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Wharekauhau Country Estate

A 3,000-acre working coastal estate in the Wairarapa on New Zealand’s North Island with a history dating to the 1840s, owned by the Foley family, with the Hamptons-inspired 418sqm Foley Villa sleeping up to six and 16 Cottage Suites above the wild surf of Palliser Bay designed by Virginia Fischer, farm-to-table dining, and a 5,000-bottle cellar focused on boutique Martinborough and New Zealand wines including the estate’s own Lighthouse Gin.

At Do Not Disturb, we match you with one of our dedicated luxury travel experts who designs a tailor-made itinerary around how you want your time away to feel. With deep destination knowledge and meticulous planning behind the scenes, we transform complex travel into something effortless and entirely your own.

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At a glance

One of New Zealand’s most distinctive luxury lodges, standing on a 3,000-acre coastal estate in the Wairarapa with a history stretching back to the 1840s.

Wharekauhau is a beautifully curated country property where antique furnishings, grand fireplaces, and warm communal spaces create an atmosphere that feels lived in and deeply considered. A formal dining room flows into a country kitchen and sunlit conservatory, with French doors opening onto manicured gardens and a private courtyard.

The food is rooted in the estate itself. Farm-to-table dining draws on the surrounding land, with a kitchen that takes its produce seriously and a dining experience that reflects the property’s long connection to this stretch of New Zealand coastline. The Foley family have brought a vision focused on community, craft, and heartfelt hospitality that has only deepened over time. Wharekauhau is hard to look past for guests seeking a New Zealand experience with real substance.

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In detail

Food and Drink

Dining at Wharekauhau is rooted in the estate itself, with seasonal menus built around estate-grown produce, foraged ingredients, and local artisan suppliers.

A 5,000-bottle cellar focuses on boutique Martinborough and New Zealand wines, with rare tastings available at the Sommelier’s Table featuring Foley Wines and local vintages. The estate even produces its own Lighthouse Gin, distilled with mountain spring water and native botanicals at the edge of Cape Palliser.
Activities

Wharekauhau’s activity programme ranges from adrenaline to indulgence, with something compelling at every level.

ATV quad biking across black sand beaches, guided heritage farm tours, archery, clay target shooting, and e-bike coastal rides cover the adventurous end, while wine lovers are well served with Martinborough vineyard tours, private Sommelier’s Table tastings, and the extraordinary Signature Foley Wine Flight by helicopter across both islands. Private stargazing, a Chef in the Wild outdoor feast, and the estate’s own Lighthouse Gin tasting round out an exceptional programme.
Location

Wharekauhau Country Estate stands on the wild coastline of Palliser Bay in the Wairarapa on New Zealand’s North Island, on a 3,000-acre working estate that dates to the 1840s.

The Martinborough wine region is a short drive inland, with vineyards, cellar doors, and boutique restaurants defining that part of the Wairarapa. Cape Palliser and its lighthouse mark the southernmost point of the North Island, close to the estate on foot or by e-bike. Wellington is around 90 minutes by car via the Rimutaka Range, with helicopter transfers available directly to the lodge for guests wanting to skip the drive.

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Room Types

Foley Villa

The Foley Villa is Wharekauhau’s most private and expansive accommodation, a 418sqm Hamptons-inspired residence sleeping up to six guests across three king suites, each with claw-foot baths and Palliser Bay views.

An open-plan lounge with a log-burning fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, heated infinity pool, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace make it well suited to groups or families wanting complete seclusion. Helicopter access, a private chef option, and full access to lodge facilities round out an exceptional offering.

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Cottage Suites

Designed by renowned New Zealand designer Virginia Fischer, the 16 Cottage Suites stand on the ridge above the wild surf of Palliser Bay, each offering 70sqm of considered space with the ocean directly below.

Super king beds, a gas fireplace, double spa bath, heated marble floors, and a private ocean-view terrace come as standard, with natural materials throughout including clay tiles, pebble mosaics, and hand-plastered walls. Interconnecting layouts make them well suited to families or groups wanting privacy without straying far from the main lodge.

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Our reviews

“Our trip was truly magical and full of core memories that will last us a lifetime.”

Michael • Bora Bora Honeymoon

“We just returned from an incredible journey through Ireland, and we couldn’t have had a better experience”

Brad • Ireland Adventure

“This was a flawless experience right from the beginning, we had so many thoughts and ideas flowing around and they took all of them and perfectly curated the most beautiful honeymoon for us.”

Kris • Sicily Honeymoon

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Wharekauhau Country Estate

The world without distraction.

At a glance

In detail

Food and Drink

Activities

Location

Room Types

Foley Villa

Cottage Suites

Our reviews

Travel inspiration and editorials

48 Hours in Auckland

Discover New Zealand’s Fiordland: Milford and Doubtful Sound in Luxury

Plan Your New Zealand Wine Region Tour

Wilderness to Waves: Luxury Honeymoons in Kenya

Your next steps

We Listen

We Curate

You Travel

Tell us about your journey

Let's design your escape

How would you like to continue the conversation?