Colonial settlement in the Wairarapa pre-dates that of Hawke’s Bay. Drawn to the potential of the immense fertile plain, the first pastoral leases in southern Wairarapa were agreed between settlers and local Māori in the early 1840’s and farming became the backbone of the regions’ economy. Families such as the Bidwells, Williams and Riddifords became foundational pillars of both Wairarapa and Wellington society and are still grounded in their rural roots today. Over 5 Days we’ll be hosted at a number of impressive country properties established by these early runholders, and still owned by their descendants. We’ll also experience some of the best of the country life that this vibrant region enjoys. From grand houses and fine art collections to opulent lunches and a country race meeting, this tour celebrates the landscape and legacy of one of New Zealand’s true rural heartlands. It’s a privilege to be invited into these remarkable places. Here are some of the many highlights;
Day 1: We make our way south through the morning arriving for a lunch hosted by the Williams family at their property, ‘Te Parae’, east of Masterton. We’ll spend the afternoon with family patriarch, Tom Williams, who will tell us about the history of the place and show us around. Later we settle into our home for the next four nights, the Copthorne Solway Hotel. It’s a special dinner tonight in ‘The Captains Dining Room’ at the beautiful White Swan Hotel.
Day 2: This morning, we visit ‘Fernside’, at the centre of an estate first established in 1860. Associated in its early years with such prominent Wellington families as the Bunnys, Bartons and Pharazyns, Fernside was the home of the Elgar family for more than half a century before being purchased by the U.S. Government in 1949 as the country residence for their ambassador. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this incredible property and its wonderful gardens. A truly magnificent lunch awaits us at the stunning Wharekauhau, one of New Zealand’s finest luxury lodges. This will be a special experience as we enjoy world-class cuisine and service coupled with breathtaking views across Palliser Bay. Tonight, another unique experience awaits. The night sky as you’ve never observed before, from the stunning environment of the mystical Stonehenge Aotearoa.
Day 3: Today we’ll be part of what has always been an important event in the life of country communities. It’s Race Day at the beautiful country course of Tauherenikau, near Featherston. A stylish trackside picnic lunch, Member’s Passes and the thunder of hooves will add to the carnival atmosphere of the day and who knows what luck might be had with the odd flutter on the ‘Gee-gees’.
Day 4: This morning, we have a real treat in store. The Bidwell family have farmed the eastern shores of Lake Wairarapa for 180 years and were the first European settlers west of the Ruamāhanga River. The home block, known as ‘Rototawai’ was once centre of a 10,000 acre farming operation. Anna Bidwell grew up in this grand 1929 house and is the 6th generation of Bidwells to live at the property. We’ll have morning tea here and not only learn about this beautiful family heirloom, but also take a look at part of Anna’s extensive art collection, displayed throughout the house. Lunch is at the ever-welcoming Lake Ferry Hotel before we drive the Cape Palliser road through the fishing village of Ngawi and on to Sea Lion Point and Uncle Wayne’s Geyser.
Day 5: Before beginning our journey homeward today, we couldn’t finish our country tour of Wairarapa without a pilgrimage to ‘Brancepeth’, home to the Beetham family. At its height, this was a sheep station of over 79,000 acres with 300 people on the payroll. We’ll be hosted at the baronial homestead by Edward Beetham who is the 6th generation of the family on the property. And with the 7th and 8th generations involved as well, Brancepeth truly is steeped in our country’s history. Many of the original farm buildings have been restored and we’ll tour them, together with the extensive gardens, after morning tea with Edward in the house.
It’s rare in New Zealand to still have so many of the great country houses of a region still in the hands of the original families. The opportunity to visit with them and experience some other iconic events in Wairarapa’s country calendar is a great thrill. Come and enjoy the verdant rolling countryside and fine country hospitality of this historic region.
