Wharekauhau Country Estate

Explore the spectacular, experience the dramatic, and enjoy exotic New Zealand first hand. Wharekauhau is considered one of New Zealand’s, (and the world’s), most luxury hideaways, offering guest an unforgetable farm stay experience set in the spectacular foothills of the Remutaka Mountain Range and the clifftops of dramatic Palliser Bay. Rest or explore while surrounded in luxury, and build a lifetime of memories.

Grandeur, gracious and intimate, set high on the clifftops with sparkling Pacific Ocean views, and intimate spaces to while your time away. Warm light streams in from the gardens to illuminate our kitchen, a large country kitchen table offers guests the chance to discuss our chefs’ secrets.

Share in the moment with your family, friends and colleagues, or enjoy a solo adventure with one of our unique activities. With 3,000 acres of private land including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, and a wild and rugged coast, our guests are spoilt for choice.

With simplicity, honesty and taste at its heart, enjoy farm to table dining. Everything is based around what you would like. Sourced fresh from our own gardens or in surrounding areas. We want to showcase what makes our corner of this amazing country so special, and we choose foods to ensure we place focus on the sustainability of our produce.

Walk into a bygone era and enjoy the grandeur and gracious lifestyle of the Edwardian times. The spacious grand lodge is set high on the hill with a spectacular view, yet still has an intimate feel for your stay.

ROOMS & SUITES
All Suites and Villas at Wharekauhau are designed to be your home-away-from home. Luxury light and bright interiors contrast against the wild and rugged backdrop of Wharekauhau station with large windows to gaze out across the big blue sweep of Palliser Bay.

Each Suite has been well thought out to provide the ultimate in relaxation and luxury. Heated floors, private fireplaces, oversize wardrobes, deep sofas, and individual terraces these will truly become your home away from home!

COTTAGE SUITES
Wharekauhau’s Luxury Cottage Suites are a picture of grandeur. Perched high above the thunderous surf of the Palliser Bay, you are treated to dramatic vistas. Relax in absolute bliss and forget the outside world.

Be at one with nature among 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 our 16 Cottage Suites.

The timeless and light soaked cottages were initially put together by the famed NZ interior designer, Virginia FIscher. In true Wharekauhau style, natural materials are used throughout the cottage suites, including clay tiles, pebble mosaics, plastered walls, rich New Zealand wool carpeting, and high-thread-count cotton bed linen.

FOLEY VILLA
No other accommodation compares to the Foley Villa at Wharekauhau Country Estate. The villa is a world-class, 4,500 square foot, hideaway that offers, you the guest, the best of both worlds. It offers complete privacy, and independence, as well as access to all of the Wharekauhau amenities.

The Foley Villa is located a short 10 minute walk, (or 2 minute drive), 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 Remutaka Ranges.

The 3 bedroom villa is split between two levels, joined by an Oamaru sandstone staircase. The interiors were custom designed by local designer firm Kurio Design. The villa has a light and bright Hamptons-style feel that has been designed to incorporate as much natural light as possible with high ceilings, large windows, and full sliding patio doors.

The cottage has a central, open-plan lounge and dining area. Deep chairs, a flat screen television with integrated house BOSE audio visual system, and an open log-burning fireplace.

A large dining table for private family dinner sits between the kitchen and the lounge. The kitchen is fully functional and perfect to have a private chef come and spend an evening creating a bespoke menu without you having to leave the villa!

All three guest suites have stunning views across Palliser Bay, and are filled with natural light; however the downstairs master guest suite also opens out onto a private paved courtyard.

Each room is set with a king sized bed, comfortable chairs for lounging, air conditioning, and an open gas fireplace for added ambience. Each room has a private ensuite bathroom, complete with claw-foot baths and separate showers. The master bathroom also has a secluded outdoor shower.

The sweeping front patio extends out to a heated infinity pool – think summer poolside barbeques. There is an outdoor gas fireplace with seating and exterior music for those still summer nights.

