2 July 2013

WHAREKAUHAU FARM & LODGE

Words are not enough to convey the majesty of Wharekauhau on rugged farmland overlooking Palliser Bay. We spent a night there last week en route to the Martinborough Olive Harvest Festival and it was so remote and so relaxing I could hardly bear leaving.

I first visited the property when it was really raw and it is really impressive to see how it has grown into the surroundings. A working farm, Wharekauhau offers 13 luxurious cottages which nestle into the land, hunkering down so they withstand the frequent amazing storms that roll in from the ocean. The view in every direction is dramatic. You feel you are on the edge of the earth!

We ate well, with delicious food at dinner and breakfast, and drank local wines from Te Kairanga in Martinborough, (especially loved the chardonnay.) Best of all we took my car onto the dark broody beach below the cliff that marks the edge of the property and spent time walking on the black sands of the windswept shoreline. We also used the gym, the indoor heated pool and walked in the paddocks and the garden. We had no time to avail ourselves of offered activities, sadly.

Right now Wharekauhau is offering a special winter rate, a great opportunity for locals to stay and play. Do not miss this for a very special treat! Wharekauhau, Western Arm Lake Rd, Palliser Bay, T +64 6 307 7799 www.wharekauhau.co.nz