WAIREPO HOUSE - NELSON

Wairepo House, a haven of peace and repose, offers five star luxury country accommodation in the stunning Nelson region of New Zealand.

An oasis of comfort, fine food and warm hospitality, this unique colonial homestead is situated in a beautiful setting of fourth generation apple and pear orchard and gardens.

Wairepo House is an award-winning, stylish country home featuring native timbers, stained glass, chapel ceilings, expansive windows, sunny decks and outdoor nooks with views of the estuary, native ferns, expansive gardens and magnificent Mt Arthur ranges.

The four generous suites promise the utmost in comfort and privacy. Enjoy complimentary evening platters of delicious delicacies along with fine local wine and wake up to a sumptuous, gourmet breakfast at a time to suit you.

Wander amongst the tranquil setting of the two-acre woodland garden, making the most of the pool, rose garden, tennis court or giant chess set. Set in the heart of the Nelson region, Wairepo House is a perfect place from which to explore the cafes, galleries, wineries, national parks and beaches of the Nelson region.

The Paeony Suite takes up the whole top floor of the house and features two bedrooms: a super-king and twin, its own lounge and library, two balconies overlooking the gardens or the estuary, non-cooking kitchenette, and a bathroom complete with double spa bath and bidet. It is ideal for a family or two couples and sleeps a maximum of 4-5 people.

The Charlotte Suite has a super-king bedroom with a large private lounge and kitchenette. The ensuite boasts a double spa bath, shower and steam-free mirrors, allowing you to wallow at your leisure. The suite features wheelchair access and facilities and sleeps a maximum of 4-5 people.

The Thomason Suite is a large and handsome room with a super-king bedroom, stylish and comfortable lounging area, private ensuite with shower and a walk-in wardrobe. Its French doors allow easy access to the pool and garden areas. It sleeps a maximum of 2-3 people.

The Vanessa Suite has a large super-king bed and features a private bathroom with bath and steam-free mirrors. The French doors open from the bedroom onto a deck above the pool where breakfast can be served, or you can make use of the separate garden lounge to make tea or coffee. The Vanessa Suite sleeps a maximum of 2-3 people.

Luxurious, private and comfortable, Wairepo House's suites are perfect for a romantic retreat all year round. 

The gardens and rooms are a honeymooners delight and a wonderful treat for a special anniversary or indulgent weekend escape away from everyday pressures.

In the summer, why not take a hamper and picnic into the gardens or indulge with some complimentary wine and nibbles in your own private spa bath or on the verandah. Lounge by the pool or play tennis, petanque or chess in the sun. In winter, curl up by the fire in your own private lounging areas or put on a jumper and go out and explore. Let breakfast run into brunch and spend lazy days enjoying each other's company.

Stroll to the grass tennis court or the petanque lawn for some light exercise, or relax under the pagoda or in the sun by the pool. Enjoy a leisurely game of garden chess or meander through our two acres of peonies, which are grown for flower production and exported throughout the world from October to December.

Explore our garden rooms and delight in finding new outdoor nooks as you wander about. Designed to compliment the seasons, they make the most of the spring drifts of peonies and azaleas, summer roses and rambling herbaceous borders and red leaves of autumn. Or wander along our native forest walk, complete with fantails.

Savour Nelson chardonnay and a platter of local delicacies in the summerhouse, while looking out at the birds over the pond or revel in the views from your balcony.

Nelson is famous for its summer sunshine, beautiful beaches and breath-taking scenery. There are three National Parks to explore covering coastal to alpine lake areas and there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout in the Motueka River or the Nelson Lakes National Park. 

Nearby Motueka has several good restaurants, as does Mapua. Both are a short drive away. They are havens for local artists and craftspeople and it is well worth exploring some of the galleries in both townships. With over 350 artists living and working in the Nelson region, there is plenty to see. The excellent regional guidebook, Art in its Own Place guides you through country roads to some of the best on offer. You can sample some of the local boutique produce at wine and food tasting rooms around the area, or simply take in the views.

For the more active, there are golf courses, native bush and mountain hikes, hunting, garden trails, city shopping, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, para gliding, windsurfing, skydiving, four wheel driving and horse riding. The Abel Tasman National Park is a popular destination for swimming, walking and kayaking.

Wairepo House is set in the heart of the Nelson region's rural hinterland at Mariri. Close to the Moutere Inlet, with its tidal changes and wading birds, the lodge also takes in the sweeping views of Tasman Bay.

By road Wairepo House is a pleasant 40 minute drive from Nelson city. The journey from further afield showcases the South Island's spectacular scenery, whichever way you come. The journey takes 2 hours from Picton, 6 hours from Christchurch via the East Coast and Kaikoura or 5.5 hours inland via the Lewis Pass and 4 hours driving up the Buller Gorge from the West Coast. 

By air Nelson is well-served with flights from New Zealand's domestic airlines. You can take a shuttle or hire a car from the airport. A helipad on the property by the estuary is available to guests by prior arrangement.

Central to the Nelson region, Wairepo House is perfectly situated for you to explore the region and its wealth of attractions. Take in the galleries, wineries and seaside cafes of rural Nelson, explore the three national parks or take a trip to beautiful Golden Bay with the famous Waikoropupu Springs and the Farewell Spit bird sanctuary.

Motueka, the nearest town, is just minutes away by car, and has plenty of shops, restaurants and attractions to choose from. The nearest beaches are also a short car ride away, although it is worth driving a bit further, about half an hour, to visit the golden beaches of Kaiteriteri and the Abel Tasman National Park.