Mahu Whenua Starts A New Chapter

Mahu Whenua Homestead

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate distribution

Date: 15/05/18

MAHU WHENUA STARTS A NEW CHAPTER

New Zealand travel experts at New Zealand In Depth are proud to announce the opening of the spectacular ridgeline homestead and cottages at Mahu Whenua which are now available as part of a personalised luxury New Zealand adventure. 

Sat atop of a plateau overlooking New Zealand’s some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness, Mahu Whenua fairy-tale location spans over 55,000 hectares (550sq km or 200sq miles) of towering mountains, lush green valleys, native bush, forests, meandering rivers and views of Lake Wanaka.

Paul Carberry, founder of New Zealand In Depth said; “Although Mahu Whenua first opened its doors in 2016 it was only available on an exclusive basis. This new chapter in the lodges history has now made it possible for couples and small groups to also enjoy what has to be one of New Zealand’s leading luxury properties without having to book the entire lodge on an exclusive basis.”

The plot of land on which the accommodation sits is home to four adjoining high-country sheep stations – Motatapu, Mt Soho, Glencoe and Coronet Peak – which, combined, stretch from Glendhu Bay in Wanaka all the way through to Arrowtown in Queenstown.

Mahu Whenua is made up of four individual Ridgeline Suites (two Homestead Suites and two Cottage Suites) which each sleep two people. Complete with helipad, stables, games room, swimming pool, a spa and views to rival any in the country – there is plenty to keep guests occupied.

The original project was funded by South African music producer Robert “Mutt” Lange who also established programs for conservation and sustainable farming on its lands.

Mahu Whenua in Maori means ‘healing the land’, and since 2008, 1.5 million native trees have been plated and a successful breeding programme for wekas and pukekos has been established. Lange has also gifted 90% of the land to Queen Elizabeth Trust to ensure its ongoing protection.

Entirely run on solar power and with an on-site water supply, Mahu Whenua’s eco lodge credentials are undeniable. Guests can also enjoy honey from the property’s bee hives and join Huntly McGregor the estate manager on a two-hour tour of the property to see the conservation in action.

Surrounded by glacial valleys, alpine lakes, bush, forest, and braded rivers, Mahu Whenua is ideal for countless adventure-packed activities, including heli-skiing, mountain biking, 4WD tours, backcountry hiking, and horse riding. Those looking for privacy can picnic by the river or take a scenic outdoor yoga class.

New Zealand In Depth’s Paul Carberry adds; “With a helipad on the front lawn, guests can arrive in style on a 10-minute flight from Queenstown, or a scenic 20-minute drive from central Wanaka, with the option of arriving in a luxury 4×4.”

Available year round, a 5-night 6-day New Zealand In Depth itinerary (www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk) costs from £3100 per person, not including flights. This includes two nights at Mahu Whenua on a full board basis; and three nights in quality bed and breakfast accommodation and car hire.

For more information and expert advice on travel to New Zealand, visit www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk, call +44 (0)1298 74040 or email [email protected]

-ENDS-

New Zealand In Depth media contact:

Mark Hayward

Tel: 07731 752 096

Email: [email protected]

Notes to editor:

High res images are available here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hc80ps3fg42aj7o/AAAmSxaxCkVRecI1WRU4Qu27a?dl=0

Video footage is available there: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tzwupg7qs7tasuf/AABjAOQ6zvPncCNufpX63BDKa?dl=0

360 images are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ea1m87w60wz7uxw/AABMVo4MBWl8Gk-QVKb07gMKa?dl=0

About New Zealand In Depth

The New Zealand In Depth team has created tailor-made holiday experiences to New Zealand for 11 years and are committed to understanding their client’s needs, sharing their expert knowledge and experience of the country and planning trips that leave lasting memories.

New Zealand In Depth has built great relationships with local activities, accommodation and suppliers to offer their clients the chance to experience the real side of New Zealand and get off the beaten track to experiences that are often not available through other operators.

About Paul Carberry – founder of New Zealand In Depth

“I think it was inevitable that I would work in travel and focus on New Zealand in particular. My dad worked in the airline industry for many years for the likes of BOAC, British Airways and then Air New Zealand before he set up his own long-haul travel business.

I had the excitement of growing up imagining travel to distant lands and, after completing a degree in geology and working in the family travel business for a couple of years, I left the UK and spent several months exploring New Zealand returning to set up my own New Zealand travel company in 2003.

Since then I have been fortunate to have been able to travel back to New Zealand many times, feeling that is more and more like home every time I go.”

About Sally Lilley – Travel specialist at New Zealand In Depth

“I met John (my partner) in 1999 and after 20 years in the Financial Services industry jumped at the chance to take 12 months off and travel around the world as a mature backpacker. On returning to the UK in 2001 I worked for a number of organisations in the charity and hospitality sector before deciding New Zealand was where we wanted to live.

John & I emigrated to New Zealand in 2003 and entered the world of hospitality and tourism. Over the next seven years we ran a number of remote Lodges on the South Island including Milford Sound, Lake Moeraki and Arthurs Pass and in 2010 we took over a small group guided tour company based in Christchurch.

We spent the next four years guiding small groups around New Zealand ensuring they had a trip of a lifetime. After 11 years in New Zealand we moved back to the UK for family reasons and now have the pleasure of sending visitors to New Zealand to enjoy all my favourite places – many of which you will not find in the guide books.”

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