W S
Wantwood Station Heritage Homestead 1887
Est. 1887  ·  Southland

WANTWOOD

STATION

Homestead & Wedding Venue

A Category 1 Heritage Homestead on the Waimea Plains. Where history becomes the backdrop to your love story.

Discover Our Story

"Rich in history and character, this special place is now beginning its next chapter."

Mark & Alisha
Your Hosts

Mark & Alisha

We fell in love with Wantwood the moment we walked through the door. There's something about the light through those etched glass windows, the weight of the stone walls, the quiet of the Waimea Plains stretching out in every direction.

This home has been passed down through family, and we feel a deep responsibility to honour its story while writing the next chapter. We're carefully restoring every detail — and we can't wait to share this place with couples who feel the same.

Wantwood came to us through family, and one day it will pass to our girls — that thread of generations is the heart of this place. We're committed to caring for it so it can be handed down, full of new memories, long after us. When you celebrate here, you become part of that story.

Until then, this is where we'll share the journey — from renovations and updates to the transformation of Wantwood Station.

Mark & Alisha
Mark and Alisha at Wantwood Station
Heritage homestead detail
Category 1 Heritage
Our Story

A Home Built
on History

Welcome to Wantwood Station — an 1887 Category 1 Heritage Homestead that has been passed down through family. Rich in history and character, this special place is now beginning its next chapter.

Built by George Meredith Bell from locally quarried stone after fire claimed the original dwelling, this Victorian Gothic residence stands as one of Southland's most significant architectural treasures. Its steeply pitched gables, return verandahs, and handcrafted stonework tell a story of ambition, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty.

Follow along as we carefully restore and reimagine this beautiful home, bringing new life to its timeless charm. In time, Wantwood Station will become a place where celebrations are held, stories are shared, and unforgettable memories are made.

Heritage

A Story Spanning Centuries

1857

George Gunn first leases Run 119A on the Waimea Plains. The land earns its name — "Want Wood" — from bullock drivers who had to carry their firewood through the treeless plain.

1878

The New Zealand Agricultural Company, promoted by Sir Julius Vogel and W.J. Larnach, takes control of nearly 300,000 acres on the Waimea Plains. Wantwood becomes the company's Southland headquarters.

1887

The Homestead is Born

George Meredith Bell — described as "the most prominent figure in Waimea" — builds the two-storey stone homestead that stands today. Crafted from locally quarried dark stone, the Victorian Gothic residence features steeply pitched gables, finials, return verandahs, and an elegant interior with curved timber banisters, decorative fire surrounds, and etched glass.

2007

Heritage New Zealand recognises Wantwood as a Category 1 Historic Place — one of the most significant farm homesteads in Southland's architectural history.

Today

A New Chapter Begins

Under the care of Mark & Alisha, Wantwood Station is being lovingly restored and reimagined as a wedding and events venue — honouring its past while creating space for new celebrations, stories, and memories.

The Venue

Where Every Detail
Tells a Story

The Homestead

Victorian Gothic stone architecture with steeply pitched gables, return verandahs, etched glass detailing, and interiors largely unchanged since 1887.

The Grounds

Set on the Waimea Plains at the base of the Hokonui Range, with sweeping rural views, established gardens, and heritage outbuildings including an 1865 woolshed.

The Experience

An intimate, exclusive venue for couples who want their wedding to feel like stepping into another era — timeless, unhurried, and deeply personal.

Heritage Details

  • Elegant curved timber staircase with original banister
  • Decorative fire surrounds with Victorian ceramic tiles
  • Coloured and etched glass window detailing throughout
  • Original block-printed floral wallpapers and maid's bell system
  • Formal parlours, generous landings, and return verandahs

Wedding Inclusions

  • Exclusive use of the homestead and grounds
  • Ceremony on the heritage verandah or garden lawn
  • Bridal suite in the original upper-floor quarters
  • Stunning photo opportunities at every turn
  • Personalised venue styling consultation
Every wedding is as unique as your love story
Packages

Exclusive Use, Three Ways

Every Wantwood wedding is exclusive use — the homestead, grounds and heritage woolshed are yours alone. Choose the scale that suits your day, then we tailor the rest together.

