Swain Destinations uses cookies to enhance your Browsing experience. By using this site, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy and our Cookie Policy. Close
Swain Destinations
Start Planning Today
1-800-22-SWAIN
or Call Your Travel Advisor

Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate

 
Throw yourself into a bygone era and enjoy the grandeur and gracious lifestyle of the Edwardian times reflected in Wharekauhau.  Wharekauhau (forry – ko-ho) offers a relaxed & yet ultimately luxurious environment to soak in some New Zealand hospitality. The Estate is only ten minutes from Wellington by helicopter or one and a half hours by road from New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Set on over 5,000 acres of private land including rivers, forests and lakes, it commands spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean, and New Zealand farm-scape at the heart of the farm the main lodge is situated. As you wander into the grand lodge, what catches the eye is the awe-inspiring view over Palliser Bay, framed perfectly from every vantage point. Each room in the main lodge has a different feel, from large open lounges to smaller and more intimate areas such as the Palliser Room or Drawing Room. The antique furniture and over-sized fireplaces throughout the lodge capture the grandeur of yesteryear. At the heart of it all you will find the Main Lounge, grand in design whilst remaining intimate in feel. Slide into an inviting sofa or armchair; take a moment to relax by conversing with fellow guests, 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. 

The lodge is complete with a heated indoor pool & gymnasium. The pool is approximately 23 meters long and is heated to 86F, open 24 hours a day. Wharekauhau offers a range of professionally guided activities, including farm tours, ATV Quad Biking, Clay Target Shooting, Archery Horseback riding, and wine trails along with local regional tours.

Wharekauhau is a scenic 1.5 Hour Drive from central Wellington City, or a 3 hour drive from Hawkes Bay.
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate
Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate

Room Information

The Main Lodge
Each room in the main lodge has a different feel, from large open lounges to smaller, cozier areas such as the Palliser Room, or the Drawing Room. The antique furniture and over-sized fireplaces throughout the lodge capture the grandeur of yesteryear.

At the heart of it all, the main lounge, grand in design, intimate in feel; Expansive sofas and deep armchairs are dotted about, inviting guests to pause for conversation, a quiet glass of wine, or to simply relax and take up a good book.

Guest Cottages
High above the thunderous surf of Palliser Bay a small cluster of cottages can be seen amongst the sheep that dot the pastures. These are Wharekauhau’s Guest Cottages. Whilst taking in the dramatic vistas you are able to relax in absolute bliss and forget the outside world. Deep sofas, fluffy pillows, heated marbled floors, and homemade cookies are just a few of the luxury’s that are associated with our 10 Guest Cottages. All Guest Cottages are located within 150 meters of the main lodge.

Chateau Wellington
Chateau Wellington is a 4,600 square foot fully furnished three-bedroom house offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury with spectacular views of Palliser Bay. Château Wellington is located 1km from the main lodge.

Wharepapa Cottage
Sitting atop the cliffs overlooking Palliser Bay and Lake Ferry, you will find Wharepapa Cottage. Designed along similar lines to the main lodge, Wharepapa Cottage offers large open-plan living area, perfect for a family escape.

Things To Do

Explore: Anything is possible whether it be an insight into farming in New Zealand, a tour of the lodges historic coastline, or even something as simple as enjoying a walk through the 5500 acre haven that is Wharekauhau.

Hiking and Mountain Biking: With 5,500 acres of Private Land, including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, rolling pastureland and a wild and breathtaking coast, there is little shortage of choice when it comes to choosing a route for walking, or mountain biking.

Wharekauhau Farm Tour: No visit to Wharekauhau is complete without a tour of the surrounding farm. Bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean, this classic New Zealand 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.

Wharekauhau Coastline Tour: Take a spectacular and breathtaking drive along the coastline following the original stock route established in 1844 when sheep and cattle were first introduced to the region. Watch thunderous surf pound into the rocky coastline of Palliser Bay and feel the exhilaration of this wild coastal environment

Cape Palliser Seal Colony and Lighthouse Tour: Travel along the rugged coastline to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Ngawi. The golf course there is actually mown by sheep. Then travel 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 out over Palliser Bay. 

Wine Tour: Located in close proximity to Wharekauhau, 29 Boutique wineries are situated around the small rural village of Martinborough. Discover the pleasures of the local wineries, tasting some of the world’s best Pinot Noir. 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.

Details

Location:

Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand

Price:

$$$$

Available Amenities:

Fitness Center

In-Room Dining

On-Site Activities

Spa

Swimming Facilities

Start Planning

Price Guide

$ = Up to $299
$$ = $300 to $599
$$$ = $600 to $999
$$$$ = $1000 to $2499
$$$$$ = $2500+
Starting price per room, per night, in USD and based on double occupancy.