Located between the two beautiful regions of Wellington and Wairarapa, Wharekauhau Country Estate is arguably the grandest working sheep station of its kind in New Zealand.
Designed and built to capture the elegance of a bygone era, a stay here allows guests to experience life on a working farm, but with the comforts and provisions of an extraordinary lodge.
From farm-to-table meals and walks in the garden to learning about sheep shearing and playing tennis in the court, no guest of Wharekauhau is ever left wanting for things to do.
Learn secrets from the chef while sitting at the home-style table, or walk through picturesque French doors to soak up sun in the immaculate courtyard.
From galloping along the beach in the pounding surf to strolling through the vast and rugged landscape, a stay at Wharekauhau will always be one of splendid luxury.
Spread across a vast 3,000 acre estate, Wharekauhau’s working farm is bound by natural borders of mountains, gorges and the sea. Following the dramatic coastline of the Wairarapa Valley wine-growing region, it takes one and a half hours to drive here from Wellington, which receives international and domestic flights from other parts of New Zealand daily.
Wharekauhau has several cottages alongside two three-bedroom properties that cater to larger groups of guests. Each of the cottages is within 500 feet of the main lodge and has been designed using natural materials like clay tiles, pebble mosaics, cotton linens and rich New Zealand wool carpeting. The Owner’s Cottage and Wharepapa Cottage are just slightly further out, each sleeping six across three bedrooms with private gardens, a pool and chef upon request.
While staying at Wharekauhau, guests can take part in a series of activities from nature encounters and adventures to golf and the Hauora Spa. Named after the Maori philosophy of total health and well-being, spa treatments consist of four dimensions: physical, social, spiritual, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Treat yourself to a booking in the afternoon and then unwind with food and wine – the fruits and vegetables used on the menu have been foraged from these very grounds.
Cottage Suites
Set high above the thunderous surf of Palliser Bay, the 753 square-foot Cottage Suites are just less than 500 feet from the main lodge. Super-size king beds face deep armchairs afront an open gas fireplace, while just adjacent to the bed is another small lounge area for you to enjoy. Ensuite bathrooms boast walk-in wardrobes, a double spa bath, heated marble floors and towel rails, and to one end of the suite a large veranda faces out to dramatic views. Other amenities of this suite include an iPod docking station, hairdryer, safe, iron and ironing board, Wi-Fi, telephone, minibar and homemade cookies.
Wharepapa Cottage
The luxurious and secluded Wharepapa Cottage sits on the sloping pastures of the estate. Guests are advised to have a car as it’s located a short 2.4 miles from the main lodge, however it is fully self-maintained with a working kitchen for you to make yourself at home. Enjoy a large open-plan living and dining area, alongside three bedrooms that can comfortably house six guests. Soak up endless views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke Sandspit from the comfort of your lounge with open gas fire or relax with a soak in the double spa bath that centers the spacious bathroom. The same amenities apply as in the Cottage Suites, and you can arrange for the kitchen to be stocked with groceries at an extra cost if you wish.
