Palliser Bay Wairarapa, New Zealand
Renovated
2011
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort LocalOutside the door
Clifftop sheep station
Evenings center on fireside drinks in the lodge lounge before communal dinners, surrounded by thousands of coastal sheep-station acres.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A working coastal sheep station pairing sheepdog demonstrations with estate-reared Texel lamb.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
This lodge is home to a cluster of freestanding cottage suites, each with open fires, exposed beams, and wide views over pasture and sea.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set beside the black sand shores and rugged surf of Palliser Bay, the property sits framed by the Remutaka Mountain Range.
The rooms
Freestanding cottages feature open log fireplaces, canopied beds, private sea-facing verandas, and heated marble bathrooms with deep soaking baths.
The lap pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 24-meter heated lap pool sits beneath a glass conservatory ceiling with views out to the estate grounds.
The gym and sauna
Exercise machines look out onto courtyard gardens, and a timber-lined sauna sits just next door.
Restaurant
Main Lodge Dining Room
Multi-course dinners focus on estate-reared lamb and regional wines, served beside a large stone fireplace.
Restaurant
Country Kitchen
Farmhouse breakfasts and casual lunches are served around an open prep island and long communal dining table.
At the table
A sunlit conservatory lined with terracotta tiles and wicker armchairs opens out toward the gardens.
How it began
Translating to place of knowledge in Māori, this clifftop headland served as a priestly teaching ground before becoming an 1850s sheep station.
Stay here
Wharekauhau Country Estate
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.