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Located on the clifftops overlooking Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau Country Estate is a 3,200 acre working sheep station with a Relais & Chateaux lodge at its heart. The lodge itself is built along the lines of an Edwardian Country house with 16 Cottage Suites dotted a short stroll form the main building.
The 'jeans-and-boots' feel of the farm comes through in all of the activities that one can do on the estate. From the more adventurous ATV quad biking, and Sporting Clay Shooting, through to the educational fair tours, and hikes to scenic lookouts. The property is equipped with a tennis court, gym, indoor swimming pool, and the Hauora Spa for wellness treatments. For those wishing to explore the wine region of Martinborough we operate guided tours into the boutique wine valley, or guided tours out to Cape Palliser and the resident seal colony.
Indulge in the luxury and comfort of Wharekauhau’s cottage suites high above the thunderous surf of Palliser Bay. Whilst taking in the dramatic vistas, guests are able to relax in absolute bliss and forget the outside world. Be at one with nature amongst 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 the16 Cottage Suites. Each cottage suite features a super king-sized bed or two twin beds, open gas fireplace, under floor heating, heated marble floor in bathroom, heated towel rail and a minibar.
The Foley Villa is a world-class, 4,500 square foot, hideaway that offers guest the best of both worlds, complete privacy, and independence, as well as access to all of the Wharekauhau amenities. The villa is located a short stroll 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 mountains. The 3.5 bedroom cottage is split between two levels, joined by an Oamaru sandstone staircase. All three guest rooms have stunning views across Palliser Bay, and are filled with natural light; however the downstairs master guest room also opens out onto a private paved courtyard.
Private pool, chefs kitchen, great room, and full security gates
Each room in the Main Lodge has a unique atmosphere, from large open lounges to smaller intimate areas such as the Palliser Room or Drawing Room. The antique furniture and oversized fireplaces throughout the lodge capture the grandeur of yesteryear. At the heart of it all is the Main Lounge, grand in design while remaining intimate. Slide into an inviting sofa or armchair, take a moment to relax or escaping into a good book. The elegant Dining Room flows through to the impressive Country Kitchen and conservatory where large marble benches and an open kitchen offer guests the chance to discuss the chefs’ secrets of the kitchen.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Business Centre, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Iron / Ironing Board, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating, Verandah
Services
Credit Card, Room Service
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.
Wharekauhau Restaurant
The kitchen has adopted a locavorian approach to planning menus and selecting produce, using fruits from the orchard, vegetables from the garden, honey from local honey bees, wild fennel from the coast. It is not uncommon to see a Wharekauhau chef roaming the grounds collecting various items for the menu.
