140 | TOURISM Wharekauhau Country Estate Wharekauhau Country Estate. Country Estate clinches top honour T T Karen Phelps Wharekauhau Country Estate has been crowned the Best Destination Venue at the 2024 Hospitality Awards for Excellence. It also received a prestigious 1 Hat award and its executive chief Norka Mella Munoz was crowned Luxury Lodge Chef of the Year. The accolades reaffirms the estate’s position in New Zealand’s hospitality sector as offering an experience that goes beyond accommodation to create lasting memories for guests, says Wharekauhau Country Estate general manager Richard Rooney. “We are often awarded on a global scale or a national scale, however being awarded on a super-local scale by our peers in the wider Wairarapa community brings a real sense of Wairarapa pride with it,” says Richard. “Our team works tirelessly in showcasing the best of Palliser Bay and the Wairarapa to our guests that travel from near and far, so this award really affirms the work that Wharekauhau does.” Located on the coastline of Palliser Bay in the Wairarapa region, Wharekauhau Country Estate boasts 16 Cottage Suites and a three-bedroom villa, complemented by a full-service day spa, indoor pool, and fitness centre. The estate’s rich history of hospitality dates back to the 1840s, blending seamlessly with modern luxury to create a unique atmosphere. Richard says this harmonious fusion of past and present is evident in every aspect of the estate with a focus on providing a truly immersive New Zealand experience. But Wharekauhau is more than just a luxury retreat; it’s also a working farm. Spanning over 3,000 acres the estate is home to one of the oldest Romney sheep studs in the country, as well as a herd of Black Angus cattle. Richard says this agricultural heritage adds an authentic dimension to the guest experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in rural New Zealand life. With regards to the estate’s food offering the ethos is firmly rooted in farm-to-table dining. “Most of our veggies and fruits are grown onsite and we have a chicken coop minimising the need to purchase eggs.” Another of Wharekauhau’s standout features is its wine program, headed by sommelier Brooke Lawry and director of hospitality Nicolas Simonucci widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest, says Richard. The estate boasts mutual ownership of five vineyards and a local gin distillery, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s renowned viticulture. He says another important part of the estate’s ethos is a commitment to showcasing local talent and produce. “We partner with local wineries for exclusive tastings and tours, and collaborate with artisans including lavender and honey farms, as well as local artists, to showcase our region’s best. These connections promote community engagement and offer our guests a taste of our region’s unique offerings.” The range of activities available at Wharekauhau is diverse. Guests can try their hand at ATV quad biking, indulge in spa treatments, or embark on guided tours of the working sheep station. More adventure oriented options include e-biking excursions and sporting clay shooting. The estate’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the estate’s approach to staff training. Employees undergo comprehensive customer service training and participate in wine tasting sessions to enhance their knowledge. 04 472 1550 reception@wellingtonhelicopters.net.nz Shed 6 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central, New Zealand gchaviation.com/wellington -wharekauhau-heli-lunch/ FLY QUEENS WHARF TO WHAREKAUHAU IN 15 MINS Business Central Advert-pths.indd 1 ɐ30 They also meet with local suppliers to gain a deep understanding of the products offered, allowing them to provide expert guidance to guests. Richard says that one of the key reasons guests keep coming back to, and also hugely contributed to the award win, is the estate’s focus on offering Kiwi hospitality. “We take pride in our warm and friendly approach, making guests feel like part of our extended family from the moment they arrive. People travel out of their way to visit our lodge because we offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience. We completely understand what it means to show sense of place and sense of people.”
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