Wharekaukau Country Estate, New Zealand Vacations and Luxury Travel Packages

The Wharekauhau Country Estate occupies a dramatic site above the sweeping immensity of Palliser Bay on New Zealand's North Island. With 10 elegant cottage suites with super king size four poster beds, it has been called one of the most spectacular farms on earth.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Wharekauhau provides luxury lodge accommodation in New Zealand. In 1998 and 2004 Wharekauhau received a Grand Award from Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report and in 2003 received New Zealand's first and only "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine receiving this again in 2004. Often listed among the top 20 international resort hideaways, Wharekauhau consistently offers a world class experience.

As a honeymoon destination, relaxing resort, romantic retreat, wedding location, spa resort, or virtually any occasion, Wharekauhau provides luxury accommodation offering the chance for guests to enjoy unique New Zealand country hospitality.

Lodge

Luxury hotel with award winning style - at home and internationally - Wharekauhau is recognised as one of the world’s exclusive retreats. The Lodge is the heart of Wharekauhau. Modelled 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 Expansive sofas and deep armchairs are dotted around the living room and hall, inviting guests to pause for conversation, a quiet glass of fine wine, or to take up a good book.

Come evening, guests gather in the living room for aperitifs, before moving to the dining room, where elegantly decked tables promise a feast to remember.

The Lodge is imbued with a warmth and character seldom found in a modern hotel. The fine design, sumptuous furnishings, exquisite tableware and outstanding cuisine all combine to satisfy the senses.

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.

New Zealand food and wines of the very highest quality are part of Wharekauhau’s magic. Reawaken your taste-buds at Wharekauhau with New Zealand’s very finest produce and wines.

Wharekauhau's menu changes to reflect the seasons and features New Zealand classics such as rack of lamb, venison, pigeon breast, crab broth and crayfish. Local flavours are a highlight - with an award winning selection of local wines, including Palliser Estate, Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard and Murdoch James. Kapiti cheese and Olivo extra virgin olive oil are just a few examples of local produce used. We also offer organic produce, including a range of refreshing organic beers.

Dining at Wharekauhau resembles a private dinner party, with guests seated at grand tables. The blend of nationalities, ages and interests ensures convivial dining. However, honeymooning couples and other guests who prefer a more intimate setting for their meals are welcome to request a private dining room.

At Wharekauhau we are happy to cater to the particular needs of our guests. As our meals are planned at least a week in advance, please notify us early if you have any particular dietary requirements.

Evening attire is smart casual - ties and dinner suits are not required. For male guests, a long sleeved dress shirt, trousers and dress shoes suffice, although jackets are preferred.

Experience the New Zealand outdoors or simply relax and unwind. Wharekauhau Country Estate offers guests activities to suit all tastes. Whether you’re feeling adventurous, or in need of a rest, at Wharekauhau the choice is yours: sit back and savour the tranquillity, or take on the great New Zealand outdoors.

If you wish to stretch your legs, take to a hiking trail through Wharekauhau’s 5000 acres, encompassing native forest, idyllic lakes and rivers, farm land, and the breathtaking South Wairarapa coast.

For guests seeking an adrenalin rush, we offer a four wheel drive safari, horse trekking, and trap shooting on our private clay field, set in spectacular rural terrain.

Many guests take the opportunity to visit the renowned Martinborough wine growing region, an easy drive fromWharekauhau. Martinborough's wines are internationally acclaimed, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Why not have lunch in the vineyard cafe at Murdoch James Estate or check out the boutique stores and galleries in the area?

Or, simply stay put, and let Wharekauhau’s own facilities keep you amused. The Lodge offers gentle activities such as croquet, petanque and backgammon. Or you can work out in our fully equipped gymnasium, take in some laps of the heated indoor pool, or play a few sets on our astro-turf tennis court.

Wharekauhau’s international reputation is based not only on our unique location and choice of outdoor activities, but also on our attitude to what we do. At Wharekauhau, it is our privilege to offer guests warm New Zealand hospitality.

For more details on Wharekauhau’s outdoor activities,

Safari Tours

• Vineyard Tour

• Eco Tour

• Farm Tour

• Coastline Tour

• Seal colony/lighthouse Tour

• Helicopter Flights

• Clay Target Shooting

• Archery

• Hunting

• Jetboating

• Quad Bikes

• Horse Treks

• Spa Treatments

Hot Stone Massage

(full body or back, neck and shoulders)
Let tension melt away as the warmth from the heated Hawaiian and New Zealand volcanic stones sinks into your muscles. The remarkable benefits of hot stones include alleviating joint pain, stiffness and deeply held tension.

Using Hot Stones as a physical therapy is an ancient concept reborn, unifying healing principles with Swedish and Hawaiian techniques and combining them with scented waxes to create a luxurious experience for the body and the mind. A perfect way to ground you post travel.

