Wharekauhau Country Estate
4132 Wharekauhau Road Palliser Bay, RD3, Featherston 5773 New Zealand
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About
#1 of 11 hotels in Featherston
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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.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Archery
Bicycles available
Babysitting
Electric vehicle charging station
Valet parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Swimming pool toys
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Bowling
Game room
Hiking
Tennis court
Fishing
Board games / puzzles
Books, DVDs, music for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Makeup services
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Salon
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
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Room features
Soundproof rooms
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Fireplace
Minibar
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Radio
iPod docking station
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, French, Filipino
Location
4132 Wharekauhau Road Palliser Bay, RD3, Featherston 5773 New Zealand
Getting there
Car HireSee all Featherston car hire
194Reviews0Q+A43Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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This was a huge treat to have a night at exclusive Wharekauhau. This place is phenomenal - stunning location and facilities. The suites are beautiful and super comfy and you also have the main house with it's many rooms to explore and relax in and a recreation centre. Didn't do the spa or any of the extra activities - they are pricey but there was certainly enough to keep us entertained. The people are very warm, welcoming and engaging. What we loved.... 1) being greeted on arrival, car parked and our bags transferred to our suite while we sipped bubbles and had a tour of the main house and facilities, 2) Pre-dinner canapes and set course dinner, 3) recreation room, cigar room and games room, 4) location - views, and opportunity to walk through the paddocks, 5) privacy - was almost full but didn't bump into many people at all and 6) the food - top notch. What has stopped me giving it 5 stars.... upon arrival at the suite the Sky TV wasn't working. We spent far too much time trying to sort it.... didn't work so went to ring reception but the phone wasn't working either! Gas fire seemed to be faulty but got it working. The TV and phone was attended to with an apology, but as we had spent lots of time on this it would have been nice to have been given a free drink or similar. Things like that should be checked before guests check in.…
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Date of stay: September 2023
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Staff were amazing. Food was out of this world and the venue and surrounding property is phenomenal. If you are a couple looking for some where special to go, I can't recommend this place highly enough
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Facilities were good. Staff were amazing, they are attentive without being 'in your face'.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 1 May 2023
Kia Ora Hallahanp64, Thank you very much for your feedback. We are thrilled you had such a great time at Wharekauhau Country Estate and we are looking forward to sharing some more memories in the future. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My friend's and I had an amazing time here and felt like we got treated like Royalty. From the amazing Four Wheel Drive tour, through to the Drinks (I highly recommend the Espresso Martini's) through to the amazing service and food, everything was perfect. Thank you so much to the Lodge for making our visit so amazing. Can't wait to go back.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Kia Ora Peteydd, Thank you very much for your feedback. We are thrilled you had such a great time at Wharekauhau Country Estate and we are looking forward to sharing some more memories in the future. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
20/10 *** Hands down the best experience we've ever had while travelling. From landing on the front lawn we were greeting by the staff and the General Manager in the most outstanding way. The hospitality of this place is second to none. The staff went out of their way to make sure everything was catered for! If only we had more time in NZ we would return. Will be recommending this to all of our friends and family. If you haven't visited this magical location yet! YOU MUST
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Kia Ora 104staceyv, Thank you very much for your feedback. We are thrilled you had such a great time at Wharekauhau Country Estate and we are looking forward to sharing some more memories in the future. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suites are amazing - with a real sense of being your own quite large slice of paradise. Staff are wonderful - and couldn't be more helpful. The overall feel of Wharekaukau is relaxed county lodge - with wonderful staff who do make you feel truly "at home". We are lucky enough to have stayed numerous times - and each time reminds us how special the place is and how well looked after we are. Stunning setting where we have experienced both amazing sunny/windless days to stormy days/nights - it is a truly special place in any weather.
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: they are all fantastic - in any weather
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Kia Ora 354mike, Thank you very much for your feedback. We are thrilled you had such a great time at Wharekauhau Country Estate and we are looking forward to sharing some more memories in the future. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
For my first trip to New Zealand, I was fortunate enough to stay at Wharekauhau Country Estate. I was looking forward to traveling to what looked to be pure paradise by the website photos. When landing on the lawn and being personally welcomed by the General Manager, all expectations were quickly surpassed. The lodge and surrounding estate are truly spectacular. There are more than enough activities on and around the property to give you a true kiwi experience. Nightly cocktail hour and dinners at the lodge were decadent, unique and nothing short of spectacular. The staff genuinely cares about their guests. If you're lucky enough, you might even get a cuddle from the lodge labrador, Merlot, during your stay. I would recommend Wharekauhau to anyone looking for pure luxury among the relaxed beauty of New Zealand. I will definitely be returning.…
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Kia Ora MiaGT1023, Thank you very much for your feedback. We are thrilled you had such a great time at Wharekauhau Country Estate and we are looking forward to sharing some more memories in the future. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paradise37767027214 wrote a review Feb 2023
