Description
Located between two of New Zealand's most stunning and contrasting regions, the vibrant city of Wellington and the picturesque Wairarapa, Wharekauhau began life as a sheep station in the 1840's and remains a working sheep station to this day - possibly the grandest of its kind in New Zealand. Guests staying here can experience life on a working farm from the comfort of an extraordinary lodge which has been designed and built to capture the elegance of a bygone era.
The main lodge building has wonderful views over Palliser Bay and is home to several large open lounges, small cosy rooms with fireplaces, a dining room and open country kitchen. Antique furniture, oversize fireplaces and comfy sofas are present throughout, making the lodge a relaxing place to meet other guests, curl up with a good book or enjoy a glass of wine. French doors lead out onto Wharekauhau's beautiful courtyard and gardens.
Accommodation at Wharekauhau is provided in luxurious cottages each designed for privacy and comfort. Dotted throughout the estate, the cottages house Wharekauhau’s guest suites and each offer superb ocean views. With soft, country furnishings and all modern conveniences, this really is the place to discover clean, green New Zealand.
For more space and privacy, the Wharepapa Cottage is 4km from the main lodge and is set in a cliff overlooking Palliser Bay. It has three bedrooms and a large one plan living room and is ideal for families wanting to be self contained. Alternatively, for something grander stay at the expansive Chateau Wellington with three ensuite bedrooms and private horizon swimming pool overlooking Palliser Bay.
Meals in the main lodge are tailored to guests' preferences and tastes and breakfast in the open country kitchen is a feast of freshly prepared hot and cold delights. Lunch might be a picnic, private barbeque, or something cooked to your taste served on one of the terraces. Each evening guests can mingle over canapés and pre dinner drinks, before a dinner party style four course meal is served with the region's finest wines. Guests wishing to dine privately can do so at a location of their choice.
During your time at Wharekauhau you can enjoy the indoor pool, tennis court, gym and indulgent spa treatments or join in the numerous outdoor activities, from galloping along the beach in the pounding surf, exploring the workings of the farm, strolling through the vast and rugged landscape or simply indulge in splendid luxury, superb local wines and irresistible food.
Accommodation
At Wharekauhau there are ten suites housed in several cottages as well as two three- bedroom properties. Each of the ten guest cottages is within 150 metres of the main lodge and all are beautifully designed using natural materials such as clay tiles, pebble mosaics, plastered walls, rich New Zealand carpeting, cotton bed linen and hemp curtains. The result is a luxurious, light, contemporary and stylish decor. All cottages are home to three suites and each features a seating area with open gas fireplace, private veranda, under floor heating, double spa bath, ipod docking station and LCD TV. Chateau Wellington is a 4,600sq ft fully furnished 3 bedroom luxury house 1km from the main lodge. It has its own beautiful grounds, gardens and pool and a chef can be provided on request. Wharepapa Cottage is the perfect family escape, 4km for the lodge in a clifftop location. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large open plan living area. Both of these houses have full use of lodge facilities.
Childcare
Children are very welcome at Wharekauhau and there are several options for accommodating families including taking interconnecting suites or one of the lodge's two self contained houses. There is plenty for children to do on site and in the surrounding region and this is a wonderful place for families to enjoy the great outdoors together.
Facilities
Dining at Wharekauhau Lodge is a highlight with abundant country breakfasts and wonderful four course gourmet dinners. Lunches can be taken when and where you please and can range from simple kitchen lunches to picnics and barbeques in the grounds of the lodge. The recreation centre has a 24 metre indoor heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi, all weather tennis court, gym and spa treatment room with a extensive range of specialist holistic treatments available.
Activities
Wharekauhau has tennis, hiking, mountain biking and fishing all available to guests on a complimentary basis. They can also arrange scenic helicopter tours, horse trekking, quad biking, jet boating, four wheel drive safaris, trap shooting and plenty of other adventures for guests to enjoy.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Wellington, New Zealand
Wharekauhau Lodge is set on a 5,500-acre working sheep and cattle farm set on dramatic coastline in the Wairarapa Valley wine-growing region. 1-hour 30-minutes from Wellington, North Island, New Zealand
How to get there
Wellington International Airport receives international and domestic flights daily. The airport is about 150km (1.5-hours drive) from Wharekauhau Lodge.
