Before leaving on our trip, Mariah and I spent time with Yvonne Uhlianuk of Mt. Bruce Station who is a New Zealand native. Yvonne grew up in the Wairarapa on a sheep farm and said it was one place we shouldn't miss. She was right. The area (which is fairly large) is full of vast grasslands studded by small quaint towns. I felt at home there, perhaps because it reminded me of the small-town atmosphere of northern Michigan. Full of nice friendly people and beautiful vistas.

The valley is also home to the Golden Shears in Masterton. The Golden Shears is a shearing contest that takes place every March. People come from all over the world to watch the best, fastest shearers. We were too early for the excitement, but we did see the banners!