Wairarapa Lodge Featured in Golden Globes Million-Dollar Gift Bag

The prestigious Golden Globe Awards has welcomed New Zealand’s luxury hospitality sector into its exclusive swag bag, featuring the Wharekauhau Country Estate among numerous high-end offerings. This year’s event, the 83rd Golden Globes, showcased a swag bag valued at nearly US$1 million (approximately NZ$1.75 million), aimed at winners and presenters.

Among the 35 luxury items, the swag bag included 21 tickets for stays at premier New Zealand lodges, alongside unique experiences such as gold-infused shampoo and ultra-rare French wines. Notably, up to 20 guests can enjoy a four-night stay at the five-star Wharekauhau, located near Wellington. Each package, valued at $14,450, includes a private dinner hosted by a local winemaker.

Richard Rooney, general manager of Wharekauhau Country Estate, expressed enthusiasm about the recognition. He stated that hundreds of properties worldwide competed for a spot in the exclusive swag bag, and only the finest were selected. “New Zealand luxury lodges are well known around the world,” he said. “If South Africa has safari, New Zealand has luxury lodges, and they really are about a sense of place and sense of people.”

The estate spans a remarkable 3,000 acres and serves as a working farm, which Rooney emphasized as central to the experience. Guests can engage in various activities, including ATV excursions, hiking, and exploring the local wine scene in Martinborough. Rooney hopes that the exposure from the Golden Globes will entice high-profile visitors to return to New Zealand for further exploration.

Farm manager Bradley Riggs noted that the presence of high-profile guests does not alter the way he conducts his tours. “I just do my farm tour the same way I always would,” he remarked. “Sometimes you do see guests walking past the yards… they’ll have security with them.” Notably, Wharekauhau has previously hosted royalty and celebrities, earning a reputation for attracting elite clientele. The estate was also awarded two Michelin Keys last year, marking it among the world’s top hotels.

The swag bag also includes an enticing six-night itinerary in New Zealand, valued at $31,307, providing winners with stays at three of the country’s most exclusive properties: Canterbury’s Flockhill, Queenstown’s ROKI, and Wānaka’s Minaret. This gift offering operates on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing high-profile winners like Timothee Chalamet and Jean Smart to take advantage of the luxurious experience.

The Golden Globes’ swag bag has been described as the “World’s Most Luxurious Gift Bag” for the third consecutive year. Beyond luxury lodges in New Zealand, the bag features lavish experiences globally.

Guests will find high-end resorts and lodges in destinations such as Mexico, Austria, and Thailand, along with exclusive experiences like a test drive at The Concours Club, valued at $31,400, and behind-the-scenes access to the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship. The bag also includes beauty and wellness products, such as Brad Pitt’s skincare routine, and luxury spirits like a six-bottle whisky case from the Isle of Harris Distillery, valued at $1,080.

As the Golden Globes continues to elevate its status, the inclusion of New Zealand’s Wharekauhau Country Estate highlights the country’s appeal as a luxury travel destination. This recognition not only benefits the estate but also promotes New Zealand’s rich offerings to an international audience, encouraging future tourism and exploration.