For added privacy guests can land a helicopter directly at the cottage, and departures and arrivals can be conducted in a way the no other guests would know you are hidden away at Wharekauhau. The house also has its own remote accessed electronic security gate.

DAY GUESTS
Wharekauhau Country Estate welcomes day visitors to the lodge to enjoy some of the experiences and hospitality that has made Wharekauhau famous. Our Trust The Chef lunch dining; Relaxing treatments in the Hauora Day Spa; An adventurous ATV Quad bike trail; A competitive sporting clay target shoot, (Or all in one day) are all options for your special day out It is essential that reservations are made in advance. The team at the lodge is more than happy to help plan your perfect day!

TRUST THE CHEF
As much as we dislike admitting it, when it comes to food, the chef does know best, and we trust his knowledge! The talented team in the kitchen create a 4 course degustation-style tasting menu each day, (Amuse bouche + 4 course set menu, with options for main course + petit fours).

The inspiration behind the menu is to showcase the bounty that we harvest from our local region, paying particular homage to the natural systems at play. The pastures, streams, coastline, forests, gardens and orchards are a proverbial natural grocery store for us to seek produce, and inspiration.

Looking further afield, our suppliers are people we know and trust, who follow similar guiding principles and practices. We believe food is a fabulous medium for people to bond over, share stories, and break bread. We would be thrilled to share this menu and our concept with you.

HIGHT TEA
The first Sunday of every month from March-December we channel our inner Great Gatsby and enjoy some croquet and pétanque on the games lawn and host a classic high tea in the lodges main dining room.

DAY SPA
After 2021 & 2022 we all need a little day to recover, relax and treat ourselves!! This is the Wharekauhau version of the ultimate spa-day! Escape to the coast for a relaxing day out. Arriving at the lodge you can slip into a cosy robe, and sip a welcome glass of Champagne poolside.

The only stress is the choice between a 60 minute relaxing massage, or a 60 minute facial at the Hauora Spa. When you are well relaxed you will be guided to your table in the main lodge to enjoy one of our famous Trust The Chef lunch dining experience.

THE FARM
Behind Wharekauhau’s achingly-beautiful farmland surroundings is a hugely successful farming operation that put it on the map in the mid-1800s.

One of the oldest Romney studs in the land with a heritage that dates back to the 1840s.This vast 3,000-acre estate is dotted with Romney sheep roaming among the Black Angus cattle and is considered one of New Zealands premier coastal sheep stations.

The farm is managed by expert Farm Manager Bradley Riggs who keeps a close eye on his growing flock. “Every season breathes new life and magic across Wharekauhau, highlighted by the arrival of 10,000 spring lambs and the seasonal muster to shear the flock, the place is just magic day-in, day-out”

CELLAR & WINERIES
The estate is home to a 5,000 bottle wine cellar sprawling through three interlinked rooms. We believe that wine cellars are more than just places to store and manage a collection of vintages. We see it as an space that gives an intimate and deeply personal insight into Wharekauhau.

We are proud supporters of our local wine country – Martinborough, and the wider New Zealand wine industry. We specifically seek out wines of high quality, integrity interest, and champion the smaller producer.

In the cellar one will find the private ‘Sommeliers Table’ tasting and dining room. An exceptional spot grow your knowledge, explore new and rare wines, or learn a little more about our collection of Foley Wines & Lighthouse Gin under the personal guidance of our inhouse Sommelier.

Lodge owner Bill Foley is also the founder of Foley Wines. We share in his passion for vineyards that produce high quality wines each with a unique story of New Zealand to tell, our wineries are linked by a common unrelenting purpose; to make great wine that people love to drink around the world – made by land & hand.

LIGHTHOUSE GIN
On the southern-most tip of the North Island of New Zealand, under the watch of the iconic Cape Palliser lighthouse, Lighthouse Gin is a harmonious blend of pure mountain spring water, sourced here at Wharekauhau Estate, with hand-zested naval oranges, Yen Ben lemons and hints of native botanicals – including leaves of the peppery native botanicals – to create a premium gin of exceptional flavour and complexity.

SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY
Our sustainability journey is an ever evolving one, however one we are deeply committed to. ‘Travel Deeper’ is a concept that means taking a moment to slowdown and scratch beneath the surface, and understand at a much deeper level how the property fits within its eco-system and its community.

Wharekauhau Country Estate is deeply committed to, and invested in, ensuring an experience that is highly memorable, yet low impact on our natural resources. As a company we recognise we are in a unique position to be role models, leaders and ambassadors in the community.

We have the potential to inspire and strengthen our community, which is our core foundation. In addition to being role models we have the privilege of being the current guardians of this remarkable whenua (land) known as ‘Wharekauhau’.

We acknowledge and respect those that have come before us, and those that will experience this in years to come. We wish to be the absolute best ‘runholders’ of the land we can be, and to ensure all those that visit become engaged in helping us continue this legacy.

SOUTH WAIRARAPA
The Wairarapa is the rural province in which we are situated. It extends from the southern shores below Wharekauhau, North up the centre of the lower North Island, and spreads across to the Eastern coast of the North Island. It is very much a rural, rugged, a somewhat ‘un-explored’ province.

The term ‘Wairarapa’ translates to ‘Glistening Waters’ – This is in reference to the shimmering lake surface that Lake Wairarapa can produce in the summer months. Some of the regional highlights of the Wairarapa include;

Lake Ferry is located less than one hour from Wharekauhau, on the shores of Lake Onoke and Palliser Bay. This popular spot is known for its superb fishing and surfing, its unique environmental assets and its fascinating history. European settlers brought sheep and cattle into the area in 1844, following the coastal route from Wellington to Lake Onoke.

These runholders were the first to establish pastoral farming in New Zealand. Following a drowning in 1850, a ferry service across the lake was established. The ferryman needed accommodation and a supplement to his income so a liquor license was issued, and the Lake Ferry Hotel opened in 1851.

Lake Ferry Hotel is home to great Whitebait Fritters, Fresh Flounder, and Paua. A lot of local history is depicted in the photographs hanging from the walls.

Ngawi and Cape Palliser are small settlements that embraces the rugged beauty of the coastline. Pronounced ‘Nar-wee’ is a small fishing / holiday town within five kilometres of Cape Palliser. Ngawi has one claim to fame – more bulldozers per head of population than anywhere else.

The bulldozers are used to haul the commercial fishing boats in and out of the water as there is no wharf or alternative access to the ocean other than the beach, which can be notoriously rough at times.

Further South is the Cape Palliser peninsula. The Southern-most tip of the North Island. Home to the historical Cape Palliser lighthouse and the large population of brown fur-seals and sea lions.

This shopping gem, just 45 minutes North of the lodge, has beautifully restored Victorian wooden buildings that house stylish and interesting specialty stores, artisan crafters, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Greytown offers the antithesis of big box shopping or bland and samey malls you find in many large centres these days.

WELLINGTON
Wellington is often described as the ‘Coolest Little Capital in the World’. A bay-side, walking city with a big personality. The city has a wonderful vibrant restaurant scene, and is known for its relaxed coffee culture.

Wharekauhau can arrange a driver and guide to show you this wonderful city. Please inquire via reservations@wharekauhau.co.nz to get a specific quote on how you would like to spend your ‘Wellington-Day’.

The waterfront is home to the national museum of New Zealand – TE PAPA. This is a great way to spend a few hours, or more, and get a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s history, social culture, and art scene. A favourite experience is to pre-arrange a private tour behind the scenes and be guided through the stories of what the museum vaults hold.

Spend a few hours with the talented team at WETA FILMS. Weta films are the special-effects wizards who have been recognized with a number of film industry awards for their work on projects such as; Lord of The Rings, The Hobbit, The Adventures of Tintin, Avatar, Thunderbirds, King Kong, and many many more.

