In the know

Our favourite rooms: Set a little way from the lodge with views out over sheep-dotted pastures and surf-lashed Palliser Bay, the hotels 10 Guest Cottages all sport sitting areas (inside and out on verandahs), open gas fireplaces, walk-in wardrobes, underfloor heating and luxe ensuite bathrooms with marble floors, double spa baths, twin basins and separate showers. They're fairly similiar give or take minior size tweaks: neutral, trad-modern decor rules, with squashy sofas, super-king-size beds (screened off with four-poster-style curtains) and natural materials throughout. If you're in a posse and fancy more privacy, opt for the three-suite Chateâu Wellington, a kilometre away, which includes a horizon pool and the option of your own private chef, although you can still dine and play at the lodge.
Packing tips: A swimsuit for dips in the spa pool; Orla Kiely Wellies for rambling; a dash of Ralph Lauren for nailing the country casual look.
Also: Take time to chill out in the Wharekauhua Day Spa, where relaxing treatments include hot stone massage, mud and honey body wraps, Indian head massage, facials and therapies specially for men. All spa products are botanically-derived and local, with a body range custom-made by medical herbalist Sarah Beesley of nearby Greytown's Self Heal Shop and an exclusive facial range from Trilogy.

Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate hotel, New Zealand

Current offers

Smith card offer: A three-hour guided farm tour

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Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate

Wairarapa, New Zealand[view map]

Style: Edwardian country mansion
Setting: Peaceful pastures and thunderous surf

An hour and a half's drive from Wellington, boutique hotel and spa Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate is the real deal: a 5,500-acre working sheep and cattle farm set on dramatic coastline in the Wairarapa wine-growing region.

Need to know

Rooms: 12, including 10 single-suite Guest Cottages, the three-suite Château Wellington and the three-suite Wharepapa Cottage.
Rates: Low season, NZ$1,220; mid-season, NZ$1,730; high season, NZ$1,930, including cooked country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and a four-course dinner (without wine). Tax is extra at 12.5 per cent. Meals are not included at Wharepapa Cottage.
Check-out: 11am, flexible subject to availability for no extra cost. Check-in, 12 noon.
Facilities: CD, DVD and book library, free WiFi in the main lodge, gym, spa, tennis-court, gardens. In rooms: flatscreen satellite TV, iPod dock, minibar, free bottled water.
Poolside: There's a 24-metre indoor heated swimming pool if you can't face the pounding ocean surf. Find it in the recreation centre, alongside a jacuzzi, gym, all-weather tennis court and spa treatment room (guests get unlimited access).
Eco-friendly: The lodge uses water from a natural underground spring; grows its own Texel lamb, vegetables and herbs; sources local wine and produce; and maximises natural light in rooms with skylights and East-West-facing windows, as well as recyling.
Also: Borrow the lodge's guest push bikes to explore the rugged grounds; it's worth taking a tour of the working farm too, home to one of New Zealand's oldest stocks of Romney sheep, dating back to the 1800s.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: Chef Amit Laud, who presides over the kitchen, is inspired by Pacific Rim cuisine with a European influence, drawing on delicious locally sourced produce. Signature dishes include Kiwi classics with a twist: duo of Texel lamb with Mediterranean vegetables, polenta, peas, lamb jus and yoghurt, as well as pan-fried venison and fillet of beef. Breakfast is served in the rustic Country Kitchen, and lunch either there or outside in the airy courtyard (the lodge can also arrange a picnic anywhere in the grounds, or barbecue, with a private chef if you want to graze in style). Evenings start with pre-dinner drinks and canapés in the lounge or courtyard, when you can socialise with fellow guests and staff while sampling the fruits of the local wine region, followed by communal fine dining in the main dining room, where grand tables create a dinner party mood. If you fancy dining privately, though, staff are happy to oblige. In summer, the chef will often fire up a more informal barbcue instead.
Dress code: Sturdy jacket and boots for farm strolls by day; smarter get-up for evenings, when communal dining sees guests go glam (think long shirts for guys, short skirts for girls).
Top table: For romantic private dining, ask for a table in the elegant main lounge where pre-dinner cocktails and canapés are served (there's a roaring fire in winter for cosy hibernating).
Last orders: Breakfast is served from 6am to 11.30am; lunch from 11am to 4pm; and dinner from 6.30pm till late. The bar is open 24 hours a day.
Room service: Available from 6am to 8pm, wtih a full menu service. In-room minibars are also stocked with drinks.
Hotel bar: The hotel bar is open all day long, but is most thronged between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. There's a well-stocked mix of spirits, or sample the local fine NZ wines, including rare vintages and local heroes such as Martinborough Pinot Noir.

Also worth knowing

Children: Welcome: the hotel can supply free baby cots and extra beds for older children for NZ$300, plus tax, a night. Babysitting with hotel staff can be arranged for NZ$25 an hour, with five hours’ notice. The restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu. More…
Weddings: This hotel is suitable for weddings. More…

Smith Members offer

A three-hour guided farm tour

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member

Book this hotel

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