Biking at Mahu Whenua

Recently, a few of our team had the opportunity to experience one of the curated trips offered to our Mahu Whenua guests. The adventure at hand? E-biking the Motatapu Trail from Arrowtown to Mahu Whenua. 

In this blog post, we’ll give you a glimpse into the breath-taking journey and experience that left us with memories to last a lifetime. This trail can be rode in either direction – just reach out to our dedicated concierge team and they will organise the logistics for you.

Our journey began in the picturesque town of Arrowtown, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Known for its rich history, gold mining and quaint streets – Arrowtown served as a great starting point for our e-biking adventure. The skies were blue, the air was warm, and the team was filled with anticipation as we geared up for the bike ride to Wanaka.

Before setting off, we were outfitted with state-of-the-art e-bikes and helmets. The electric-assist feature would later prove to be a game-changer, especially when tackling the more challenging sections of the Motatapu Trail. As someone completely new to e-biking, I appreciated the thorough briefing from our expert guide, ensuring that I felt confident and excited for the journey ahead.

Leaving Arrowtown behind, we pedalled our way through winding trails among native flora, following the sparkling waters of the Arrow River. The “turbo’’ function of the e-bike allowed us to effortlessly conquer a few uphill sections of the Wanaka trails, negating any taxing climbs and allowing us to soak up our surroundings.

With several small river crossings to tackle, you mustn’t be afraid to get a little wet, but in the strong summer sun we welcomed the refreshing splashes of water. With water no deeper than ankle depth and no fast-flowing water, there was nothing to fear.

Making frequent stops along the way, our knowledgeable guide taught us of local history and hilghighted areas of interest. Before we knew it, we had reached our scenic picnic spot – taking a breather and soaking in the serenity of the area before completing the last leg of the journey in the valley. 

As the Motatapu Trail guided us towards our final destination, the prestigious Mahu Whenua Homestead came into view. Nestled into the sprawling landscape, the homestead exuded kiwi class and comfort. We were welcomed by the friendly hosting team’s signature hospitality, with freshly baked cookies and fresh juice waiting … the perfect way to finish to a day of exploration.

E-biking the Motatapu Trail from Arrowtown to Mahu Whenua was a journey that was out of the ordinary. The thrill of navigating the trail, under the safety of a trained guide, meant that we could really dive straight in and enjoy every moment of the experience. This reinforced my belief in the power of well-curated experiences. 

The Motatapu Trail and Mahu Whenua exemplify the seamless integration of adventure and luxury, creating memories that linger long after the journey concludes. For anyone seeking a blend of outdoor exploration and exclusive experiences, this trip is for you.