Mahu Whenua: One of New Zealand’s Most Unusual Places to Stay

We are delighted to share that Mahu Whenua has earned its place among Five of the Most Unusual Places to Stay in New Zealand according to the travel publication HotelTalk. It’s a fitting accolade for a property that is truly unlike anywhere else in the country, offering world-class luxury combined with one of the most ambitious conservation projects in Aotearoa.

Set across 55,000 hectares of dramatic South Island high country near Wānaka, Mahu Whenua is a place where guests can experience total seclusion and comfort. Over the past decade, the property has been the focus of extensive conservation efforts, with more than a million native trees and plants carefully established and native birdlife steadily returning to the area. Staying here allows visitors to experience this ongoing story of renewal firsthand, whether wandering the rolling valleys, taking in the sweeping mountain views, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of a landscape that is being carefully restored.

HotelTalk described Mahu Whenua as an “exclusive luxury accommodation, eco and wildlife experience”. It’s this combination that sets the property apart and makes the guest experience so unique. Guests can enjoy the warmth of a welcoming homestead, expansive views across valleys and peaks, and the chance to explore the property on foot, bike, or horseback. For those who are interested, there are also opportunities to learn about and even take part in the ongoing conservation work that continues across the property.

In a country already renowned for extraordinary places to stay, Mahu Whenua stands apart, offering a sanctuary, a legacy project, and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand while supporting its future. We are delighted that HotelTalk has recognised Mahu Whenua as one of the most unusual and inspiring places to stay in New Zealand, and we look forward to welcoming guests who are curious to experience this unique part of the country.