Wharekauhau Country Estate

Wharekauhau is a 5,000 acre rural retreat on the south east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Ten minutes by air from Wellington (90 minutes by road) Wharekauhau is framed by the Rimutaka Ranges to the west and Palliser Bay to the east. With private native forest, spectacular beaches, rivers, lakes and wetlands, Wharekauhau is a haven from the outside world.

Luxury hotel with award winning style – at home and internationally – Wharekauhau is recognized as one of the world’s exclusive retreats. The Lodge is the heart of Wharekauhau. Modeled on an Edwardian country mansion, the Lodge was designed by Queenstown Architect Fred van Brandenburg, and it is here that guests dine and mingle.  In the Grand Hall, huge mullioned windows frame views of awe inspiring beauty and massive fireplaces recapture the grandeur of yester-year.

Luxury accommodation at Wharekauhau is provided in self-contained cottages. Designed for privacy and comfort, they are perfect for honeymooners. Dotted throughout the estate, the cottages house Wharekauhau’s guest suites and offer superb ocean views.  Natural materials are used throughout the guest suites, including clay tiles, pebble mosaics, plastered walls, rich New Zealand wool carpeting,cotton bed linen and hemp curtains.  Each suite has a super king sized four poster bed, television, open fireplace, under floor heating, deep sofas, a fully stocked bar, and dressing room with full length mirror.  In keeping with the peace which surrounds Wharekauhau, guests can choose to leave the outside world behind for a while. However, we are happy to equip guests’ suites with daily newspapers, and radio on request. Wharekauhau also offers Internet access and conference calling facilities should guests require them.

Wharepapa Cottage is a three-bedroom cottage with unparalleled views of Palliser Bay. Wharepapa Cottage is located just 4 km from Wharekauhau Lodge. Own transportation is recommended.  Cottage guests have full access to the Lodge, recreation facilities and exclusive tours and activities. Complimentary bar, tea and coffee, home made cookies and basic breakfast items (fruit, cereal, fruit juice, milk,bread, butter, spreads etc.) provided.  

Chateau Wellington is a 4,600 square foot fully furnished three-bedroom house offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury with spectacular

Your cottage suite at Wharekauhau Country Estate will feel like the country hideaway you’ve always wanted. Dotted throughout the sprawling estate, the cottages boast unsurpassed vistas, fully stocked bars and king four-poster beds. Make your way to the lodge to mingle with other discerning travelers while enjoying a superb glass of wine and a meal based on local specialties — Wharekauhau Texel rack of lamb and artisan cheeses, perhaps? Stretch your legs while hiking, biking, horseback riding or clay-target shooting. It’s little wonder this is considered one of the world’s top 20 resort hideaways.