Destination

Welcome to the Wairarapa

The Wairarapa is the rural province in which we are situated. It extends from the southern shores below Wharekauhau, North up the centre of the lower North Island, and spreads across to the Eastern coast of the North Island. It is very much a rural, rugged, a somewhat ‘un-explored’ province. The term ‘Wairarapa’ translates to ‘Glistening Waters’ – This is in reference to the shimmering lake surface that Lake Wairarapa can produce in the summer months. Some of the regional highlights of the Wairarapa include;

Lake Ferry

Lake Ferry is located less than one hour from Wharekauhau, on the shores of Lake Onoke and Palliser Bay. This popular spot is known for its superb fishing and surfing, its unique environmental assets and its fascinating history. European settlers brought sheep and cattle into the area in 1844, following the coastal route from Wellington to Lake Onoke. These runholders were the first to establish pastoral farming in New Zealand. Following a drowning in 1850, a ferry service across the lake was established. The ferryman needed accommodation and a supplement to his income so a liquor license was issued, and the Lake Ferry Hotel opened in 1851. Lake Ferry Hotel is home to great Whitebait Fritters, Fresh Flounder, and Paua. A lot of local history is depicted in the photographs hanging from the walls.

Ngawi & Cape Palliser

Ngawi and Cape Palliser are small settlements that embraces the rugged beauty of the coastline. Pronounced ‘Nar-wee’ is a small fishing / holiday town within five kilometres of Cape Palliser.  Ngawi has one claim to fame - more bulldozers per head of population than anywhere else. The bulldozers are used to haul the commercial fishing boats in and out of the water as there is no wharf or alternative access to the ocean other than the beach, which can be notoriously rough at times. Further South is the Cape Palliser peninsula. The Southern-most tip of the North Island. Home to the historical Cape Palliser lighthouse and the large population of brown fur-seals and sea lions.

Greytown

This shopping gem, just 45 minutes North of the lodge, has beautifully restored Victorian wooden buildings that house stylish and interesting specialty stores, artisan crafters, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Greytown offers the antithesis of big box shopping or bland and samey malls you find in many large centres these days. 

Wellington is often described as the ‘Coolest Little Capital in the World’. A bay-side, walking city with a big personality. The city has a wonderful vibrant restaurant scene, and is known for its relaxed coffee culture.

Wharekauhau can arrange a driver and guide to show you this wonderful city. Please inquire via [email protected] to get a specific quote on how you would like to spend your ‘Wellington-Day’

The waterfront is home to the national museum of New Zealand – TE PAPA. This is a great way to spend a few hours, or more, and get a deeper understanding of New Zealand's history, social culture, and art scene. A favourite experience is to pre-arrange a private tour behind the scenes and be guided through the stories of what the museum vaults hold.

Spend a few hours with the talented team at WETA FILMS. Weta films are the special-effects wizards who have been recognized with a number of film industry awards for their work on projects such as; Lord of The Rings, The Hobbit, The Adventures of Tintin, Avatar, Thunderbirds, King Kong, and many many more. Take a guided tour of their workshop, and meet some of the artists who can show you some of their specific make-up, prosthetic talents that have made Weta Films the go-to company for special effects.

John Martin is regarded as the town’s founder and set out the first streets in the pattern of Union Jack in the 19th century. Many of the town's streets are named after foreign cities visited by Martin. Before Martinborough was established, the southern part of the region was known as ‘Waihenga’, a point that seems to be lost at times in the history of the district. A feature is the colonial architecture, one example of which is the historic Martinborough Hotel, built in 1882.

Martinborough has been producing wines, notably Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris & Chardonnay since the late 70s/early 80s. It contributes roughly 3% of wine to the total New Zealand wine production, however punches well above this percentage when it comes to winning global awards.

Martinborough has a warm micro-climate, with hills to the east and west, and a long Pacific-influenced valley sweeping up from the South. Almost all the vineyards are in thin ribbons around the northern and eastern sides of the town, and the Te Muna Valley terrace to the East. All follow dry, stony riverbeds, which provide appropriate soils for viticulture.

As with any great wine region tourism soon followed, and the town has grown to be a vibrant summer hub and plays host to a number of small restaurants, artisans, and annual fairs. It is completely normal to find groups of cyclists leisurely cycling the flat, tree-lined roads between vineyard stops. It is a little town where laughter, music and wine fills the air and certainly brings the community together.

Wharekauhau is open year round, (with the exception of the odd mid-Winter short closure). From the sun-soaked warm and dry summers, through to the cosy fireside ambience that winter brings, we believe there is a season that best suits everyone.

Family

Wine

Honeymoon

Large Incentive Group