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Wharekauhau Country Estate

Wairarapa, New Zealand • Palliser Bay • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,157 / night

Includes $61 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

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Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Relais & Châteaux

Location

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At a glance

An Edwardian-inspired country estate on a working sheep station overlooking Palliser Bay, with cottage suites and locally sourced interiors.

Best for: Rural retreat seekers and architecture enthusiasts

Highlights:

  • Edwardian lodge on 3,200-acre working sheep station
  • 16 cottage suites with four-poster beds and private gardens
  • Interiors by Virginia Fischer and Wellington studio Kurio
Colonial-pastoralintimate

PB hotel design editorial

Sitting above Palliser Bay on a 3,200-acre working sheep station at the southern tip of the Wairarapa, Wharekauhau Country Estate presents itself from the water meadows as something between a grand farmstead and a colonial manor — multiple steep gabled rooflines, tall grouped chimneys, and white-painted facades mirrored in the still lake below, the Remutaka ranges filling the sky behind. Queenstown architect Fred van Brandenburg designed the Edwardian-inspired main lodge for a 1998 opening, and the scale and massing feel deliberate: large enough to hold its own against the landscape, domestic enough to feel like someone's house. Virginia Fischer's original interiors for the 16 Cottage Suites, each 70 square metres, set the material tone — exposed timber rafters painted white, four-poster beds hung with cream linen curtains suspended from iron rods, rattan chairs beside French doors opening onto private gardens, heated marble floors underfoot and gas fireplaces built into gabled end walls. The communal spaces show the layering work of Wellington studio Kurio, whose ongoing refresh since around 2012 has brought herringbone brick floors into the dining pavilion, sage-painted tongue-and-groove ceilings opening to clerestory windows, brass pendant lanterns dropping into double-height space, and a formal dining room furnished in dark-painted sideboards and taupe upholstered chairs gathered around a stone fireplace. New Zealand wool carpeting, pebble mosaics, and clay tiles throughout keep the property grounded in what this part of the country actually produces.

Travel notes

1hr 30min drive from Wellington airport (WLG)

About

Anything is possible whether it be an insight into farming in New Zealand, a tour of the lodge historic coastline, or even something as simple as enjoying a walk through the 3,200 acre haven that is Wharekauhau.

Amenities

Pool

Free Parking

Restaurant

Fitness center

Internet

Suites

Room service

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Airport transportation

Wharekauhau Country Estate Reviews

208 reviews

"A truly beautiful and memorable place. Luxurious surroundings mixed with high quality food and exceptional staff :) !"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 27, 2026

"This is our 5th stay at the Lodge, each time it just gets better. The food the accommodation, the staff, the location all top notch. It great to return the team treat you like friends and always go above and beyond to make your stay memorable."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 12, 2026

"Our stay at Wharekauhau Country Estate was a highlight of our journey through New Zealand. The lodge staff communicated with us extensively before our arrival, inquiring about dietary restrictions, optional activities and whatever else we would need to make our stay as comfortable as possible. We arrived at the Estate in a remote location on Palliser Bay, after a long drive and instantly felt relaxed and at home in this gorgeous property. After a brief tour of the facilities, we were shown to our spacious, beautifully furnished suite — four poster bed, sitting area with fireplace, walk-in closet, and breathtaking view of the Bay. It could not have been more elegant and comfortable. And quiet. The property includes a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a nicely equipped fitness center. The property includes an excellent hiking trail and a good running course along the beach. The main lodge building includes multiple sitting rooms, a game room with a pool table, a breakfast room and dining room. A delicious breakfast and dinner are included, as well as pre-dinner cocktails, where guests mingle; the staff is very sensitive to dietary restrictions in the preparation of meals. Service is top notch and attentive, intended to make every guest feel special. There are fewer than 20 guestrooms, which makes the Estate a very intimate and personalized experience. Many recreational activities are available — we did the quad ATV tour of the farm (home to many herds of sheep and cattle), which was great fun, This is a world class resort experience (and is priced accordingly) in a stunning location at the southernmost tip of New Zealand’s north island. We could not recommend it more highly."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 27, 2026

"From start to finish, everything was seamless. Our host was an absolute star—professional, warm, and incredibly attentive. They made the entire experience smooth from the moment I booked, even helping with a special request from my youngest daughter, who is currently in Singapore and couldn’t join us. We had an unforgettable dining experience at Wharekauhau. Karen, Griffin, and the rest of the team made sure we were well looked after, and their hospitality truly elevated our visit. The welcome was genuine, the estate tour was informative, and the atmosphere felt both luxurious and relaxed. The food was outstanding. Every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavour, and made with ingredients of exceptional quality. We enjoyed every bite—our compliments to the chef. Overall, the experience was absolutely worth it and truly deserving of its two Michelin stars."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 08, 2026

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