21 Days Best of New Zealand

Bay of Islands Tour
Discover the rich and diverse beauty of the Bay of Islands from the perspective only possible by air.
This tour takes you over the scenery and historical sites in the Bay of Islands region. Discover the crystal clear turquoise waters of this unique aquatic . Fly out to the world famous “Hole in the Rock”, take a bird's eye view of Russell, Paihia & Waitangi townships before tracking the coastline back to Kauri Cliffs.

Cape and Tane Mahuta Tour
An extensive aerial tour of the stunning coastline of the Northland region combined with a trip to Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest. This tour takes you along the coastline north of Matauri Bay, including Cape Karikari, before heading to Cape Reinga and Cape Maria van Diemen in the far north. It then tracks the west coast southward until you arrive at Omapere, where you will stop off and visit Tane Mahuta.

Nature Walks
We have some beautiful walks on our 6000 acre property. These range from a 10-minute bush walk, to the magnificent Kauri Tree (believed to be 700-900 years old), to a two-hour walk that includes a visit to the Hikurua waterfall, Waiaua Bay or Little Takou Beach—all magical spots to visit. The kitchen can provide you with a snack pack of light refreshments or a picnic lunch.

Mountain Biking
Men’s, ladies’ and children’s mountain bike are available for guest use on our marked walking trails and farm roads

With three private beaches and miles of untouched, pristine coastline, Kauri Cliffs is the gateway to the ocean.

The remarkable coastal panorama is ever-present, and water-based activities abound throughout the seasons at this aquatic playground. The three beaches stretch the length of the property. At the southernmost point of the property is Little Takou, a stunning white sand beach with rockpools for exploring and one of Northland’s best surf breaks; neighbouring Little Takou is Pink Beach, an exquisite bay made of up soft pink shells and framed by magnificent Pohutakawa; while at the northernmost tip of Kauri Station is Waiaua Bay, perfect for swimming and walking, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Picnic Experiences at Kauri Cliffs
Our three private beaches and the waterfall provide beautiful and picturesque settings for a picnic. Walk or be driven from the Lodge. If you wish, you can drive part of the way to the beach before continuing on foot.

Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards / 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #37 in the world by Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World.

Kauri Cliffs recently underwent a renovation from world renowned golf course architect Rees Jones. The 5th hole received a complete redesign and was transformed from a long, uphill, forced carry par-3 to a short "drop shot" par-3. Other notable changes were the addition of tees on the 2nd and 9th holes and a bunker renovation on the 4th hole. The golf complex includes a world-class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a well stocked golf shop, and ladies’ and men’s locker rooms. Premium ladies’ and men’s rental clubs are available.

Fishing is a religion around these parts. Join our local guide at one of the beaches on the property and test your skill at hooking a snapper or kahawai (similar to a blue fish). Bring your catch back to the lodge and our chef will prepare it for your dinner. This is fresh fish at its best! A big part of this fishing experience is taking in the serenity and beauty of these spectacular surroundings, and legend has it, a cold beer helps the fish to bite.

We invite you to relax, rejuvenate and revive your spirit in a tranquil space where nature prevails.

Our Spa is nestled at the edge of a Totara forest, overlooking a verdant fern glen and winding stream. Each treatment room, including our couple’s room, has floor to ceiling views and opens onto a private outdoor patio with forest surroundings and native birdsong. The spa has four treatment rooms, locker rooms with showers, a sauna, Jacuzzi spa pool, indoor heated lap pool and fitness centre, with a range of exercise equipment and free weights.

At Kauri Cliffs Spa, we are committed to providing quality treatments that are personalised to suit you. We offer a variety of services, including different styles of massage, luxurious facials, hydrotherapy, invigorating body treatments and elegant nail polish and designs.

Visit even the most remote parts of this stunning coastal property when you chase the thrill with a Quad Bike Experience. Your scenic journey across this 6,000-acre farm will begin with a ride through the Pine forest and livestock-filled paddocks before stopping at the waterfall for a short break. As you continue on, take in the breath-taking panoramic views of the Cavalli Islands and Pacific Ocean before travelling the untouched coastline towards the private Waiaua Bay.

Explore Kauri Station and its surrounding grounds on magnificent, gentle horses. Ride your way through native forests, our working farm and on to one of our private beaches. You can even stop to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

With an extraordinary location and truly special history, the Kauri Cliffs Guided Heritage Discovery tour will give you unparalleled insight into New Zealand’s complex identity.

Journey through time as your experienced guide unravels the rich and diverse tapestry of history and culture that all took place at this vast property. From the resting place of one the indigenous Maori’s original seven migratory waka to the arrival of Captain James Cook at Waiaua Bay, the birth of the first New Zealand European child and the generations of the pioneer families that followed, this property lay witness to it all.

