New Zealand Stays of Distinction

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Wharekauhau provides luxury lodge accommodation in New Zealand. In 1998 and 2004 Wharekauhau received a Grand Award from Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report and in 2003 received New Zealand's first and only "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. Often listed among the top 20 international resort hideaways, Wharekauhau consistently offers a world class experience.

As a honeymoon destination, relaxing resort, romantic retreat, wedding location, spa resort, or virtually any occasion, Wharekauhau provides luxury accommodation offering the chance for guests to enjoy unique New Zealand country hospitality.

Wharekauhau Lodge is based on a 5000 acre working sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay. Guests can choose from a veritable smorgasbord of outdoor activities or simply indulge in splendid luxury, superb local wines and irresistible cuisine. Each perfect day ends in your own sumptuous cottage with built-in views of the magnificent ocean.

Conference and incentive groups will also find Wharekauhau an ideal venue. Wharekauhau Lodge can be booked as an exclusive venue and programmes tailored specifically for the each group. Activities such as quad-bikes, clay target shooting, horse-riding, jet-boating and team-building options are available along with numerous other choices.

HOW TO GET THERE

Wharekauhau and Wharepapa make up a remote rural property of over 5000 acres on the south east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The property runs between the Rimutaka Mountains in the west and the wild seclusion of Palliser Bay on its eastern boundary.

Wharekauhau is a 914 hectare (2300 acres) working sheep station that was established in the early 1840s and is home to New Zealand's second oldest Romney Stud sheep flock. Wharekauhau is situated at the end of Western Lake Road above Ocean Beach. About 620 hectares (1500 acres) of the Station, which accounts for 70% of the land area, lies on an uplifted, gently sloping marine terrace located between the Wharekauhau Stream and the Wharepapa River. About another 180 hectares (445 acres) is located on coastal and river terraces around Mukamuka Stream to the west.

The site boundaries of Wharekauhau are natural ones-the coastal cliff escarpment above Ocean Beach to the south, the steep forested slopes of Rimutaka Forest Park to the north, Wharepapa River to the east and Wharekauhau Stream and hill country to the west.

The Lodge

Luxury hotel with award winning style - at home and internationally - Wharekauhau is recognised as one of the world's exclusive retreats. The Lodge is the heart of Wharekauhau. Modelled on an Edwardian country mansion, the Lodge was designed by Queenstown Architect Fred van Brandenburg, and it is here that guests dine and mingle.

Come evening, guests gather in the living room for aperitifs, before moving to the dining room, where elegantly decked tables promise a feast to remember.

The Lodge is imbued with a warmth and character seldom found in a modern hotel. The fine design, sumptuous furnishings, exquisite tableware and outstanding cuisine all combine to satisfy the senses.

As testimony to its qualities, Wharekauhau has won a clutch of awards in New Zealand and internationally including being named a Grand Award Winner by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report in 1998 and 2004. In 2003 Wharekauhau received a World Travel Award for New Zealand's Best Spa Resort. Wharekauhau was also awarded with New Zealand's first and only "Best of Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator magazine and a rating of 5 Decanters - Outstanding, in 2003.

Cottages

Luxury accommodation at Wharekauhau is provided in self-contained cottages. Designed for privacy and comfort, they are perfect for honeymooners. Dotted throughout the estate, the cottages house Wharekauhau's guest suites and offer superb ocean views.

Natural materials are used throughout the guest suites, including clay tiles, pebble mosaics, plastered walls, rich New Zealand wool carpeting, cotton bed linen and hemp curtains.

Each suite has a super king sized four poster bed, open fireplace, under floor heating, deep sofas, a fully stocked bar, and dressing room with full length mirror.

In keeping with the peace which surrounds Wharekauhau, guests can choose to leave the outside world behind for a while. However, we are happy to equip guests suites with television, daily newspapers, and radio on request. Wharekauhau also offers Internet access and conference calling facilities should guests require them.

FACILITIES

Dining

New Zealand food and wines of the very highest quality are part of Wharekauhau's magic. Reawaken your taste-buds at Wharekauhau with New Zealand's very finest produce and wines.

Wharekauhau's menu changes to reflect the seasons and features New Zealand classics such as rack of lamb, venison, pigeon breast, crab broth and crayfish. Local flavours are a highlight - with an award winning selection of local wines, including Palliser Estate, Ata Rangi , Martinborough Vineyard and Murdoch James. Kapiti cheese, Parkvale gourmet mushrooms and Dry Rock extra virgin olive oil are just a few examples of local produce used. We also offer organic produce, including a range of refreshing organic beers.

Dining at Wharekauhau resembles a private dinner party, with guests seated at grand tables. The blend of nationalities, ages and interests ensures convivial dining. However, honeymooning couples and other guests who prefer a more intimate setting for their meals are welcome to request a private dining room.

Evening attire is smart casual - ties and dinner suits are not required. For male guests, a long sleeved dress shirt, trousers and dress shoes suffice, although jackets are preferred.

Heli-Lunches

Escape the Wellington Lunchtime crowd! Jump aboard one of Helipro Wellington's comfortable helicopters and head to Wharekauhau for a unique luncheon experience.

Enjoy a fabulous flight and take in the spectacular views of the magnificent Palliser Bay before your "chauffeur" sets you down outside one of New Zealand's most exclusive lodges.

