The night sky at Wharekauhau Country Estate Lodge
The Runholder Tasting Room. Photo by Sam Cameron
Wharekauhau Country Estate entrance. Photo by Richard Brimmer

We’re giving away an exclusive Wairarapa escape for two, including a luxurious stay and VIP experience at The Runholder — worth $5,600

We’re offering one lucky Denizen the chance to experience the height of Wairarapa luxury, with an extraordinary giveaway for two. Escape into a world where lush vineyards, artisanal wines, and crafted gins mingle with the charms of historic Martinborough. Enter here.

Wharekauhau Country Estate. Photo by Richard Brimer

Just a short, one and a half hour drive through the scenic Remutaka ranges from Wellington, in the south-eastern corner of the North Island you’ll discover rugged coastlines, endless vines, and spectacular hospitality. On the iconic Wairarapa terrace, The Runholder sits — an expansive, luxurious homage to the best of New Zealand’s countryside. Situated within Te Kairanga Vineyard, the elevated establishment beckons with spaces for long lunches, decadent dinners, or private dining experiences, with each element thoughtfully designed to reflect the region’s rustic elegance and culinary wealth.


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The Runholder — a luxurious homage to the best of New Zealand’s countryside. Photos by Sam Cameron

A visit to The Runholder promises not just a meal, but a culinary odyssey, curated by the celebrated chef Tim Smith. With experience spanning Wharekauhau Country Estate and beyond, Smith infuses the menu with the region’s finest, freshest ingredients: with seafood from Yellow Brick Road (Martin Bosley), cheese from C’est Cheese in Featherston, and fresh produce and herbs foraged locally by the culinary team. Every bite is a love letter to Wairarapa’s local producers, artfully paired with wines from pioneering wineries Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard, or a refreshing pour of Lighthouse Gin — Martinborough’s original gin, crafted on-site by distiller Rachel Hall.

The Runholder Cellar Door & Distillery. Photo by Sam Cameron

We’re offering one lucky Denizen an exclusive chance to experience the height of Wairarapa luxury. Imagine two nights of indulgence in a private Cottage Suite at celebrity escape Wharekauhau Country Estate in Palliser Bay, where your days begin with a hearty country breakfast and evenings unfold over pre-dinner drinks, canapés, and a gourmet, estate-to-plate dinner. The getaway also includes a VIP experience at The Runholder, featuring a private tour of the barrel hall, a gin masterclass, and a memorable long lunch paired with exquisite wines in the Runholder dining room.

Enjoy nightly dining at Wharekauhau Country Estate. Photo by Richard Brimer
Left: Nightly pre-dinner drinks. Right: Sunset at Wharekauhau Country Estate’s private Cottage Suite. Photos by Richard Brimmer
Inside the private Cottage Suite at Wharekauhau Country Estate. Photo by Richard Brimmer

This is your invitation to experience Martinborough like never before — a retreat where refined hospitality and the lush landscapes of Wairarapa offer a quintessential taste of paradise.

Win an exclusive Wairarapa escape for two
Enter Below
Enter here to be in to win an exclusive luxurious stay and VIP experience at The Runholder, Martinborough for two — valued at $5,600!

Prize includes:
  • Two nights luxury accommodation, for two, in a private Cottage Suite at Wharekauhau Country Estate
  • Nightly pre-dinner drinks, canapés and dinner
  • A full Country breakfast each morning
  • A VIP wine and gin experience at The Runholder — includes a barrel hall tour, wine tasting, a tour of the Lighthouse Gin distillery and gin masterclass, and a long lunch with paired wines in The Runholder dining room

    Entries close Wednesday 13th November 2024 at 10:00am.

    The winner will be contacted privately via email.
    The experience cannot be exchanged for cash. The winner and their guest must be 18 years and over and are responsible for arranging transport (flights or transfers) to and from Martinborough and the venue. Any additions outside of the prize inclusions over the course of the winner’s stay will be charged per the prevailing rate/menu.

    Full Terms & Conditions apply.
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