3. Heritage and History

Wharekauhau began life as a sheep station in the 1840s, and remains a working sheep station to this day—surely the grandest in New Zealand.

In pre-European times it was considered a place of learning, a place where the Tohunga—the wise—would come and learn their craft. In the Maori language Wharekauhau means ‘place of knowledge’. The colourful history of the estate is testament to this original name.

the distinctive Wharekauhau brand is steeped with history

The distinctive Wharekauhau brand is steeped with history. Over 150 years ago, when Wharekauhau station first began exporting its wool, the remoteness of the location demanded unusual solutions. With no port, wharves or jetties, it was necessary to row the wool out through the thunderous breakers of Palliser Bay in order to load it on board the sailing ships waiting at anchor beyond the surf.

The first time this was attempted it was noticed that the wool bales bore no identifying marks on them to match them with Wharekauhau station. Some quick thinking and a typical piece of kiwi ingenuity solved the problem. A pot of paint was procured, the longboats rowlock commandeered as a branding iron, and there in the middle of Palliser Bay the famous Wharekauhau brand was born.

Today the Wharekauhau brand is known throughout the world. It still stands for the same qualities of uniqueness and individuality which inspired it. It is said that within the upturned cup of the rowlock there is good health, fortune and spiritual contentment for all those who encounter it.  

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