Wharekauhau heralds a new era of elegance and graciousness without losing the warmth, conviviality and intimacy of country hospitality. Situated on over 5000 acres of working sheep station, it has been described as one of the most spectacular farms on earth.

Here our chefs will tempt you with a gourmet lunch, and since you are chauffeur flown, why not complement it with something from our wine list which features some of the finest local wines.

After lunch, board your aircraft once again and your chauffeur will return you to Wellington.

ACTIVITIES

Experience the New Zealand outdoors or simply relax and unwind. Wharekauhau Country Estate offers guests activities to suit all tastes. Whether you're feeling adventurous, or in need of a rest, at Wharekauhau the choice is yours: sit back and savour the tranquillity, or take on the great New Zealand outdoors.

If you wish to stretch your legs, take to a hiking trail through Wharekauhau's 5000 acres, encompassing native forest, idyllic lakes and rivers, farm land, and the breathtaking South Wairarapa coast.

For guests seeking an adrenalin rush, we offer a four wheel drive safari, horse trekking, and trap shooting on our private clay field, set in spectacular rural terrain.

Many guests take the opportunity to visit the renowned Martinborough wine growing region, an easy drive from Wharekauhau. Martinborough's wines are internationally acclaimed, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Why not have lunch in the vineyard cafe at Murdoch James Estate or check out the boutique stores and galleries in the area?

Or, simply stay put, and let Wharekauhau's own facilities keep you amused. The Lodge offers gentle activities such as croquet, petanque and backgammon. Or you can work out in our fully equipped gymnasium, take in some laps of the heated indoor pool, or play a few sets on our astro-turf tennis court.

SAFARI TOURS

Martinborough Vineyards Tour

The farming township of Martinborough, boasting 29 boutique wineries, is an easy drive from Wharekauhau. Spend the afternoon sampling world famous Pinot Noir. The Martinborough wine growing region is internationally acclaimed, with its Pinot Noirs scooping international awards ahead of French Grand Cru burgundies.

Martinborough's wineries offer wine tasting and the opportunity to purchase sought after wines direct from the vineyard. As well as great wine, Martinborough offers cafes, excellent restaurants, gourmet foods, designer clothing and giftware.

Eco Tour – Lake Pounui

Visit the privately owned Lake Pounui and hike through pristine New Zealand native bush (forest). Marvel at tree varieties not found outside New Zealand, such as Rimu, Matai, Nikau Palm and Manuka. The huge Beech trees and ferns surrounding Lake Pounui are home to native teal, black and white swans and varied wetland birds.

Wharekauhau Farm Tour

No visit to Wharekauhau is complete without a tour of this classic Romney sheep station. Explore the far reaches of Wharekauhau Country Estate in four-wheel drive comfort. Our farm tour features all the activities which make up New Zealand's legendary farming heritage, including sheep shearing and sheep dogs in action.

Wharekauhau Coastline Tour

This exhilarating tour takes in the spectacular South Wairarapa coast, following the original stock route established in 1844 when sheep and cattle were first introduced to the region.

Watch thunderous surf pound Palliser Bay. In 1855 a massive earthquake raised this coastline by a staggering eight feet. The sheer cliffs and mountainous boulders which remain are a photographer's dream.

Cape Palliser Seal Colony and Lighthouse Tour

Travel along the coastline to the historic fishing village of Ngawi, where the golf course is mown by local sheep! Watch seals bask in the sun at one of New Zealand's largest Brown Fur Seal colonies. The energetic will be rewarded by magnificent views over Palliser Bay from the lighthouse atop the hill.

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HUNTING

Wharekauhau offers deer, pig and goat hunting, small game safaris, and clay target shooting.

JETBOATING

Add a little excitement to your stay. Jetboat up Lake Onoke to the Ruamahunga River. Experience breathtaking turns and superb scenery on the way, stopping for a relaxed lunch at the Lake Ferry Hotel.

ATV QUAD BIKES

These bikes are great fun and can be ridden by anyone with a taste for adventure. Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore Wharekauhau's black sand beaches, river banks and pasture land with the wind in your hair.

HORSE TREKKING

Take a guided wilderness trek through Wharekauhau and neighbouring Wharepapa Station. No prior horse riding experience is required. We also offer guided treks through pristine native forest or along the rugged coastline.

SPA TREATMENTS

During your stay with us, be sure to take the time to experience one or more of our body treatments. The perfect way to ease aching muscles and stiff joints after a long flight or car journey, to prevent stiffness after a horse back ride or quad bike adventure, to rehydrate skin from the drying effects of the New Zealand sun, or to just pamper yourself and enhance that feeling of relaxation and well-being that is such a part of the Wharekauhau experience.

SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS

Take in a bird's eye view of Wharekauhau and its stunning surroundings. Customised flights can be arranged on request.

3 days

Day 1. Wellington to Wharekauhau Country Estate. Transfer from Wellington by private car to Wharekauhau Country Estate. The remainder of the day is at leisure. D

Day 2. At leisure. Today is at leisure for you to enjoy Wharekauhau Country Estate. Why not experience one of the many activities available to you. BD

Day 3. Wharekauhau Country Estate – Wellington. Today you will be transferred by private car from Wharekauhau Country Estate to Wellington. Stay longer if you wish. B

DEPARTURES:

You can join any day.

PRICES:

Please request prices for the dates you wish to travel.

INCLUDES:

2 nights accommodation, roundtrip private car transfers from Wellington, full breakfast and dinner daily.