Mahu Whenua encompasses four high country stations, spanning an area of 136,000 acres. We are privileged to have access to this exclusive private terrain, but it is important that you are aware of and understand the risks prior to participation. Should you have any concerns or questions, please let us know as soon as possible.
Please note: Mahu Whenua and our affiliated guiding partners have robust safety processes for mitigating hazards and making sure you have safe and enjoyable experiences with us.
General Property-Specific Hazards:
- The roads on the property are unsealed, and you may encounter farming equipment. Guests should always drive under the speed limit and to the conditions, and be aware that there may be hidden hazards. Our guides will be driving to the speed limit and adjusting speed based on conditions, but there may be instances of bumpy vehicle movements and unexpected road conditions.
- There is limited to no phone signal on much of the property away from the Homestead (which relies on wifi and boosters). Guides will be carrying radios and tracking devices and will advise guests on how to use them in case of the guides become incapacitated.
- Guiding ratios apply to any and all persons participating and exploring the land with a guide.
- Our guide to guest ratio guidelines are at the discretion of the guide on the day based on the specific activity, guests abilities and current conditions. In increment conditions or situations where a guest may be deemed to require additional assistance, the ratios may be reduced.
- During summer months, or following periods of no rain, there can be a risk of scrub fires, and guests should refrain from smoking when out of the land, only smoking in designated areas at the Homestead, and ensuring butts are fully extinguished in the correct ashtray. Please ask your host for guidance on the current fire risk and ashtray locations at the propery if unsure.
- Mahu Whenua is located in close proximity to an alpine fault, and seismic activity is possible. If an earthquake occurs during your stay, use your radio to contact the hosting team for advice on the best course of action.
- There is a swimming pool and spa pool at Mahu Whenua, but we do not have a lifeguard on duty, and you are responsible for your safety in the pool. The pool and spa pool should not be used whilst under the influence of alcohol.
- The pool has variable depths. The shallowest part of the pool is directly next to the steps, with the depth deepening as you proceed further from the steps. There are no depth markers on the pool.
- Glass should not be used in the pool or spa pool area.
- Children should be monitored around the pool and spa pool at all times.
Hiking and Walking – Guided & Self-Guided:
- The terrain can be uneven, changeable and at times slippery (eg due to tussock or sand). There may be instances where you may be required to climb over fences or obstructions. These are all slip and trip hazards. Please ensure the gear and clothing you are wearing is suitable for hiking, and follow your guides instruction when they identify hazardous areas.
- Some trails are very exposed to the elements, and our mountain location makes the weather conditions changeable and unpredictable at times. Guides will check and assess the forecasted conditions each day and decide if a route is safe on that day. Guides will carry extra thermals and survival blankets. Please ensure you apply sunscreen before departure, and have adequate sun protection with you (eg – a sun hat)
- Walking distances can result in blisters and chaffing – please ensure your boots and shorts/underwear are suitable for hiking for long periods.
- Please notify your guide of any medical conditions and/or allergies prior to departure – this may not prevent you from participating, but will ensure the guides are adequately prepared for the trip.
- Any self-guided excursions on the property must be notified to the hosting team, and guests are not permitted to explore without a radio for communication.
- Self-guided excursions must stick to a pre-agreed route that the hosts are notified of. This ensures farm operations can be aware of guest movements and also ensures that we are aware of your location in case of a search and rescue being required.
Mountain Biking – Guided & Self-Guided:
- As with hiking, the terrain can be uneven, changeable and at times slippery, particularly in dry and dusty conditions. It is important that you cycle to the conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Some parts of the road may have drop offs, and guests should remain away from the edge of the trail to avoid falling, and discuss the most suitable cycling routes with guides and hosts.
- The property is a working farm, and on occasion you may encounter farm vehicles on trails or access roads – guides will communicate with the farm operations manager to minimise encounters, but guests should adhere to the speed limit and be aware of other vehicles around them.
- It is possible for bikes to malfunction during an excursions – this may be a flat tyre or damaged hardware. It is important to notify your guide immediately if you notice any problems with the bikes performance. If you are on a self-guided bike trip, use your radio to notify the lodge staff if a bike is not working and you require assistance.
- The bike will be adjusted to the correct height for your comfort before riding commences – Please advise your guide if you feel that the bike is not comfortable or your feet cannot reach the ground.
- Ebikes can have variable range based on the conditions and assistance level and charging locations are not available throughout the property. When using an e-bike, monitor the battery level and notify your guide if your battery is showing low capacity. If you are self-guided, check the battery level before departing and if you .
- Some terrain may be steep and technical, particularly on the route through the property to Arrowtown. Follow your guides instruction, and adjust your riding speed to the terrain.
- Always ensure you are using both brakes when braking – use of just one brake may result in tipping over the bike or sliding out the bike.
- Some routes may encounter river crossings and guides will check river flows and depths before crossing to ensure the conditions are safe to cross.
- Please notify your guide of any medical conditions and/or allergies prior to departure – this may not prevent you from participating, but will ensure the guides are adequately prepared for the trip.
