Wharekauhau Country Estate

At Wharekauhau there is nothing you have to do but countless things you can do. The staff are able to organise a remarkable range of activities to suit almost any taste from exciting action, such as 4WD tours, jet boating, ATV bike tours, riding and hunting, to more leisurely and contemplative pursuits. There are winery and garden tours, bush walks, hiking expeditions and facilities for numerous sporting activities such as shooting, golf and petanque, or simply relaxing with a good book in one of the Lodge Rooms.

Wharekauhau is renowned for its outstanding cuisine. In preparing your food, only the freshest local ingredients are used and your individual needs are met with the highest standards of attentive personal service. Situated in one of New Zealand's most outstanding wine growing regions, Wharekauhau's wine cellar features the finest Martinborough wines and visits to the local vineyards are encouraged.

The estate and its three adjoining properties, including historic Lake Pounui and Wharepapa Station, comprising 5000 acres of forests, lakes, mountains, bush and open country, as well as 16 miles of dramatic coastline, which offer endless opportunities for recreation. Thus allowing guests to enjoy true country living in an environment which has been described as one of the most spectacular farms on earth.

The distinctive Wharekauhau brand has a romantic story all of its own. It dates back 150 years to the time when the station first began exporting its wool. In those days Wharekauhau's remote location demanded unusual methods of transport. First the bales were taken down to the beach by dray. Then after being loaded into a waiting longboat they were rowed out through the breakers to a sailing vessel lying at anchor in Palliser Bay. On the very first occasion it was noticed that none of the bales had an identifying mark. Some quick thinking and a typical piece of kiwi ingenuity solved the problem. A pot of paint was procured, the boat's rowlock commandeered as a branding iron and so was born the famous  Wharekauhau brand. The brand today continues to represent the same unique individualism and commitment to excellence. It said that within the upturned cup is contained health fortune and spiritual contentment for all who encounter it.

Wharekauhau -pronounced Forry-ko-ho, in the Maori language means place of knowledge. In pre-European times it is said that Maori tohunga, or holy men, came here to be initiated into the mysteries of their priesthood. Standing on Wharekauhau, high above the immense sweep of Palliser Bay, it takes little effort of the imagination to understand why this place should be chosen for such sacred duties. The landscape is an expression of rugged natural beauty - a balance and perfection that are rarely encountered - and never forgotten by those fortunate enough to visit this place. Wharekauhau Country Estate today is a remote rural property of over 5,000 acres on the south east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

The Wharekauhau Country Estate is located 105 km east of Wellington and overlooks Palliser Bay. Ten minutes from Wellington by helicopter or one and a half hours by road, the property runs between the Rimutaka Mountains in the west and the wild seclusion of Palliser Bay on its eastern boundary. With its private native forests, spectacular beach, rivers, lakes and wetlands, Wharekauhau is a magical haven of peace and solitude from the outside world.

During the day, guests wishing for a light lunch can choose from virtually limitless options, the Country Kitchen, outside in the Courtyard, in their Room or perhaps a picnic hamper and the option to discover their own special spot.

In the evening following cocktails, a set menu dinner is served using the finest local ingredients. The atmosphere is that of a dinner party, where guests are seated communally at tables of 8-10 guests. pleasant mix of nationalities, cultures, ages, and lifestyles, makes for a stimulated evening. There are however, private Rooms available on request, for those wishing for a more secluded setting.