Wharekauhau Lodge and Country Estate

Wharekauhau sits above Palliser Bay on a genuine working sheep station, and the heritage farm tour puts guests in the middle of that working life, watching sheep dogs move a flock across paddocks that slope straight down to black sand beaches you'll later cross by ATV. Evenings turn toward the sky: a private, guided stargazing session with a professional astronomer takes advantage of the Wairarapa's famously dark, unpolluted horizon, something few New Zealand lodges can offer with this little light pollution to compete with. Wine touring through the Wairarapa's Martinborough vineyards fills a gentler day, and for golfers a helicopter transfer delivers guests directly to Royal Wellington, cutting what would otherwise be a long drive down to twenty scenic minutes over the hills. Back at the lodge, a 24 meter indoor heated pool and tennis court cover the quieter hours between excursions.