About
The estate
A place shaped by nature, architecture and the people who care for it.
The Parihoa Ethos
Parihoa means a great deal to its CUSTODIANS. They were drawn to the scale and raw beauty of the land. They see their role as one of long-term care. They want to support projects that work thoughtfully with the land and its surrounds.
Privacy, quality, sustainability and restraint are important. The intention is to do a smaller number of things exceptionally well. Whatever develops here should retain the quiet, wild and deeply private character that makes the estate special.
The land and environment
Parihoa extends across approximately 575 acres of rolling pasture, native vegetation, wetlands, and dramatic coastal land between Muriwai and Te Henga. The estate has an extensive stretch of clifftop and coastline, with long views over the Tasman Sea.
The landscape changes constantly with the weather and seasons. It can feel soft and peaceful on a still day, then completely wild and elemental when a westerly comes through. That changing atmosphere is a very real part of Parihoa.
Native birds regularly seen include tui, piwakawaka and pukeko, alongside pheasants and the everyday life of the farm. Sheep and cattle move through the paddocks, while wetlands, ponds, native bush and coastal vegetation create very different habitats across the property.
Environmental work is practical and ongoing. Parihoa supports local wetland restoration and coastal pest-management initiatives. This includes control of invasive willow and other pest plants around wetland and coastal boundaries, helping native vegetation and birdlife re-establish. Botanical survey work is also helping us understand and care for native plant communities of particular ecological interest in this part of the Muriwai and Waitakere coast.
Parihoa also sits within a culturally significant coastal landscape with a long history of Maori occupation, movement and connection with the whenua and moana. Recorded archaeological sites remain within the landscape and are treated with care and respect.
The wider area later became part of a large pastoral farming landscape. In 1921, much of the former Mitchelson estate was acquired by the Crown and subdivided as the Motutara Settlement for returned servicemen, beginning another chapter in the area’s farming history.
We are undertaking further research to better understand and document the history of the property. As that work develops, we will be able to share this part of Parihoa’s story with greater depth and accuracy.
the farm
Parihoa is a working sheep and beef farm, currently carrying approximately 600 sheep and 200 cattle, although stock numbers naturally change through the year.
Our much valued Farm Manager has worked on the property for over 20 years and manages the farm and the daily care of the stock and pasture. Farming gives the estate its rhythm: lambing and shearing, dogs working stock, cattle moving between paddocks, and the land changing through winter rain and dry summer winds.
The farm team and property team work closely together. Stock may be moved ahead of an event or production, but the farm itself is never treated as scenery. The real day-to-day work continues, and that contrast between a tranquil coastal landscape and the practical activity of a working farm is an important part of Parihoa’s character.
Farming and environmental care sit alongside one another through thoughtful pasture management, protection of wet areas, targeted weed and pest work, and close observation of the land through the seasons.
The Woolshed remains part of the working farm, with its original rural purpose reflected in the surrounding sheep yards and enclosures. 
The House of Parihoa
The House of Parihoa was designed by renowned New Zealand architect Andrew Patterson of Pattersons and completed in 2009. Set into a windswept hillside, its bold contemporary form responds directly to the rugged west coast landscape, creating shelter and calm while framing expansive views of the farm and ocean.
The house received an NZIA Local Architecture Award in 2009 and has been featured in New Zealand and international architecture media.
Across the farm, various building offers a different way to experience Parihoa. From the dramatic Gallery set against the coast to the warmth and seclusion of the Cottage, all providing places of shelter within the vast, wild and beautiful landscape.
People of Parihoa
Mel Peach
Events and guest experience ManagerMel looks after the complete guest and event journey, from the first enquiry through to the day itself. She previously ran her own business, The Event Refinery, planning weddings, private occasions and corporate events, including events at Parihoa.
She brings calm organisation, generous hospitality and a real instinct for the small details that make an experience feel effortless.
Ben
Our valued farm manager Ben has been working on the farm here for over 20 years, and manages Parihoa’s sheep and beef operation and the daily care of its stock and pasture. He brings the practical knowledge and steady judgement that keep a large coastal farm working through changing seasons and weather.
farm ManagerSteve
Property and GroundskeeperSteve is a long time Muriwai local, who cares for Parihoa’s buildings, grounds and practical day-to-day needs. Much of his work happens quietly behind the scenes, helping Parihoa remain safe, prepared and beautifully presented for owners, guests and events.
Jo Bell
Property and Operations ManagerJo oversees the day-to-day life of Parihoa, bringing together the property, accommodation, events, farm interface, contractors and the different projects shaping its next chapter. Her role is broad and practical, with a strong focus on relationships, detail and making sure the estate is cared for consistently.
Events and experiences
Events at Parihoa are intentionally selective. The estate is a private property, a working farm and a significant coastal landscape rather than a conventional high-volume venue. Keeping events limited allows us to give each one the time and attention it deserves while protecting the character and natural rhythm of the property.
The Clifftop
The Gallery
The Wider Farm
The Courtyard
The landscape is never simply a backdrop. Guests experience the changing light, weather and atmosphere as they move between the Gallery, courtyard, clifftop and wider farm. The best occasions are those that respond to Parihoa and allow people to experience the property, rather than trying to transform it into somewhere else.
We are building relationships with a carefully chosen group of suppliers who understand Parihoa and share our standards for quality, creativity and hospitality. Excellent produce, thoughtful menus and generous personal service are as important as the setting itself. Every event is supported by a dedicated Parihoa team who understand the property and the small details involved in caring for guests here.
Over time, we would love to host beautifully considered destination weddings, intimate private celebrations, corporate retreats that feel like genuine experiences, and creative film, fashion and brand productions drawn to the architecture and wild west coast setting.
Parihoa has hosted a wide range of productions and events. 
The next chapter
Parihoa is entering an exciting but thoughtful new chapter. We are investing in the care of the land, the working farm, the buildings and the estate’s infrastructure, with a long-term vision for experiences that feel true to the property.
Press and recognition
Cartier and Partridge at Parihoa
The Local Project feature
The Great Kiwi Bake Off at Parihoa
The 2009 NZIA Local Architecture Award
Acclaimed by experts and enthusiasts and widely featured in New Zealand and International press.