Nestled in the wildly beautiful Wairarapa region in New Zealand,Wharekauhau Country Estate has put down-to-earth Kiwi hospitality on the map in the 2023 edition of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
The impressive Edwardian-style country estate scooped best resort in Australasia and the Pacific, as well as ranking in the top 50 best resorts globally, coming in at number 46.
Voted for by over half a million discerning travellers, the awards reflect real recognition of the exceptional experience, from guests themselves.
Following a swift and strong resurgence of travel post-COVID, Condé Nast Traveler noted this year’s awards saw voters favouring more immersive experiences in isolated and truly exceptional properties, something general manager Richard Rooney says perfectly encapsulates the “unapologetically authentic” Wharekauhau.
“At this end of the luxury market it’s an absolute given that the suites are lovely and the hospitality on point, but what makes Wharekauhau special is our people and place. Wharekauhau has a unique ability to draw you into the landscape – it’s a magic that is often underestimated until it’s experienced.
“I meet many people that come to relax with a good book and within an hour of being onsite they are deep in conversation with our team, booking ATV tours, clay shooting and other unique experiences we offer,” says Richard.
The upscale Relais & Châteaux property that is popular with British and Dutch royalty is the epitome of accessible isolation located just 90 minutes by car or 10 minutes by helicopter from New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.
Sitting at the Eastern foothills of the looming Remutaka mountains on eight kilometres of wild Pacific coastline, Wharekauhau (translating to “place of knowledge” in te reo Māori) gives a true taste of Aotearoa’s untouched terrain. It’s this signature wild, beautiful luxury that defines its storied history as one of the greatest luxury hideaways in the world.
Catering to all desires, Wharekauhau offers everything from a spa-centric ensconced escapes complete with private stargazing and wine tastings, through to adventure filled ATV quad bike tours, wild outdoor dining experiences with traveling chefs, clay target shooting and farm expeditions across the 3,000-acre site. Wharekauhau’s robust and almost limitless offering earned praise by Condé Nast Traveler for the category win.
