Mahu Whenua lodge consists of four high country sheep stations stretching between Wanaka and Queenstown – Motatapu, Mt Soho, Glencoe and Coronet Peak. They stretch over 55,000 hectares of some of the most iconic and dramatic natural alpine scenery in New Zealand.
If you’ve only got two nights with us, that’s an awfully large area to cover in three days and you may ask: “how can we make the most of it in such a short time!?” To answer that question, we’ve compiled our recommended itinerary for the absolute ultimate Mahu Whenua experience which makes the most of a myriad of exclusive high quality activities on your doorstep, both passive and adventurous, all easily accessible and set amongst spectacular scenery.
Bear in mind though, that we have an infinitely long list of other activities both onsite and offsite that are equally as inspiring and adventurous and could easily be substituted for anything below depending on your preferences. These include water sports, mountain biking, heli-hiking, wine tours, and in winter, heli-skiing!
After checking-in to the Homestead at 2pm and settling into your suite, we recommend going for an afternoon horse trek with your Mahu Whenua guide. It’s likely that you’ve been travelling in a car or plane on your way here, so why not mix it up with some horseback fun. Plus, you’ll work up an appetite for canapés and dinner back at the Homestead in the evening.
Exploring by horseback is an incredibly special experience at Mahu Whenua. From the exclusive on-site stables, you’ll be led through the purpose-built trails, rivers, beech forest and up the valleys of this beautiful place, stopping half way for refreshments. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about some of features of the property along the way.
From day 1, you’ll feel you’ve become part of the Mahu Whenua story.
Waking up in your luxurious Mahu Whenua suite you may not wish to rush out the door! After a coffee and delicious breakfast prepared by Mahu Whenua chef, why not take the morning to ease into the day with a private yoga instructor.
Imagine doing your morning flow at the lodge overlooking Lake Wanaka or Mt Aspiring National Park, or beside the pool surrounded by native flax and the valley mountains!
Now for the thrilling part of day 2 – the ultimate helicopter adventure with Milford Sound and Southern Alps highlights!
Explore the best of Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks on this five hour long trip. Visit three alpine lakes, Sutherland Falls, Milford Sound and West Coast beaches. Fly through the Olivine Ice Plateau, land on a glacier, fly around Mt Aspiring, land on Dragonfly Peak before returning to the Homestead.
There are five landings along the way, so plenty of time to stretch your legs and grab some photos. You’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch on location.
Once again, you’ll make it back to the Homestead in time to relax and unwind with our premium selection of wine, beer and cocktails to enjoy alongside canapés and dinner. On a hot summer’s day, it’s also the perfect chance to cool off poolside.
This is your last morning at the Homestead so take your time and soak it in. Perhaps breakfast and coffee outside the lodge this morning as you watch the sun rising across the mountains and Lake Wanaka.
After two days of exploration, and possibly more travel ahead of you, you may wish to luxuriate in a spa treatment in your suite. Our concierge team can organise a spa experience with professional therapists to suit your individual requirements. A selection of holistic treatments is available including massages, facials, hand and foot treatments and body care.
You’ll be well prepared for the adventure to come – a full day 4WD safari on Mahu Whenua land from the Homestead through the station to the old gold mining ghost town of Macetown, and ending in historic Arrowtown. Along the way you’ll learn about sustainable farming and conservation practices, as well as enjoy an alpine picnic, local wines and a cheese board. If available, you may even enjoy Crayfish freshly cooked in Macetown!
This is the ideal way to finish your time at Mahu Whenua if you’re catching a flight out of Queenstown International Airport, as Arrowtown is just 15 minutes drive away!
So there you have it! The ultimate Mahu Whenua experience!
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