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Luxury hotel · New Zealand
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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 New Zealand 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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Request a quoteOne 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.
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.
Wharekauhau’s activity program 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 program.
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.
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.
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.
Our team brings over 35 years of experience in luxury travel, shaping bespoke journeys for discerning clients worldwide.
See more reviews on TrustpilotOur trip was truly magical and full of core memories that will last us a lifetime.
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