So my wife and I did a trip in October and November of 2022 to Australia and New Zealand. It was awesome. Out travel agent booked us at the best lodges including the One and Only in the Wolgan Valley near Sydney, Qualia Resort near the Great Barrier Reef, Azur lodge in Queenstown and Huka Lodge Taupo. Everyone one of these was a unique and special experience and I would rate each one as Excellent. HOWEVER, one of the lodges was Wharekauhau Country Estate. This should have been another outstanding experience, but the US "Laird", who had not been to the lodge in over a year was there with the board of his company, Fidelity National Financial. Clearly they should not have booked anyone, or any common folk like me, who is not a Billionaire or board member. From the beginning we were an after thought. Dining in the main hall, nope Bill and and the board were there. Ability to do any of the activities on the menu, not really as Bill and the board were partaking of all of these. Asking us what we wanted to do the next day when we checked in, nope, since they knew there was nothing they could accommodate, why ask. Well that did not stop me and my wife and I were lucky enough that one of the staff folks could take us to a near by village to wander around while he went home and had lunch with his wife. Cost to take my wife 25 miles to the town, $500. Dinner that night was again not near the Laird and Board, but in a different private area. To add final insult to injury when paying $1250/nite, I was charge a credit card fee when I used my visa. I guess that's how the rich get richer. My whole experience, wha incredibly poor. I shared all of this real time with my Virtuoso travel agent and she tried, but at that point I did not see the property manager again. Either he was too embarrassed to share the truth or our bad timing or was too busy serving the Laird. In either case stay away. While a nice property and great location, unless you are an equal of the "Gods" or want to get nickeled and dimed, there are many more outstanding resorts and places to see. Unfortunately after all the great places and hospitality and experiences, this place was a major dud!…
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Kia Ora Paradise37767027214, Thank you very much for providing us feedback this is very valuable in our endeavour to improve the service and facilities we provide to our guests at Wharekauhau Country Estate We value all of our guests equally and endeavour to ensure all guests have a positive and memorable experience during their stay. We clearly missed the mark in this instance. We do understand your disappointment in missing out some of our activities. However, we always encourage all our guests and travel agents to pre-book their experiences to avoid any disappointment. The nature of our remote location, and being at full capacity for our peak season meant we were unable to accommodate your last minute requests To respect the privacy and intimacy of our couples, we do arrange a private fireside dining experience when larger groups are booked at the same time The credit card surcharge in New Zealand is a common practice which I am sure you would have come across in other locations during your NZ travels Please know we have taken your comments firmly on board as it allows us to continually improve and offer the very best of what New Zealand has to offer. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wharekauhau is a very special lodge. It doesn’t seem to be on the “Americans going to NZ luxury lodges” circuit as much as some other properties at which we stayed, at least it didn’t appear that way the few days we were there, but it should. The property is in a truly spectacular setting. The food is top notch. Our room was large and well-appointed and had a stunning view. And the staff was friendly and attentive to our needs. (Special thanks to Audrey, Adrian, Nicholas, Jacki, and Yvette for making our three-night stay a memorable one.) One day we drove into Wellington and sent to the main museum and took a cable car to the top of the hill and walked around the botanical gardens a bit, and one day we drove to the lighthouse and seal colony and then followed up with lunch and wine tasting in Martinborough. We also took some walks around the property including a walk along the bluff overlooking the ocean, and made sure to enjoy some quiet time reading in the lodge. Highly recommended.…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Kia Ora PW_Maryland, Thank you very much for your feedback. We are thrilled you had such a great time at Wharekauhau Country Estate and we are looking forward to sharing some more memories in the future. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a world class property setting and achieving the highest standards of hospitality. We were delighted with every minute of our stay. The welcome was genuine with champagne and a tour of the main house. You were then taken by golf buggy to the room (half a cottage), it was exceptional in terms of facilities and relaxed comfort, it had everything you needed including home baked cookies. Every detail, from bath products to linen was sublime. Dinners and pre-dinner cocktails were generous and the food was not transient food fashion but showed a deep commitment to ingredients, many of them from the farm. Food like tequila cured salmon, line caught snapper with corn, coast lamb rump, etc. Breakfasts were equally good. We did a Farm tour, which was also delightful and informative. This is expensive but compared to international hotel costs Warekauhau is a bargain. The amazing setting, beautiful accommodations and dedicated staff made for a perfect stay. One of the best hotels we have stayed at anywhere. …
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Kia Ora RossY415, Thank you very much for your feedback. We are thrilled you had such a great time at Wharekauhau Country Estate and we are looking forward to sharing some more memories in the future. Haere rā! The Wharekauhau team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Visited for lunch with my husband to celebrate some milestone birthdays & was not disappointed. Beautiful location & facilities & amazing lunch complimented with perfectly paired wines thanks to Adrian.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from RIchard Rooney, Other at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Responded 11 Dec 2022
Kia Ora 1bridgets, Thanks a lot for your lovely feedback. We are glad to hear you had a wonderful time with us. We look forward to seeing you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Featherston area.
PRICE RANGE
$2,646 - $3,221 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
wharekauhau country estate featherston
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandGreater WellingtonWairarapaFeatherston
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wharekauhau Country Estate
Which popular attractions are close to Wharekauhau Country Estate?
Nearby attractions include Te Rakau Birding (3.6 km) and Lake Ferry (6.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Wharekauhau Country Estate?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and free breakfast.
Which room amenities are available at Wharekauhau Country Estate?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Wharekauhau Country Estate?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Wharekauhau Country Estate?
Yes, free parking, a parking garage, and valet parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Wharekauhau Country Estate?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Does Wharekauhau Country Estate have airport transportation?
Yes, Wharekauhau Country Estate offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Wharekauhau Country Estate?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Wharekauhau Country Estate offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Wharekauhau Country Estate?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and Filipino.
Does Wharekauhau Country Estate have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.