Back, neck and shoulders 45minutes
Full body 90minutes
Add hot stones to a facial, foot or back massage

Therapeutic Massage

Massage is a restorative therapy that works with the bodies own natural ability to re-balance; alleviating pain, stiffness, improving circulation in body and energy systems and aiding sleep. Massage also promotes nutrient uptake and the removal of wastes throughout the body. Feel your body move with more freedom and greater strength, countering the trauma of jet-lag and the daily stresses of life.

We have a range of specially blended natural oils and waxes, thoughtfully designed for a purpose, ask for a chilli oil massage after a horse ride or lavender and lemongrass for relaxation

Relaxing Facial

Ease away tension with a back neck and shoulder massage before a deep cleansing facial using Trilogy of Wellington products. Pressure points are relieved and your skin will feel soft and hydrated. This treatment comes complete with a hand or foot massage.

For soft healthy skin from top to toe, this is the ultimate pampering experience. You will be massaged, cleansed and moisturised with your choice of an ocean exfoliation or pearl body polish, completed by a relaxing Trilogy facial.

This treatment targets tension zones and pressure points through out the entire body. Both relaxing and stimulating, it is the perfect feel good re-charger for you to make the most of your stay.

Aching Body Buster

The ultimate treatment combination! Melt as you are massaged with hot stones to sooth the soul and relieve aching muscles and joints. Then relax wrapped in a cosy cocoon of heated mud and honey whilst warm stones sooth your face. A wonderfully detoxifying and blissful experience.

Ocean Exfoliation (full body treatment)
An aromatic blend of New Zealand sea salts, mineral salts and essentials oils are vigorously massaged over your body to remove impurities, dead cells and stimulate circulation. Your body is then moisturised and left feeling smooth and vibrant on the outside, loose and relaxed on the inside.

Earth and Fire

The ultimate reviver for tired and sore backs. Heat melts away tension as hot stones release deeply held knots. A salt exfoliation and thick mud pack are then applied and left, which locks in the heat to de-tox and nourish your skin while you enjoy the luxury of an Indian head and foot massage.

Rural Booster Facial

Intense boost to a light facial, combating the damage of shaving and the environment, balancing the skin and neutralising impurities.

Your wedding guests are lined up to greet you as you step from the chopper onto the emerald green lawns of Wharekauhau. In front of you the broad blue sweep of Palliser Bay, behind you the imposing Rimutaka ranges and between both sits Wharekauhau Lodge in all its stately elegance…

Wharekauhau offers an exquisite experience for those wanting a small, intimate wedding in a beautiful environment.

The Wharekauhau garden offers many picturesque settings just ideal for a wedding ceremony, and should the weather not behave, it is so easy to move everything indoors to the magnificent main lounge where the natural light and gorgeous décor make it a perfect backdrop for the exchanging of vows.

Food

We have a range of stunning menus for you to choose from and with our international reputation for only the finest cuisine, you can be sure that you will be sitting down to a gourmet experience that you and your guests will never forget.

Wine

Our Food and Beverage Manager will work with you to select the wines that best match the menu you have chosen.

Entertainers

We will be very happy to organize the music for you – be it a string quartet, a band or DJ.

Hair and Make-up

Having access to expert hair and make-up professionals it is possible for the entire Bridal Party to prepare on site, and our very own therapists can offer soothing massages and body treatments as well as facials that will guarantee you have that ‘blushing bride’ glow on the day.

Celebrants

If you don’t have someone already in mind, talk to us and after consultation we will be happy to recommend a celebrant that we think best suits your requirements.

Photographers

We have a selection of excellent photographers to choose from or you may wish to use your own.

Honeymoon

Many people that hold their wedding at Wharekauhau choose to stay on for their honeymoon.

Our Guest cottages are so romantic and offer a wonderful retreat from the outside world, and with so many things to do on the estate - be it a horseback ride through mountain streams or romantic walks along the rugged beach, you will be able to create so many memories to carry you through your married life

It would be a brave and foolhardy person who dared remind Fish and Chip of their humble origins as kittens found outside the local take-away shop.

So quick were they to adopt all the airs and graces of creatures to the manor born, it would not occur to them that Wharekauhau Lodge was created for any other purpose than to house and cater to their every feline whim. Guests and staff are tolerated as useful minions, there purely to minister to their needs. Capable of a condescending munificence, they are well aware that this is necessary to keep the tasty morsels coming and the comfortable, fireside laps welcoming.

They have well mastered the art of spreading their favours between guests and realize the power of keeping a little competition going; just because Chip purred away merrily in your room last night, there is no guaranteeing that she won’t be just as comfortable with guests in the neighboring cottage the following night. Just be grateful that she noticed you at all!

While many of our Guests delight in the cats, we are very aware that some people are highly allergic. If you happen to be one of these people please let us know and we will ensure that the cats are kept well away during your stay.