There are many recreational activities available from Totara Bank. On-site facilities include a recreational track for walking/running, approximately one kilometre long, with an exercise circuit planned, petanc area, and the possibility of more communal facilities (i.e. swiming pool). There is access to the Ruamahanga river for walking, swimming, kayaking, or passive enjoyment. The Ruamahanga river is the largest trout fishing river in the Wairarapa.

  Outside the development, the Wairarapa has a number of attractions from walking and hunting in the Tararua Mountain range, to scuba diving or fishing at the coast. There are many access points for tramping in the Tararuas, which form the western boundary of the Wairarapa. The highest point in the Tararua range is Mitre Peak , at 1571 metres (5154 feet).

Masterton has good shopping facilities, sports halls, a new recreation centre, new extensive kids playground, golf courses, recreational trails, cinema, restaurants and two local theatre companies. Peter Jackson, director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy has chosen to build his multi-million dollar home on the outskirts of Masterton. There is the 'kid's own' playground in Masterton, a new, and excellent facility for youngsters.

For more shopping, theatre or restaurants, the capital Wellington is only one and a half hours away by car or railway, and the city of Palmerston North slightly closer.

For flying enthusiasts, Masterton has a small airport with fixed wing and helicopter training facilities, skydiving, gliding, and a historic aviation club.

Gladstone village has a thriving local community and is renowned for its Scarecrow Festival that runs in October and November.

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