Auckland, New Zealand
Wild & Untamed Luxury a Weekend at the House at Parihoa
Sitting high above Muriwai’s windswept coastline, where farmland spills into the Tasman in endless blues and greens, The House at Parihoa feels like the edge of the earth – hard to believe it’s only a 35 minute drive from Auckland (or an even breezier chopper ride). Spread across 700 acres of rolling pasture, native bush, and an astonishing 4 km stretch of wild coastline, this isn’t just a house, but an entire landscape to inhabit. Peace, stillness, and seclusion abound, there's no neighbours in sight – unless you count the sheep. Wander clifftop trails, reset with yoga on the lawn, or sink into the courtyard pool before cocktails by the outdoor fire. From the outside, the house is striking – a bold, brutalist silhouette of black-stained timber holding its ground against the elements. Step inside, and it softens: warm oak, oversized loungers, and floor-to-ceiling glass that dissolves the line between interior and horizon. Both energising and grounding, it’s a space that immediately shifts your rhythm. So, how do you spend three days at one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary private estates?
Pass through the private gates and let those sensational views sink in. Inside, pared-back interiors frame the Tasman at every turn. Take a wander across the pristine grounds, then enjoy a wine on the terrace as the light changes over the sea. By evening, a private chef plates up Northland seafood, seasonal produce, and honey from the estate’s hives, paired perfectly with Central Otago pinot - consider it the softest of landings.
Wake to waves hammering the cliffs below and enjoy breakfast overlooking the water. Just minutes away, Muriwai’s black sands and gannet colony showcase the west coast in all its raw, rugged beauty. Later, head inland to the Kumeu wine region for boutique tastings and vineyard strolls before returning to Parihoa for sunset drinks, a platter of local cheeses, and a sky full of stars as darkness falls.
Begin with a clifftop yoga or meditation session. Then choose your own tempo: ride horses along the beach, surf the world-renowned west coast swells, or charter a helicopter to Waiheke Island or the Waitākere Ranges. Insider tip: fly the coastline late afternoon for golden light you’ll never forget. Finish off with a long farewell lunch - oysters, grilled seafood, and one last toast to the Tasman.
