Wharekauhau Country Estate
Featherston, Wellington Region, New Zealand · Virtuoso · 2026 benefits

Wharekauhau is a 3,000 acre rural Relais & Chateaux, retreat on the south east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Ten minutes by air from Wellington (90 minutes by road) Wharekauhau is framed by the Remutaka Ranges to the west and Palliser Bay to the east. With private native forest, spectacular beaches, rivers, lakes and wetlands, Wharekauhau is a haven from the outside world. Luxury hotel with award winning style - at home and internationally - Wharekauhau is recognized as one of the world’s exclusive retreats. The Lodge is the heart of Wharekauhau. Modeled on an Edwardian country mansion, and has the feel of staying in the home of great friends. Luxury accommodation at Wharekauhau is…
Your cottage suite at Wharekauhau Country Estate will feel like the country hideaway you've always wanted. Dotted throughout the sprawling estate, the cottages boast unsurpassed vistas, fully stocked bars, and four-poster, king-size beds. Make your way to the lodge to mingle with other discerning travelers while enjoying a superb glass of wine and a meal based on local specialties – Wharekauhau Texel rack of lamb and artisan cheeses, perhaps? Stretch your muscles by hiking, biking, ATV quad bike riding, or clay-target shooting. It's little wonder this is considered one of the world's top 20 resort hideaways.
What you get booking it through us (2026 benefits)
- Upgrades are not applicable for this property
- Daily Full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant and via in-room dining
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Bookings in our Foley Villa will also receive an additional $100 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $200 during stay)
- Stays of 7+ nights will also receive a complimentary Property tour
- Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
These are the Virtuoso benefits on file for this property, on top of the hotel's own best flexible rate — not a discount and not a package. How the benefit stack compares to booking direct.
In the know
Join a fun, interesting farm tour that includes a visit to the eel pond – the creatures are so tame, you can pet them! –Katie Schmit Kuna, Idaho
The property, in facts
| Where | 4132 Wharekauhau, RD3, Featherston, Wellington Region, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Category | Beach Resort |
| Property type | Hotel or Resort |
| Rooms | 16 |
| Room types | 2 |
| Nearest airport | Wellington International (WLG) · 21 miles |
| Advisor programme | Virtuoso |
| Style | Casual |
| Known for | Adventure, Beach, Seclusion |
Rooms and suites
- Foley Villa - 3 Bedrooms — Foley Villa The Foley Villa is located a short 10 minute walk, (or 2 minute drive), from the main lodge with stunning views over the dramatic Palliser Bay.…
- Cottage Suites — Cottage SuiteWharekauhau’s Luxury Cottage Suites are a picture of grandeur. Perched high above the thunderous surf of the Palliser Bay, you are treated to…
In the room
Air Conditioning · Balcony/Lanai/Terrace · Bathrobe · Ceiling Fan · Coffee/Tea Maker · Connecting Rooms · Fireplace · Hair Dryer · Internet Access · Iron/Ironing Board · Kitchen · Microwave · Mini Bar · Non-Smoking · Private Pool · Refrigerator · Safe · Sitting Area · Slippers · Turn Down Service
What advisors say
100% of the 2 Virtuoso advisors who have filed a review of this property recommend it. Those reviews are collected by Virtuoso from advisors who have stayed, not by us and not from the public.
Nearby in the atlas
- Blanket Bay — Glenorchy, New Zealand
- Eagle's Nest — Bay of Islands, New Zealand
- Eichardt's Private Hotel — Queenstown, New Zealand
- Huka Lodge, Beckons — Lake Taupo, New Zealand
- InterContinental Auckland — Auckland, New Zealand
- Minaret Station Alpine Lodge — Wanaka, New Zealand