Wharekauhau Country Estate

Wharekauhau is one of New Zealand's best-known lodges, set on a 2,000-hectare working sheep station above Palliser Bay in the Wairarapa. It's about 90 minutes from Wellington by road, or a short helicopter hop.

The main lodge has an Edwardian country-house feel, and guests stay in private cottage suites scattered across the hillside, each with a fireplace and views to the sea or the Remutaka Range. Meals use produce from the estate's own gardens and farm.

Days are full if you want them - horse riding, clay shooting, farm tours, quad biking, spa treatments and river walks - or you can sit by the fire and watch the weather roll across the bay. It's a Relais & Chateaux property, so the food and service are a real strength. Good for a special few nights close to the capital.