The area is mainly agriculture which includes sheep and beef, dairying. Also extensive areas of grapes, olives and timber.
Main Centre: Masterton and the other towns in the valley are Carterton. Grey town, Featherstone and Martinborough.

Attractions: Castlepoint and Riversdale beaches about 1 hour east. Mt Holdsworth, Aratoi Art and History Centre, Paua Shell manufacturing. Gladstone Scarecrow Festival (October), Fell Engine (Featherstone), Pioneer Museum Mt Bruce, Vineyards at Martinborough, Taratahi and Opaki. Ngawai Fishing village and Cape Palliser seals. Golden Shears (Masterton March) and Balloon Festival.
"Pukaha" Mt Bruce Wildlife Center.

We welcome friends from all nations for a week hosting and hope they will enjoy there stay here.