Immerse yourself in the warmth and atmosphere of life at Wharekauhau.
Wharekauhau began life as a sheep station in the 1840s, and it remains a working sheep station to this day - surely the grandest in New Zealand.
In pre-European times land was considered a place of learning, a place where the Tohunga would come and learn their craft.
In Maori, Wharekauhau means "place of knowledge," and the rich history of the estate is testament to this original name.
The Shaw family moved to Wharekauhau in 1977, and diversified into the lodge industry in the early 1980’s.
They were some of the pioneers in the New Zealand lodge
industry, and assisted in blazing a trail for the luxury lodge business.
They captured the elements of genuine "kiwi hospitality," station-life, and the finer details to provide the essential added comfort - Wharekauhau Lodge was born.
In 2009 the property was visited by US investor William P. Foley (Bill). Bill was looking to expand his growing wine empire in New Zealand and enjoyed some downtime at Wharekauhau lodge.
They fell in love with the place, and six months later Bill and his wife Carol were the proud owners of the Wharekauhau lodge and farm.
Wharekauhau’s Cottage Suites are a picture of luxury. Perched high above the thunderous surf of the Palliser Bay, you are treated to dramatic vistas.
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 13 Cottage Suites.
In true Wharekauhau style, natural materials are used throughout the cottage suites, including clay tiles, pebble mosaics, plastered walls, rich New Zealand wool carpeting, cotton bed linen and hemp curtains.
All guest cottages have the option to interconnect, so families and friends travelling together have the advantage of being able to interconnect with other rooms booked in their group.
Indulge in the luxury and comfort of Wharekauhau’s cottage suites, set high above the thunderous blue surf of Palliser Bay.
Whilst taking in the dramatic vistas, relax in absolute bliss and forget the outside world. Embrace nature with friendly sheep dotting the pastures outside your cottage and mountains shining against the sky.
The gentle sound of the ocean is perfect ambiance as you watch a spectacular sunset.
Make yourself at home, sinking into deep sofas and fluffy pillows in this private setting. Heated marbled floors and a fireplace keep your comfortable in all seasons, and enjoy famous homemade cookies.
Team grows many of fruits, vegetables and forage the estate for various wild produce.
Wharekauhau is also in the unique position of being linked with one of the fastest growing vineyard companies in New Zealand – Foley Family Wines – which provides access to a fabulous library of fantastic wines.
Additionally, being 30 minutes by road from what many describe as the premier Pinot Noir region of New Zealand means the hotel is quite literally perfectly situated for those looking for food & wine experiences.
Relax and enjoy a true destination dining day out. After lunch feel free to stroll the expansive gardens, or relax by an openfire.
'TRUST THE CHEF' LUNCH MENU
Available Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday for lunch only
As much as team dislikes admitting it, when it comes to food, the chef does know best, and team trusts his knowledge.
The talented team in the kitchen create a 5 course degustation-style tasting menu each day.
The inspiration behind the menu is to showcase the bounty that team harvests from local region, paying particular homage to the natural systems at play.
The pastures, streams, coastline, forests, gardens and orchards are a proverbial natural grocery store to seek produce, and inspiration.
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.
Imagine being able to go home and throw a ‘Wharekauhau dinner-party’ with you as the chef.
It is suggested that you pre-book, as it is subject to kitchen availability.
The philosophy at Wharekauhau is simple, everything is based around what you like.
The kitchen has adopted a 'locavorian' approach to planning menus and selecting produce.
In short they use what they can from the property and surrounding region - 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 his menu.
Dress code is smart casual — ties and dinner suits are not required. For male guests, a long sleeved dress shirt, trousers and dress shoes suffice.
PICNICS
It is easy to spend the entire day out and about enjoying the property and surrounding region. Should you wish, team can pack any sized picnic hamper that you, and your group require.
Don’t be shy to ask if you’d like team to deliver it and set it up in a prearranged location to save carrying it with you – no trouble at all.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Meals are planned at least a week in advance, please notify early if you have any particular dietary requirements – team is more than happy to cater for your particular needs.
Meals are truly farm to table. In the orchard, fruit grows in abundance and the garden gives a healthy harvest of vegetables.
In the surrounding areas, team is able to collect honey from
local bees and wild fennel from the coast.
It is not uncommon to see a Wharekauhau chef roaming the grounds collecting various items for the menu.
An adventure for the palate. Sample a series of wines from the Foley Family portfolio with in-house Sommelier in the cellar.
Learn about the various flavour profiles, and wine making techniques
No less than 29 boutique wineries are situated in close proximity to Wharekauhau. 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.
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.
At Wharekauhau the hotel is in the privileged position to source the finest products from this area.
If 5,500 acres of tranquil farmland, and native bush aren’t enough to sooth your soul, rejuvenate yourself with one of range of day spa treatments for both men and women.
The range of spa treatments include various forms of the following: Hot Stone and Therapeutic Massage, Face and Body Treatments, Indulgent Combination, and “Men-u”.
Cap off your stay by treating yourself to one of quality spa treatments options.
Gymnasium features top-of-the-line equipment and weights for you to exercise to your heart's content.
At Wharekauhau hotel is in the privileged position to source the finest products from area.
Slip into heated, 24 metre-long swimming pool for a refreshing swim in any season.
With 5,500 acres of private land including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, and a wild and rugged coast, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to a route for walking, mountain biking, horse riding or ATV quad bike adventures.
Share in the moment with your family, friends and colleagues, or enjoy a solo adventure with one of unique activities at Wharekauhau.
The ancient sport of archery has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity on the back of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
Clay shooting tests the reflexes like no other sport, and what better place to enjoy a shoot than Wharekauhau’s clay-target field.
A full-size English croquet lawn awaits you on the upper-courtyard lawn.
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.
This working sheep station tour - in a comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle - is an absolute must for all Wharekauhau visitors.
Golf is a large part of the New Zealand experience.
Ride horseback over one of the most spectacular farms on earth.
Travel along the rugged coastline to the picturesque, historic fishing village of Ngawi, looking back over Palliser Bay to Wharekauhau.
Just opposite the herb and strawberry garden is astro-turf tennis court.
WHAREKAUHAU COUNTRY ESTATE
Western Lake RoadPalliser BayRD3 FeatherstoneWairarapaNew Zealand