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.
Situated within a 3,500-acre working sheep and cattle farm, make sure to spend time exploring the estate. We think its most fun by 4WD, but there are also some spectacular walks and bike trails on offer.
Dining at Wharekauhau is a casual affair where dishes are crafted up daily by the chef using locally sourced produce, much of which is from the estate itself.
The Cottage Suites were designed by famed Kiwi interior designer, Virginia Fischer, and boast high ceilings, heated marble floors, and stunning ensuite bathrooms. Keep an eye out for the wandering sheep that are likely to pass by your window!
After a day of adventuring, make sure to visit the Hauora Spa and unwind with a relaxing Green Tea Warming Body Wrap or a soothing Manuka Honey Signature Facial.
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.
Accommodation at Wharekauhau is provided in luxurious cottages each designed for privacy and comfort. Dotted throughout the estate, the cottages house Wharekauhau’s guest suites and each offer superb ocean views. With soft, country furnishings and all modern conveniences, this really is the place to discover clean, green New Zealand.
For more space and privacy, the Wharepapa Cottage is 4km from the main lodge and is set in a cliff overlooking Palliser Bay. It has three bedrooms and a large one plan living room and is ideal for families wanting to be self contained. Alternatively, for something grander stay at the expansive Chateau Wellington with three en-suite bedrooms and private horizon swimming pool overlooking Palliser Bay.
Meals in the main lodge are tailored to guests' preferences and tastes and breakfast in the open country kitchen is a feast of freshly prepared hot and cold delights. Lunch might be a picnic, private barbecue, or something cooked to your taste served on one of the terraces. Each evening guests can mingle over canapés and pre-dinner drinks, before a dinner party style four course meal is served with the region's finest wines. Guests wishing to dine privately can do so at a location of their choice.
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, from galloping along the beach in the pounding surf, exploring the workings of the farm, strolling through the vast and rugged landscape or simply indulge in splendid luxury, superb local wines and irresistible food.
When to visit
Ensure you make the short drive to nearby Greytown to sample the delights of Schoc, a boutique chocolate shop home to 'chocolate therapy'. The Lime and Chilli chocolate is to die for, as is the Seasalt chocolate - the perfect accompaniment to some local bubbly sipped overlooking Palliser Bay.
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Wharekauhau Lodge is set on a 5,500-acre working sheep and cattle farm set on dramatic coastline in the Wairarapa Valley wine-growing region.
Wellington International Airport receives international and domestic flights daily. The airport is about 150km (1.5-hours drive) from Wharekauhau Lodge.
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