Surfing
Surf some of New Zealand’s most beautiful untouched scenery including Kauri Cliffs. It is as though nature designed the Northland coastline with surfers in mind. Tiny coves, long sandy beaches, river mouths, point breaks, sandbars and reefs . . . all within a short drive. Enjoy a two-hour beginner’s lesson at Kauri Cliffs or an all-day Surf-safari of Northland beaches.

Sea Kayaking
What better way to explore the crystal-clear untouched coastline of Kauri Cliffs than by sea kayak. Discover the coastal flora and fauna that makes this one of the most scenic regions in the world as you paddle and learn about the tribal and European settlement of the region. If you're lucky you might even have the chance to encounter dolphins or spot little blue penguins/ kororā during your voyage. Refuel at the unpopulated Little Waiaua Bay with a gourmet picnic lunch and wines to match, then continue your paddle on the Pacific Ocean or dive under and discover the marine life by snorkelling the sheltered kelp reefs.

Be treated to a special tour of our working farm with the farm manager as your guide. He will take you around our stunning 6000 acres of farmland and share his extensive knowledge on the different farm animals that are farmed here.

Whether it is a twenty-minute stroll, an early morning jog or a two-hour walk, Cape Kidnappers delivers. Jog or walk along Trigg Road with its truly amazing views of Ocean Beach and Bare Island; head back to the Rough Block and down into an old creek bed to discover rejuvenating native bush; or capture inspirational images of the coastline by walking down and through the pines towards a historic Maori Pa site for views right out across the Pacific.

Enjoy this stunning setting while playing our top New Zealand golf course, designed by the legendary golf architect Tom Doak. The par 71 golf course measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, Cape Kidnappers has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf and is currently ranked the 38th best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine.

With an abundance of secluded and picturesque locations on property, you could spend a lifetime picnicking at Cape Kidnappers. So whether you wish to walk or be delivered, why not experience the station with one of our gourmet picnic hampers and a glass of Hawke’s Bay wine in tow?

Deep within rugged ravines, glance away from the horizon and bring your focus in for a spot of Clay Bird Shooting. Stand near the mighty cliff edge and fire at targets as they are launched over the Pacific Ocean. Firearms are provided for this experience, all you need to bring is your hand / eye coordination!

Horse riding is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of Cape Kidnappers Station

You will take the reins of a gentle, well-trained horse and head out across the vast 6,000 acre station.

See all that Cape Kidnappers has to offer with rolling hills, deep ravines and expansive views both across the Pacific Ocean and out over thousands of acres of working farmland.

Your guide will choose a horse and trail that best matches your size and ability before you head out to explore the countryside or pick your way through rejuvenating native bush. Take a picnic lunch and you will be sure to find a sublime spot where you can dismount and relax before continuing your cross-country trek.

Horseback is a wonderful way to visit the Cape Kidnappers Black Reef gannet colony, and see the life and workings of this rugged coastal sheep and beef station.

Largely inaccessible to regular vehicles, Cape Kidnappers is best explored by Can-Am. Discover this rugged terrain with a personal guide as you travel to the very edges of this vast coastal property. Breathe in the southward views towards Ocean Beach and Bare Island before turning back to unrivalled vistas across the entire farm towards Napier and the surrounding ranges; venture through an old creek bed, across expansive farmland and down to historic Rangaika Beach. Ideal for all age groups and fitness levels, this tour is an absolute highlight.

Hit the tracks and explore our 6,000 acre property by mountain bike. Cape Kidnappers has men’s, women’s and children’s bikes available for use.

An experience like no other and exclusive to guests of Cape Kidnappers, this is your chance to see the rare, endangered kiwi in its own, natural habitat. Venture into the pine forests surrounding the lodge with an experienced guide as they carry out essential monitoring of kiwi chicks.

Assist your guide as they check the kiwi’s radio transmitters, weigh and measure the birds to monitor their wellbeing. Proceeds from this experience go to the Cape Kidnappers’ Sanctuary to ensure the continuation of their work preserving our native species.

Limited to just two groups a day of no more than six guests, this is something many New Zealanders themselves will never have the chance to experience.

Season availability applies for this experience.

Join our shepherd for an introduction to life on a 6,000 acre working sheep and beef farm.

A farm by name and nature, Cape Kidnappers is a spectacularly rugged farmland. The sheer expanse of coastal Cape Kidnappers Station is awe-inspiring, and with rolling hills and river flats that serve as paddocks for sheep and cattle, the farm's Shepherding Experience is not to be missed.

A must-do for our younger guests, prepare to be amazed as you witness the farm dogs muster sheep. Highly-trained, these dogs are key members of the team at Cape Kidnappers Station and children and adults alike are fascinated by this mustering and shearing display.

