PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Wharekauhau is a super-luxurious hideaway in Wairarapa set amid a 5,000-acre estate of rolling fields, lakes, woodland and 12 miles of rugged coastline, with 13 cottage suites and a three-bedroom house – which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have stayed in.
  • The lodge has welcomed A-listers from Tom Cruise to the Rolling Stones, so the service is suitably slick, yet relaxed and unstuffy.
  • The majestic, luxury Wharekauhau Lodge is situated on a 5000 acre working sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay, just a short drive from the famous gastronomy and vineyards of New Zealand’s Wairarapa Valley.
  • Learning all about life on a working farm reinforces a true Kiwi experience. You can sample the freshest beef and lamb, as well as local crayfish and snapper. Wild fennel and seaweed come from the beach, and there are prolific fruit and veg plots – offering everything from sweet potatoes to strawberries and kaffir limes.
  • A luxurious farm experience in the most beautiful setting. Rich, warm interiors make the main lodge incredibly inviting.
  • Walking through the surf on Palliser Bay is a superb way to start the day.
  • Cuisine here is second to none, given the abundant local and seasonal produce available.
  • During your time at Wharekauhau you can enjoy the indoor pool, tennis court, gym and indulgent spa treatments or join in the numerous outdoor activities.

EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE

We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.

  • Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
  • Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
  • Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
  • Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
  • Complimentary private airport transfers.
  • Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
  • Early check-in and late check-out.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.

A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.

ACTIVITIES:


Hiking and Mountain Biking

With 5,500 acres of private land, including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, and a wild and beautiful coastline, there is little shortage of choice when it comes to choosing a route for mountain biking.



Wharekauhau Farm Tour

This working sheep station tour – in a comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle – is an absolute must for all Wharekauhau visitors. Bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, this classic Kiwi Romney sheep station features all the activities that have created New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage, including sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs in action and daily farm events.



Clay Target Shooting

Clay shooting tests the reflexes like no other sport and what better place to enjoy a shoot than Wharekauhau’s own clay-target field. Small calibre guns and rifles are available: .22, .22 magnum, .410 shotgun, 20 gauge and 12 gauge shotguns. Firearms, ammunition, targets and instruction are provided.



Archery

The ancient sport of archery has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity on the back of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Full instruction and a range of archery equipment are available at Wharekauhau such as: recurve bows, left and right handed and compound bows.


ATV Quad Bikes

Ideal for the adventurous, these bikes are loads of fun. Guests are provided with 20 minutes of tuition and can enjoy a great way to travel along the black sand beaches, over scenic riverbanks and along open fields in the company of an experienced guide. Protective clothing provided.



Horse Riding

Ride horseback over one of the most spectacular farms on earth. Enjoy a picnic, carefully prepared by the Lodge kitchen, and stop along the way to eat lunch by a babbling brook, or overlooking the rugged and dramatic coastline of Palliser Bay.



Surfcasting

The bountiful coastline along Palliser Bay offers a variety of interesting and edible fish. Discover the best spots to fish with professional instruction. Alternatively there is complimentary use of fishing equipment for those wishing to fish without a guide.



Cape Palliser Seal Colony And Lighthouse Tour

Travel along the rugged coastline to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Ngawi, looking back over Palliser Bay to Wharekauhau. Continue on to one of New Zealand’s largest Brown Fur Seal colonies where seals bask in this unspoiled natural environment. Whilst there, climb to the top of the lighthouse for magnificent views. On return, stop at the historical Lake Ferry Hotel for famous fish and chips and some local beverages from the southernmost tip of the North Island.

Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation

Call: +852 9465 4577

Email: travel@theluxevoyager.com

Wharekauhau Country Estate Wairarapa

The majestic, luxury Wharekauhau Lodge is situated on a 5000 acre working sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay, just a short drive from the famous gastronomy and vineyards of New Zealand’s Wairarapa Valley. Located between two of New Zealand’s most stunning and contrasting regions, the vibrant city of Wellington and the picturesque Wairarapa, Wharekauhau began life as a sheep station in the 1840s and remains a working sheep station to this day – possibly the grandest of its kind in New Zealand. Guests staying here can experience life on a working farm from the comfort of an extraordinary lodge which has been designed and built to capture the elegance of a bygone era.

The main lodge building has wonderful views over Palliser Bay and is home to several large open lounges, small cosy rooms with fireplaces, a dining room and open country kitchen. Antique furniture, oversize fireplaces and comfy sofas are present throughout, making the lodge a relaxing place to meet other guests, curl up with a good book or enjoy a glass of wine. French doors lead out onto Wharekauhau’s beautiful courtyard and gardens.