Horse Riding:
- Horses are wild animals and at times are unpredictable. Whilst every care is taken to desensitize horses and train them to cope with situations that may spook them, it is possible that a horse may react to a trigger by bolting, bucking or freezing. We will ensure riders are matched with the most suitable horse for their size and ability level, and our guides are trained in horse behaviour and monitoring for potential triggers to minimize risks.
- The risk of injury resulting from a fall is significant and Guests must wear helmets at all times.
- There is a risk of becoming separated from the group, and guests will be advised of the procedure based on the proposed route. Horses will follow in a ‘pecking’ order, and the trekking order of the horses should be maintained to minimise the risk of separation.
- The terrain can be uneven, changeable and at times slippery. The guide will advise of any hazards to be aware of and riders are expected to follow instruction in avoiding hazardous areas.
- Horse Riding is paced to the rider with the lowest ability level, and to ensure a safe experience for all in an unpredictable environment. Guests must follow instruction from the guides in relation to acceptable routes and speeds, and trekking order.
- Horses should not be approached from behind and Guests should not enter inside a paddock with horses without prior permission from the lead guide and guide supervision.
- Horses can bite, and guests should not put hands near the animals mouths.
- Our horses are under strict food control and guests should not feed the horses anything without prior approval from the lead guide.
Helicopters:
- You will receive a safety briefing by the pilot prior to your flight and it is essential that you listen to instructions and safety briefings carefully and to abide by the instructions you have received. You are encouraged to ask any of our staff for clarification of instructions if you are unsure of what has been conveyed to you.
- We have multiple landing locations on the property, and your hosting team will prepare these prior to the helicopters arrival – ALL guests (even those not partaking in flights) should ensure they follow instruction from hosts in relation to safe movements around the property at the time of any helicopter movement.
- Helicopters can cause debris to be blown around, and guests should not get in close proximity to a helicopter coming into land. Guests should not approach the helicopter until they are instructed, and only access from the area identified as safe by the pilot or your host.
- The helicopter is unable to have loose items in the cabin. You are welcome to take a handbag or backpack, but this will be stored in the cargo pod or the boot during flight.
- You will be required to step up into the aircraft and we recommend wearing flat soled, covered shoes to make it safer getting in and out of the aircraft.
- Wearing sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from sunshine, but also from snow/ice glare during landings
- If removing your headset during flight, the sound of the engine and propeller blades may be loud.
Hunting (ONLY AVAILABLE OFF-SITE):
- Wildwire is not a guided experience onsite at Mahu Whenua. This offsite experience is offered as an experience in an alternative location
- Firearms pose a significant hazard when used incorrectly. Follow any and all instruction from your guide and never point a firearm in the direction of another person.
- The variable terrain may include risk of slipping, sliding or falling.
- Wild animals can be unpredictable, and may pose a risk of charging or unexpected movements.
- Helicopter hazards apply to accessing this site. Please see the associated helicopter risks noted separately.
Flyfishing (ONLY AVAILABLE OFF-SITE):
- Flyfishing often involves entering rivers, and river conditions can be fast flowing or deep, with a risk of injury or drowing. Guides will ensure that the depth and flow of any river that is entered is within the ability of the client and guide.
- Waders and wading boots can present a risk in relation to drowing, falling or slipping. If a client is wearing wader, a life jacket or belt is required, and waders must be fitted correctly.
- Rivers do pose a risk of flash floods. Guides will check river flows before fishing, and be aware of discrepencies between conditions not matching the amount of rain fallen. No guides or guests are to enter flooded rivers.
- Hooks, knives and pilers can pose a risk of injury by cutting, flesh wound, or sticking. Clients will have instruction on use of equipment before the trip and guides will ensure the equipment is only used for what it is designed for.
SUP (External Off-Site Activity Provider):
- SUP’ing is not a guided experience at Mahu Whenua. This offsite experience is offered as a facilitated experience in a nearby location, and our guides will set up the paddleboards and equipment and supervise the experience.
- The guides are not trained with lifesaver qualifications. All guests should wear lifejackets at all times, and maintain proximity to the shore.
- Weather and lake conditions can be very changeable in mountain areas. Guides will monitor and check the conditions on the day to minimize risk. Guests should follow instruction on safe operations.
Guided Camping:
- Guided Camping at Mahu Whenua is a true wilderness experience, and guests will be exposed to the elements, and should ensure they are travelling with clothing and equipment suitable for a variety of weather conditions.
- Due to the potential fire risk, only guides are permitted to cook in wilderness camping environments.
- There is limited shelter available beyond the tents provided. The guides will set up the tents and camping equipment on behalf of guests.
- Self guided camping is not permitted on the property.
Wildwire (External Activity Provider):
- Wildwire is not a guided experience onsite at Mahu Whenua. This offsite experience is offered as an experience in a nearby location
- Rockfall, cliffs, rivers, drowning, falling, equipment failure, mechanical failure,
- other non-specified natural circumstances, accident or illness in remote
- places are an ever-present hazard when taking part in the Activity and
- travelling to and from and within the Wildwire site.
