If you are willing to pay for it - this is a fantastic place. Far away from everything, a great place to relax. The staff is very friendly - a gorgeous lodge.

Being avid travelers and having visited some of the top lodges, both fishing and luxury, in New Zealand multiple times, we found Wharekauhau Lodge to be the perfect representation of the Kiwi rural lifestyle, served up with attention and magnificence. We enjoy Wharekauhau so much that we have been insisting that friends join us for our stay on the property. With the range of activities available on the property, you can be as busy and active as you want; or the lodge can be a secluded zone of relaxation if that is what you prefer.

The Lodge and farm offer a perfect location that provides a serene feel with beach views and ocean surf, the South Island off on the horizon, the majestic Tararua Mountains in the background, and the green pastures dotted with sheep.

The level of professional hospitality service and attention to details provided by each staff member is like having your own personal concierge. Each one of the staff is most capable and happy to provide whatever you may require or request.

I was shocked to read about the misguided American that had a bad experience. This place is truly stunning. The staff are friendly and personable not stuck up or tacky, just real people in a fabulous place. The service is exemplary! I'll be back!

As a restaurant manager in a former life, I have fairly high expectations when it comes to service. I was absolutely thrilled with the excellent service at Wharekauhau during our recent one-night stay. It is not often you find staff who can relate to guests on a number of levels, and who provide exactly what you need, before you even know you need it.

We received discreet privacy when it was needed, and chatty banter when it was appropriate. The food was fabulous, and wine list excellent. Staff were very knowledgeable about their products, and clearly had a passion for their work.

I was particularly impressed with the little touches - for example, on checking in & taking the tour, our luggage was taken to our room (as expected). What we didn't expect (but greatly appreciated) was our i-pod being taken out of our car and placed beside the i-pod speakers in our room. Fresh water bottles placed in the cup holders of our car for the journey home was a brilliant finishing touch.

We will definitely return to Wharekauhau. Yes, it is expensive, but you get what you pay for and everyone deserves a little bit of luxury now and then.