairy in Featherston. Has great value for money cone ice creams

We don't mess around trying to get the message across with our road signs