Take a guided tour of their workshop, and meet some of the artists who can show you some of their specific make-up, prosthetic talents that have made Weta Films the go-to company for special effects.

MARTINBOROUGH
John Martin is regarded as the town’s founder and set out the first streets in the pattern of Union Jack in the 19th century. Many of the town’s streets are named after foreign cities visited by Martin.

Before Martinborough was established, the southern part of the region was known as ‘Waihenga’, a point that seems to be lost at times in the history of the district. A feature is the colonial architecture, one example of which is the historic Martinborough Hotel, built in 1882.

Martinborough has been producing wines, notably Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris & Chardonnay since the late 70s/early 80s. It contributes roughly 3% of wine to the total New Zealand wine production, however punches well above this percentage when it comes to winning global awards.

Martinborough has a warm micro-climate, with hills to the east and west, and a long Pacific-influenced valley sweeping up from the South. Almost all the vineyards are in thin ribbons around the northern and eastern sides of the town, and the Te Muna Valley terrace to the East. All follow dry, stony riverbeds, which provide appropriate soils for viticulture.

As with any great wine region tourism soon followed, and the town has grown to be a vibrant summer hub and plays host to a number of small restaurants, artisans, and annual fairs.

It is completely normal to find groups of cyclists leisurely cycling the flat, tree-lined roads between vineyard stops. It is a little town where laughter, music and wine fills the air and certainly brings the community together.

EXPERIENCES
Immerse yourself in the warmth and atmosphere of life at Wharekauhau. Whether you’re relaxing with a crackling fire and watching the sea, sharing laughter and wine in the sunny kitchen, or riding an ATV across the black sand beach, your stay will be a memorable one. When you’re here, you’re family.

MARTINBOROUGH WINE TOUR
Enjoy a sampling from some of our favourite boutique wineries situated in close proximity to Wharekauhau. Discover the pleasures of the local wineries, tasting some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

International wine experts rate Martinborough as one of the finest wine growing regions in New Zealand and its Pinot Noir on par with anything that Burgundy has on offer. This tour is a great introduction to the region.

Your personal guide will chauffeur you around a selection of vineyards and introduce you to a number of the vibrant characters that make up our small wine village. Included with this tour will be lunch at one of the vineyard cafes or at one of the excellent cafes in the village where you will also have the opportunity to visit the boutique shops.

SOIL BARRELL CELLAR PASSION
Three of the biggest influences in great wines combine in a one day tour. Look, see, smell, touch, and most importantly taste the influence that, the soil, the barrels, the vintage and the passion have over our tiny region.

The Martinborough wine region has been growing vines for about 40 years. A young region by comparison globally, but one of the oldest in the New Zealand wine world. Enjoy the rare opportunity to get past the cellar door and into the private cellars of some of the craftsmen of our region.

Without giving all of our secrets away some of the highlights of the day out would include; A walk and taste through one of the award winning vineyards…Drawing samples straight from the barrel and tasting the wine before it even hits the bottle…. A trip into the private cellar one of the private cellars to sample some of the older vintages from the region; and a few other ‘hidden gems’ of the region.

HAUORA SPA
For over a century Wharekauhau has been regarded as much more than a lodge or a farm. The lands special spirit has captivated, inspired, and resonated deeply with those that have experienced Wharekauhau. …It is a place where the thunderous Pacific waves meet the wind-swept black-sand beaches;…

A place where the mountains seem to rise up out of the ocean and kiss the clouds;… A place that the naturally dramatic surroundings can influence healing, self-consciousness, and provide a distinct sense of place and calmness…

Hauora, (Pronounced; Ho-ore-a), is a Maori philosophy of total health and well-being, and we believe it pays great tribute to the people, and energy of the land, past and present.

WAIRARAPA ARTISAN TOUR
Join one of the guides for a day trip into the villages around the South Wairarapa to visit some of the small artisans that take great pride in crafting small products of the highest quality. We spend some time visiting an olive grove, chocolate provider, honey produce and local lavender farm.

