Responsible Choice
We've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Mahu Whenua is a luxury escape set within 53,000 hectares of rolling countryside on the outskirts of Wanaka. The accessibility of this property is a real highlight. The lodge is just a 30-minute drive from the town of Wanaka and while appearing totally hidden, it is actually very easy to find. If you would prefer to arrive faster than this, then we can arrange a helicopter to take you to the lodge.
This memorable property has individual suites that have a double or twin bed configuration, an en suite bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
On the property you can relax on the front porch, play a game of billiards, or relax by the hot tub and pool. For activities, there is a plethora that the accommodation can arrange from the property such as horse riding, 4x4 adventures, or mountain biking.
With an effort to recultivate the land from previous over-farming, the resort owners started native plant regeneration by replanting 1.36 million trees, flaxes, shrubs and grasses, ultimately regenerating the local ecosystem. This project is regarded as the largest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand's history.
OUR OPINION:
A stunning lodge that is perfect to relax and take in the surrounding scenery or to do adventurous activities.
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Photos of Mahu Whenua
Rooms
There are four Ridgeline Suites to choose from at Mahu Whenua. Two suites, the Tui and the Kereru, are situated in the main homestead and have king beds, en suite bathrooms and uninterrupted views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges.
The Weka and Pukeko both sit in a cottage that is situated just a two-minute walk from the main house. They have a more self-contained setup, with king-sized beds, en suite bathrooms, small kitchenette, washer and dryer, and views over the Motatapu Valley, the farmland and stables. All rooms benefit from the same access to the homestead including two dining areas, library, media and games room and the swimming pool and spa.
Location
The hotel鈥檚 name means 鈥榟eal the land鈥� and it is set on a huge private eco-sanctuary nestled amid sky-scraping mountains, rolling hills and native bushland and forests. It鈥檚 located just a 20-minute drive from Wanaka and 90 minutes from Queenstown. You can also take a short, scenic helicopter ride to either Wanaka or Queenstown airport.
Food and drink
Due to the isolated nature of the property, all stays include a breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen. Lunch can be provided in the form of a picnic if you have activities on the farm. In the evening, you鈥檒l enjoy an 脿 la carte dinner with wine pairings from their chefs, who use the best produce from New Zealand. During your stay, you鈥檒l also have the chance to enjoy pre-dinner canap茅s as well as morning and afternoon tea at the homestead.
Facilities and activities
At Mahu Whenua, you can relax in the outdoor heated swimming and spa pools or take a walk over the lodge鈥檚 55,000 acres. Your hosts can suggest the best walking paths over the land and arrange heli-hikes to the more remote and challenging spots. You can also book guided horse riding, Central Otago wine tours, 4x4 farm tours, mountain biking, fishing or a helicopter experience for a new perspective over the countryside.
Tour ideas in Lake Wanaka
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Mahu Whenua as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Lakeside Serviced Apartments, Wanaka]()
Lakeside Serviced Apartments
Lake Wanaka
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Lake Wanaka and nearby places
- Arrowtown 29 kilometers away
- Queenstown 44 kilometers away
- Glenorchy 49 kilometers away
- Twizel 103 kilometers away
- Milford Sound 83 kilometers away
- South Island 130 kilometers away
- Mount Cook National Park 141 kilometers away
- Lake Tekapo 144 kilometers away
- Te Anau & Manapouri 127 kilometers away
- Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers 162 kilometers away