Tier 01 · Intimate

The Homestead Elopement

Up to 20 guests · half-day

from $3,500
incl. GST
  • 3-hour ceremony & intimate reception
  • Homestead gardens ceremony + wet-weather room
  • Signing table, bench seating, bar setup
  • On-site host for the day
  • Homestead night for the couple — optional add-on
Estimate this
Tier 02 · Flagship
Most Popular

The Woolshed Wedding

Exclusive-use weekend · up to 100 guests

from $6,500
+ GST · ≤60 $6,500 · ≤90 $7,500 · ≤100 $8,500
  • Exclusive use, 3pm day-before → 10am day-after
  • Grounds + 1865 woolshed + ceremony & wet-weather sites
  • Tables, chairs, getting-ready room, parking
  • On-site coordinator + planning meetings
  • Two nights' homestead accommodation (sleeps ~10)
  • Power + generator backup, toilets, set-up & pack-down
Estimate this
Tier 03 · Premium

The Wantwood Weekend

Whole-station · all-in

from $13,500
+ GST
  • Everything in the Woolshed Wedding, plus —
  • Whole property & full accommodation for the party
  • Styling + full day-of management
  • Curated preferred-vendor team coordinated
  • Heritage photo locations + farm experiences
  • Day-after recovery brunch in the woolshed
Estimate this

Fewer guests, more nights, a midweek date, a winter wedding — every Wantwood celebration is shaped around you.

Use the estimate builder below for an instant guide price, or request a fully custom quote.

Estimate Builder

Build Your Wantwood Estimate

Tell us about your day and we'll build an instant guide price. Adjust your guests, date and the extras you'd like — then have your estimate emailed to you.

80
Just us100 max

Pick a date to see how season and day of week shape your price.

Vendor extras (catering, photography, celebrant, styling) are indicative allowances arranged through our preferred team — confirmed in your custom quote.

Your estimate
The Woolshed Wedding
$6,500 – $8,000
estimated range · NZD
The lower figure reflects our Founding Couples rate for our first season.

Indicative only. Your personal quote is confirmed by Mark & Alisha.

Your Day

The Wantwood Experience

01

The First Visit

Walk through the homestead with Mark & Alisha. Feel the original timber under your feet, imagine your guests on the verandah, and let the space speak to you. This is where your vision begins to take shape.

By Appointment
Venue viewing
02

Planning Together

We work with you to shape every detail — from ceremony locations on the grounds to styling that honours both you and the homestead. Our preferred vendors understand the space intimately.

Wedding planning
03

The Ceremony

Exchange vows beneath the Gothic gables or on the sweeping lawn with the Hokonui Range as your witness. The return verandah frames your moment as though it were painted there.

Wedding ceremony
04

The Celebration

Dine in the formal rooms where generations have gathered. Dance under the stars on the terrace. Retire to the bridal suite upstairs. Every corner of Wantwood becomes part of your story.

Wedding celebration
Questions

Good to Know

Where is Wantwood Station?

Wantwood Station is located at 317 Waimea Valley Road, Mandeville, in the heart of Southland, New Zealand. We're nestled on the Waimea Plains at the base of the Hokonui Range, approximately 3km west of Mandeville — between Lumsden and Gore.

Is the venue available now?

We are currently in the restoration phase, carefully bringing Wantwood back to its full glory. We're accepting expressions of interest now for future bookings. Register your interest and we'll keep you updated on our progress and opening dates.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

Wantwood Station is designed for intimate celebrations. Capacity details will be confirmed as the restoration progresses. Get in touch and we'll discuss what's possible for your vision.

What is a Category 1 Heritage listing?

Category 1 is the highest level of heritage recognition in New Zealand, given to places of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance. Wantwood was listed by Heritage New Zealand in 2007 (List Number 7705) as one of the most significant farm homesteads in Southland.

Can we hold the ceremony on the grounds?

Absolutely. The homestead offers multiple ceremony locations — from the heritage return verandah and formal gardens to the sweeping lawn with views of the Hokonui Range. We'll work with you to find the perfect setting.

Do you host events other than weddings?

In time, we plan to host a range of celebrations and gatherings — from milestone birthdays and intimate dinners to photographic shoots and retreats. Weddings will be our primary focus.

Begin your story here

Let's Talk About
Your Day

Register your interest, book a private viewing of the homestead, or ask us for a fully custom quote. We'd love to hear from you.