STAR GAZING
After dinner spend the remainder of your evening under the stars with a passionate local astronomer. The Wairarapa is now the home to New Zealand newest and largest dark-sky reserve meaning the clarity of our night sky is assured and protected. From the comfort and intimacy of your own Cottage Suite terrace you’ll have a memory of a lifetime!

HELILUNCH
Lift off from the Wellington central city airport, and fly East, up and over the Remutaka Range, and out over the dramatic Palliser Bay. You will touchdown on the rolling front lawn of Wharekauhau Country Estate, where you are greeted by a glass of Champagne. Enjoy a relaxing multi-course lunch at the lodge, before flying back over the mountain divide and returning to the central city.

THE ADVENTURERS DAY OUT 
Join us at the lodge at 9am for a farmhouse morning tea, followed by venturing out on an ATV quad bike tour of the coast and estate. Back at the lodge you are welcome to use the locker-rooms to get changed into your afternoon attire. Sink into an afternoon of relaxed fine dining with our Trust The Chef menu.

ATV QUAD BIKING
Get out and about in true adventure-style! Lick the salt from your lips, and brush the sand out of your hair. This is one of the greatest ways to see, and connect with the landscape of Wharekauhau. Ideal for the adventurous, these bikes are loads of fun.

We’ll give you 20 minutes of tuition and you 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.

THE SIGNATURE FOLEY WINE FLIGHT 
Exclusive to guests of Wharekauhau Country Estate is the chance to discover the valleys of the upper South Island, and the terrace of Martinborough. Get up close and personal with the landscapes and vineyards that the lodge owners Bill and Carol Foley fell in love with.

When the Foley family first fell in love with New Zealand they found the Marlborough wine region in the upper South Island. The iconic home of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

This region spans the well-known Wairau Valley, and also the ‘baby brother’ – Awatere Valley. This experience includes tours and tastings of a vineyard in each of the valleys, and showcases the difference in style in two valleys of such close proximity.

Heading back North we fly over the Cape Palliser Lighthouse, and up the rugged East coast, before crossing over the mountain range and into Martinborough where you will be greeted by a Wharekauhau Chef at the vineyard that joined the Foley family only a few months after Wharekauhau did – Te Kairanga. Enjoy a tasting and relaxed luncheon prepared by the chef before lifting off for the final time and returning to the lodge.

BEACH FISHING
Palliser Bay is one of New Zealand’s largest open Bays and when Mother-Nature allows us the perfect conditions, we think there are not many better places to spend an afternoon

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.

SEAL COLONY & 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.

While 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 stunning vistas back over Cooks Strait towards the South Island, and the open ocean through to Antarctica! A great day out for all ages that explores the dramatic southern-tip of the North Island.

CYCLE THE VINES
Part of Martinborough’s wine charm is the fact the vineyards, and their proximity to the village square are all so close. ‘Cycle the vines’ gives you the chance to release your inner-explorer and enjoy that self-guided sense of adventure!

Your guide will transfer you into Martinborough and give you a lay-of-the-land, before setting you up with your bikes for the day. You will have the chance to take the day at your own pace as you self-guide your own wine tour. At the end of the day the guide will meet you and transfer you back to the lodge

The lodge will prepare an active backpack picnic and set you up with all the essentials; bottled water, sunscreen, vineyard map, and some insider tips on different venues and any events happening at them.

GOLF – ROYAL WELLINGTON
Wharekauhau is a short 10 minute helicopter hop, (or 70 minute drive), to the historic Royal Wellington Golf Club, home of New Zealand’s best private members’ parkland course. Situated alongside the Hutt River near Silverstream. Lift off after breakfast for a preferred tee time slot and be back in time for mid-afternoon massages, and sundowners!

Rooms: 16

Price: from 2.604 EUR per night

Source: www.wharekauhau.co.nz