Luxury takes on a whole new meaning at New Zealand’s largest private land conservation area as guests can now visit and stay in the area with the recent opening of Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary.

A bath with a view -- soak up the scenery from Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Hom.._.jpgA bath with a view -- soak up the scenery from Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary near Queenstown 

The reservation, launched by New Zealand’s award-winning concierge company MajorDomo, spreads across 550sq.km of stunning high country in the Southern Lakes area of the South Island.  Situated near Wanaka, the new luxury accommodation offers rustic and stylish lodging for up to 12 guests who can enjoy an array of private guided and hosted experiences.

Onsite activities include horse trekking, overnight stays at shepherds’ cottages around the station, heli-skiing, mountain biking, 4wd adventures, farm tours, picnics alongside pristine alpine rivers, backcountry touring and wellness experiences such as yoga. As for the food, New Zealand chefs cater exceptional cuisine, coupled with a wine list filled with the best local wines.

A panoramic view of the 550sq km of land at Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homest.._.jpgA panoramic view of the 550sq km of land available for guests to enjoy at Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary near Queenstown

“The beauty of Mahu Whenua is that while it bears all the hallmarks of an extremely remote location, it’s only a fifteen-minute drive out of Wanaka township. Once you’re on the property, you are surrounded by rolling vistas, immense mountains, grand rivers and pristine lakes, making it a haven of privacy and exclusivity," said Fiona Stevens, co-owner of MajorDomo.

Mahu Whenua is owned by the globally-recognized record producer Robert 'Mutt' Lange. Lange's extensive plant regeneration and native bird breeding programmes helped land regeneration, making it the largest private land conservation undertaking in New Zealand history. More than 90% of the land is protected by covenants (Queen Elizabeth the Second Trust), with Mahu Whenua aptly translating to “Healing the Land”.

The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu Whenua Eco Sanctuary.jpgThe Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu Whenua Eco Sanctuary

“After much deliberation, Mutt decided earlier this year to open up the homestead and station to like-minded guests who will now be able to share his vision and the environmental programmes that are in place to preserve and improve this land in perpetuity,” Stevens said.

MajorDomo co-owner Lisa Hayden added that while small areas of the land are currently open to walkers, runners or bikers on high ridge trails, there are tens of thousands of hectares that are 100% private to guests, making it a truly exclusive and unique experience.

MajorDomo noted that they’re looking forward to welcoming ‘multigenerational travelers’ of grandparents, grown-up children and children to the property, as they deem this is the perfect place for individuals looking for privacy while also offering tailored activities for all ages.

The place also accommodates groups of friends travelling together, and those who are looking for a small and exclusive destination event. MajorDomo said that the property may also be open for boutique off-peak day visitor attending a product launch or as part of a corporate or incentive trip.

To further enrich their stay, guests are also encouraged to watch or engage in conservation practices such as replanting areas with native trees, and learn about the native weka and pukeko breeding programmes.

Lange said visitors to Mahu Whenua would help accelerate the healing process already taking place on the land after the ravages of grazing, mining and rabbits since the 19th century.

 

Accommodation at Mahu Whenua starts at $15,500 per night, fully hosted and including all meals, staff, guides, and a 4WD orientation tour for up to eight people. For further information, go to www.mahuwhenua.co.nz. For reservations, send an email to hello@majordomo.co.nz.