The 13 cottage suites have private terraces, gas fireplaces, walk-in wardrobes and heavenly beds. There is no air conditioning, but ceiling fans and gentle sea breezes keep things cool. Rooms have an iPod dock, hairdryer and TV, while bathrooms have underfloor heating and tubs looking out to sea. The minibar has complimentary juices, water and beer, and you can purchase a bottle of the estate’s Lighthouse gin for around £18. You’ll probably hoover up the freshly-baked shortbread – declared the world’s best by the Cambridges. Meanwhile, if you want to holiday like Wills and Kate, the separate owner’s cottage has three bedrooms over two floors, with a study, kitchen, wine cellar and infinity pool.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Cottage Suite

Cottage Suite

Indulge in the luxury and comfort of Wharekauhau’s cottage suites high above the thunderous surf of Palliser Bay. Whilst taking in the dramatic vistas, guests are able to relax in absolute bliss and forget the outside world. Be at one with nature amongst the sheep that dot the pastures and enjoy deep sofas, fluffy pillows, heated marbled floors, and homemade cookies are just a few of the luxuries that are associated with the13 Cottage Suites. Each cottage suite features a super king-sized bed or two twin beds, open gas fireplace, under floor heating, heated marble floor in bathroom, heated towel rail and a minibar.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Owners Cottage

Owners Cottage

The Owners Cottage is a world-class, 4,500 square foot, hideaway that offers guest the best of both worlds, complete privacy, and independence, as well as access to all of the Wharekauhau amenities. The Owners Cottage is located a short stroll from the main lodge with stunning views over the dramatic Palliser Bay. Built to make a statement, and yet it sits as an elegant stand-alone property framed by backdrop of the Rimutaka mountains. The 3.5 bedroom cottage is split between two levels, joined by an Oamaru sandstone staircase. All three guest rooms have stunning views across Palliser Bay, and are filled with natural light; however the downstairs master guest room also opens out onto a private paved courtyard.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Wharepapa Cottage

Wharepapa Cottage

Wharepapa Cottage sits on the sloping pastures of Wharekauhau. The secluded retreat enjoys endless views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke Sandspit. The beautifully designed, warm and homely cottage is an ideal residence for a longer stay and explore the estate and region over a few days. Fully self-maintained, the 3 bedroom cottage has a large open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. The cottage comes with a full working kitchen, including induction cooktop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer, can be stocked with pre-arranged grocery items at an additional cost.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Main Lodge

Main Lodge

Each room in the Main Lodge has a unique atmosphere, from large open lounges to smaller intimate areas such as the Palliser Room or Drawing Room. The antique furniture and oversized fireplaces throughout the lodge capture the grandeur of yesteryear. At the heart of it all is the Main Lounge, grand in design while remaining intimate. Slide into an inviting sofa or armchair, take a moment to relax or escaping into a good book. The elegant Dining Room flows through to the impressive Country Kitchen and conservatory where large marble benches and an open kitchen offer guests the chance to discuss the chefs’ secrets of the kitchen.

Wharekauhau is a working farm, so you can sample the freshest beef and lamb, as well as local crayfish and snapper. Wild fennel and seaweed come from the beach, and there are prolific fruit and veg plots – offering everything from sweet potatoes to strawberries and kaffir limes. Guests congregate for apéritifs in the lounge before dinner, which you can eat in a formal or more laid-back room. In an area renowned for great wine, restaurant manager Grant will keep your glass well refreshed. Breakfast in the rustic country kitchen includes a continental selection plus scrumptious cooked options – using eggs from the estate’s 25 chickens.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Wharekauhau Restaurant

Wharekauhau Restaurant

The kitchen has adopted a locavorian approach to planning menus and selecting produce, using fruits from the orchard, vegetables from the garden, honey from local honey bees, wild fennel from the coast. It is not uncommon to see a Wharekauhau chef roaming the grounds collecting various items for the menu.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Bar

Bar

An adventure for the palate! Sample a series of wines from the Foley Family portfolio with our in-house Sommelier in the cellar. Learn about the various flavour profiles, and wine making techniques. We grow many of our own fruits, vegetables and forage the estate for various wild produce. Wharekauhau is also in the unique position of being linked with one of the fastest growing vineyard companies in New Zealand – Foley Family Wines – which provides us access to a fabulous library of fantastic wines. Additionally, being 30 minutes by road from what many describe as the premier Pinot Noir region of New Zealand means we are quite literally PERFECTLY situated for those looking for food & wine experiences.

The recreation centre has a 24 metre indoor heated pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, all weather tennis court, gym and spa treatment room with a extensive range of specialist holistic treatments available.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Wairarapa Pool

Pool

Slip into our heated, 24 metre-long swimming pool for a refreshing swim in any season. The pool has large sliding glass doors to let the warm sunshine in when retracted right back, and clear views of nature in all weather. The heated spa pool is luxurious place to soak after a day exploring the property or region.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Spa

Spa

Rejuvenate with a range of day spa treatments for both men and women.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Wairarapa Gym

Gym

Fancy a brisk workout during your stay? Our gymnasium features top-of-the-line equipment and weights for you to exercise to your heart’s content. You have full access to the gym as a guest, including fixed weights, free weights, elliptical machine, treadmill, cycle, multi-gym and yoga mats.

Wharekauhau Country Estate Wairarapa Tennis

Tennis

Just opposite the herb and strawberry garden is our all-weather surface tennis court.

Area & Location

Area, Country
Ocean Beach, New Zealand
Nearest Airport
Auckland Airport, Auckland 
Local Currency
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Time Change
GMT +12
Language
English
Best time to go
November through April

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