Sanctuary Experience
Discover the Cape Sanctuary; how it operates, why we need it and its incredible success stories—the kakariki, kaka and tuatara.

New Zealand’s endangered kakariki and kaka are native New Zealand birds that have been reintroduced to the peninsula. Be there when these stunning birds are fed and witness how their wild population now flourishes here.

Meet the ancient tuatara; a “living fossil” that has remained unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. One of the world’s oldest living species, the tuatara has been reintroduced in to the Cape Sanctuary, which is now one of the only places on the New Zealand mainland where breeding has occurred in the wild for over 200 years.

Our Sanctuary tuatara will come out of their burrow to be fed, allowing guests to see and assist with routine health checks.

Hanging Rock Gorge Walking Tour
One for the true nature lover, this bespoke experience gives you a deeper look at the natural beauty of the Sanctuary.

This bespoke tour begins with a visit to the aviary to see the ancient tuatara and endangered birdlife, before taking a 4WD drive into the heart of the Sanctuary and up a dry river bed for 30 minutes.

From here, continue on foot to the head of the river and a stunning, hidden gorge. During this 2km round trip, your guide will point out native plants, their role in this unique ecosystem, the geology of the area and how Maori people first used the forest.

As native bird call surrounds you, join your guide in bird call, reptile and invertebrate counts, all which play a crucial role in the Sanctuary’s monitoring programme. Enjoy native kawakawa tea refreshments before returning to the lodge.

Bird Tour
Guided by an experienced ornithologist, Cape Kidnappers and Ocean Beach Wildlife Preserve offer a fantastic opportunity to discover the curious and beautiful birdlife of New Zealand. See native pigeons, commonly known as keruru, tui, bellbirds, fantails and grey warblers in a coastal and native forest habitat. If you’re lucky you might also come across oystercatchers and the infamous Australasian gannets.

Cape Kidnappers is home to the largest, most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world. A part of the Booby family, these birds have incredibly distinct markings and a fascinating migration pattern.

Visit the colony and see gannets nesting in rows, hatchlings learning to fly and adult gannets carrying out their daily routines. The birds are usually in residence from September until early May, when the adult birds depart and their newly hatched chicks take flight to Australia for two years before returning to Cape Kidnappers once more. The Can-Am Tour is a great way to see the colonies or if you are feeling adventurous, take a picnic and venture out toward the colony either on foot or mountain bike.

This working sheep station tour - in a comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle - is an absolute must for all Wharekauhau Visitors.

Bordered by the Remutaka 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.

The tour departs the lodge at 9.30am each morning and lasts roughly 3 hours.

Wharekauhau is home to the Wharekauhau Sporting Clay Target Range. Situated in one of the gorges and shooting out over the rocky stream-bed this is possibly one of the worlds most picturesque shooting ranges.

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

Clay Target Shooting - Advanced ::
Designed for the experienced shooter, or those wishing to step up from an introduction to sporting clays. We start with some classic down-the-line shooting at the southern- plateau, before moving north and shooting the various sporting traps, including a session at the newly-opened ‘Foleys-Flyer’ trap. Then finishing with the challenging rolling ‘rabbit’ trap.

Typically this activity takes around 1-1.5 hours to complete. Firearms, ammunition, targets and instruction are provided.

One of the traditional lodge outdoor pursuits that is a great challenge for couples and families
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. The archery experience involves a mix of stationary board targets, and walk-up 3d targets.

Typically this activity takes around 1 hour to complete.

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.

This tour takes 2-2.5 hours to complete.

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

A great day out for all ages that explores the dramatic southern-tip of the North Island.

Departs the lodge at 10am and returns approximately 4pm.

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 producer, lavender farm.

Departs the lodge at 10am and returns approximately 4pm.

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 equal to anything that Burgundy has on offer. This tour is a great introduction to the region.

Your personal guide will chauffeur you around the best vineyards and introduce you to the wine-makers for a behind the scenes tour. 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.

Departs the lodge at 10am and returns approximately 4pm.

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 through the award winning Devotus Estate; Drawing samples straight from the barrel and tasting the wine before it even hits the bottle; A trip into the private cellar of the famous Martinborough Vineyards to sample some of the older vintages from the region; and a few other ‘hidden gems’ of the region.

An adventure for the palate! Sample a series of wines from the Wharekauhau wine cellar with our in-house Sommelier in the cellars specially designed 'Sommeliers Table' dining room.

Learn about the various geographic areas, vintages and grape varietals. Our Sommelier has crafted a series of different tastings as below.

Option 1 :: "Deep in Martinborough" ::
A great look with the selection of 6 different grape varieties from our beautiful Martinborough Terraces area. This tasting includes 6 wines.

