Realising and sharing the dream
-Kim Bowden
Business South Magazine
Perched above Ōamaru’s Victorian precinct, with sweeping views of bush, harbour, and mountains, Tirohanga Nui is a new addition to Waitaki’s tourism offerings. The town’s take-you-back-in-time whitestone buildings are just five minutes away, the famed blue penguin colony ten, and the Moeraki
Boulders 25 minutes from the property.
The boutique luxury accommodation is the realisation of local woman Maree Shepherd’s ambitious vision.
“I bought the property the day I saw it,” she says. “It’s a one-off site. From here I can see right over town, the harbour, bush reserve and look-out point - it’s spectacular.” What she first imagined as a renovation project soon became a full rebuild. Working with builder Breen Construction and architect Virginia Barlow, Maree shaped a purpose-built home that doubles as boutique accommodation. It’s an intimate three-suite property, where she also lives and hosts.
“I’ve always envisioned a luxurious life and I’m quite an entrepreneurial character,” she says. “After 25 years dairy farming, I needed a new challenge, and this has certainly got rid of any boredom.” The three guest rooms are named after native birds, which in turn represent three of Maree’s mokopuna. There is the ‘Tūi Suite’, the ‘Kea Suite’, and the ‘Pīwakawaka Suite’.
The upstairs rooms look east to the harbour and bush, while the larger ground-floor suite opens onto a courtyard with statues and a water feature. Tirohanga Nui translates as ‘great panoramic views’. But what truly makes the property special is its design, which maximises both openness and privacy. It’s unexpected, and a treat, so close to the centre of town, Maree says. With the accommodation now open for
guest bookings, Maree is turning her attention to service. A wine list showcasing some local favourites is being put together, food offerings being developed and taste-tested, and staff training provided to upskill the team.
Guests are fully hosted from arrival to departure. “They’re under our care from the moment they arrive,” Maree says. “Some want to relax by the fire; others go biking or down to the harbour - we just respond to what they want. It’s about giving them a peaceful, relaxed experience.” Evenings centre on communal dining with a private chef: canapés, a three-course menu, and Waitaki wines paired to each dish. While the focus is on small-scale stays, Maree’s plans are expansive. She envisions bespoke packages for intimate weddings and elopements, gatherings of women, and even international hunting groups, where non-hunting partners might enjoy the accommodation and its coastal calm. She’s also developing ideas for corporate stays and “orienteering-inspired” team events designed to showcase Ōamaru. “I’m really passionate about this place,” she says.
Tirohanga Nui is committed to sustainable luxury, incorporating local materials in construction and furnishings, using eco-products, and planting natives.
“After 25 years dairy farming, I needed a new challenge, and this has certainly got rid
of any boredom.” Maree also partners with local suppliers to strengthen regional businesses. The building itself is designed to be comfortable all year – warm and cosy in winter and cool in summer. Floor-to-ceiling windows and broad decks open the space to sweeping views of the Kakanui Mountains on one side and the WaitaPROUD TO WORK WITH ki coastline on the other.