This grand dame is one of New Zealand’s most iconic heritage country estates, located between Marton and Hunterville in the beautiful Rangitikei region.
Since May of 2020, it’s been a change of season for Maungaraupi under new management. Currently, the cottage wing is available for stays, while the estate grounds remain a stunning venue for weddings and special events.
No matter the occasion, the scale and history of Maungaraupi lends itself to limitless possibilities. The heritage-listed property offers a unique blend of history and charm, perfect for your next getaway or celebration.
For inquiries or bookings, please contact us on 027 204 2435
See you soon Paul & Andra
The History of Maungaraupi
A Legacy Since 1906
Maungaraupi, a magnificent example of Elizabethan architecture, was built in 1906 for William Sawinson Marshall. This distinctive country estate was designed by the renowned architect Charles Natusch and built by James McChesney, at a cost of 3000 pounds – a significant sum for its time.
The Marshall Family Legacy
William (Will) Marshall was part of a distinguished New Zealand lineage. He was the son of Rangitikei pioneer Major John Williams Marshall, and grandson-in-law of the well-known early New Zealand naturalist, William Swainson. Will Marshall himself was deeply interested in natural history and ethnology, becoming a founder-member of the Polynesian Society.
The Property’s Origins
Before Maungaraupi was built, Will Marshall farmed at Te Hekenga, 20 miles up the Rangitikei River from Tutu Totara. The estate gets its name from the neighboring Maungaraupi Stream. In the 1870s, travel between Te Hekenga and Tutu Totara was an adventure in itself – undertaken by horseback, involving risky river crossings, often with mobs of cattle that had to be hunted out of dense bush.
Architectural Significance
The house stands as a masterpiece of Natusch’s design philosophy, featuring:
- Pronounced gables and external timbering
- Tall chimney stacks
- A unique observation tower at the back
- A grand ground floor divided between reception rooms and service areas
- Ten bedrooms on the upper floor
- Extensive use of native timber throughout
- Oil-finished floors, walls, doors, and paneled ceilings
Historical Features
The original layout included:
- A large entrance hall for entertaining
- A dedicated library
- A billiard room
- A formal dining room
- 11 bedrooms in total
- Extensive verandahs and balconies
Cultural Importance
The house represents a significant period in New Zealand’s architectural and social history, when grand country estates were built to reflect both European architectural influences and local building traditions. It stands as one of the finest examples of early 20th-century New Zealand homestead architecture.