Option 2 :: "All the same....NO!" ::
New-Zealand is very famous for precise Chardonnays and stunning Pinot Noirs. But the soil, the climate, the entire region, can change the taste. This a chance to a deep tasting to understand the difference. This tasting include 3 Chardonnays and 3 Pinot Noirs.

Option 3 :: "Great Wines, Great Terroirs" ::
This is a chance to get up close and personal with a series of fantastic and delicious wines, from some of our favourite producers, spanning California, and New Zealand. This tasting includes 6 wines.

Take an educational tasting tour through the story of Lighthouse Gin. A gin made locally and crafted from Wharekauhau's very own mountain spring water. Mix a couple of classic gin-based cocktails, learn a little of the history of gin, what goes into making Lighthouse Gin, and why choosing the right tonic is so important!

Typically this activity takes around 1-1.5 hour to complete.

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.

This is much easier than trying to nab one of their signature recipes without them seeing. Join one of the lodge chefs and learn some of their techniques and secrets in producing certain dishes.

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.

The concept consists of the four dimensions of Hauora:

Taha Tinana :: Physical Wellbeing

Taha Hinengaro :: Mental & Emotional wellbeing

Taha Whanau :: Social Wellbeing

Taha Wairua :: Spiritual wellbeing

Venture out with our in-house e-bikes and explore the Palliser Bay coastline. Take the coastal track around to our ultra-private Muka Muka Bay and enjoy a picnic.

Sometimes food just tastes best when cooked and served in the environment it came from. Take a few hours out for a destination picnic like no other. Hop into one of our Landrovers and let the guide take you to some of their favourite spots on the estate.

He has prepared a sumptuous private ‘picnic’ in the ‘wilds’ of Wharekauhau. Enjoy some dishes cooked right there and then.

No stay at Otahuna Lodge is complete without a tour of the estate's own century-old garden. The tour provides insight into the history of Otahuna, explaining why and how Victorians grew certain kinds of plants, as well as the many ways in which the current garden team restores and maintains Heaton Rhodes’ greatest legacy.

Originally settled by French immigrants, Akaroa is a picturesque seaside town that has retained many of its 19th century public buildings and cottages. The one-hour drive from Otahuna’s gates takes guests over the crater rim of an extinct volcano, with stunning views of the harbour and the patchwork of farms and forests below.

For the active guest, Akaroa offers the opportunity to swim with the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins, the Hector’s Dolphins. Other excursions might include forest and hillside walks, a two hour cruise on a classic 1940’s sailing yacht or an excursion to sea caves via kayak. Within the village guests can enjoy charming shops and restaurants as well as the "Giant’s Garden" – a horticultural and artistic statement bedecked in mosaic tiles and sculpture.

Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Otahuna experience. A hands-on cooking lesson with Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre provides an enjoyable overview of the philosophies behind the Lodge’s celebrated food and wine programme as profiled in Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveller, and The Financial Times. Classes incorporate a harvesting visit to Otahuna’s organic working gardens, provide an introduction to planning menus and offer a special chance to learn first-hand cooking techniques.

One hour north of Otahuna Lodge lies the Waipara wine district, New Zealand’s hottest wine region and home to some excellent boutique vineyards. Waipara translates from the Maori language as "muddy water" due to the braided rivers that carry glacial silt from the mountains to the sea. Waipara vineyards are perhaps best known for excellent Pinot Noirs—often sought after for their rich notes of licorice caused by the high amount of limestone in the soil. Zingy Rieslings are also popular in Waipara, with many winning national awards. Cellar doors are open for tasting at Muddy Water, Waipara Springs, Fiddler’s Green, Torlesse and a range of others including Pegasus Bay which also boasts one of New Zealand’s finest winery restaurants. Visits to other boutique vineyards such as Pyramid Valley and Mountford are available by advance arrangement.

Canterbury’s rivers provide excellent chances for both the novice and expert fly-fisherman to test their skills. Guests benefit from the knowledge of a local guide who will choose a location to ensure the best chances of making a successful catch. Brown and rainbow trout can be caught in both the high country as well as lowland streams from October through April. It is also possible during these months to catch Chinook salmon. Guides provide licenses, tackle equipment, waders, instruction and transport in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Access to remote mountain streams via helicopter provides an alternative option.

A scenic flight by helicopter is the ultimate way to see the natural beauty of New Zealand. The convenience of these tours is unsurpassed as helicopters depart and land directly from the Lodge’s Great Lawn.

If the warm breezes of a Canterbury summer occasionally feel enervating, a refreshing dip in the swimming pool is the right tonic for a weary constitution. After dark, from a position in the outdoor jacuzzi, the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere seem just beyond arms’ reach.

Energetic guests might strike up a match of tennis on the Lodge’s hard-surface court, with complimentary use of the Lodge’s racquets and balls.