Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

Mahu Whenua Lodge was originally built as a family home by Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain and her music producer husband Mutt Lange.  Completed in 2008, the stunning chalet is beautiful but not grandiose, its handsome stone and timber exterior blending in with the natural environment, letting the captivating views through the vast picture windows take centre-stage.   

In 2017, Mahu Whenua became a luxury lodge, initially for exclusive use hire only, but now with five individual suites.  Set in 55,000 hectares over four high country sheep stations, the lodge is a secluded and welcoming eco-sanctuary, just a half hour drive from bustling Wanaka.  In a landscape of magical beauty, hidden amongst the towering mountains and meandering waterways, guests of Mahu Whenua are encouraged to relax, settle in, enjoy the warm hospitality of the staff, and do as much or as little as we want in this stunning corner of New Zealand. 

The focal point of the lodge is the magnificent living room.  Entered through large wooden doors, the view on arrival is spectacular, with uninterrupted vistas through huge windows, down the Motatapu Valley to Glendhu Bay and Lake Wanaka, and the snow-dusted mountains beyond.  With soaring ceilings, supremely comfortable couches and welcoming staff, it is a perfect place to relax with drink in hand as New Zealand’s famous long white clouds stream across the sky. 

Adjacent is the farmhouse kitchen and galley, where we are always welcome to touch base with staff, check the menu for the next meal or to steal another freshly baked cookie from the cookie jar.  While this was previously where the guest meals were prepared by the lodge chef, now it is more of a social and communal area, in keeping with the original family home design, with the chef and his small team located in a purpose-built facility just outside. 

In front of the lodge, a vast wooden deck extends to where the homestead grounds fall away towards the valley.  It is windy here at this altitude, but the views are sublime, and we brave the elements for evening canapes each night.  But for the dinners, we retire inside, either to the cosy dining room or a private table in the lounge, to fully appreciate the fabulous offerings of the talented chefs.  

Dining at Mahu Whenua 

Rates at Mahu Whenua include breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.  Breakfast includes a continental spread of cereals, yoghurts, fruits, chia pudding and freshly baked pastries, with locally sourced jams and manuka honey, in addition to a la carte options of eggs benedict with bacon or fresh salmon, full cooked breakfasts, porridge and French toast.  Lunches, although not included on arrival or departure day, can be taken as a light meal in house, or as a packed picnic of wraps or sandwiches, accompanied by fruit and sweet treats. 

Dinners are a culinary highlight.  Canapes are served from 6:30pm, as guests mingle in the living area, relax by the fireplace or brave the blustery beauty outside.  As the sun begins to set behind the mountains, guests are seated for a three course meal designed to showcase New Zealand specialties, with meats and seafood from the surrounding districts and regionally-sourced vegetables and herbs.  There are two choices for each of entrée, main and dessert, with the menu changing daily in keeping with locally available produce.  An extensive wine list, of both New Zealand and international wines, is also available.  Service is attentive, warm and knowledgeable. 

Rooms at Mahu Whenua 

Mahu Whenua can accommodate just 12 guests in its five suites.  Three of the suites – Tui, Keruru and Komaku – are in the original homestead, while two additional cottages have been built nearby. 

We are in the Tui Suite, the master suite.  With pictures of this room gracing every article about Mahu Whenua, we wondered if the reality could possibly be as good as the pictures.  We needn’t have worried – Shania Twain’s former bedroom is as jaw-droppingly stunning as it looks in the glossy photos, and experiencing it in person is even better.  The view from the bed and from the custom copper bathtub are surreal.  And adjacent, through the long bathroom with underfloor heating, twin vanities and chandelier lighting, is a cylindrical double shower with an equally mesmerising outlook. 

The room is filled with welcoming touches.  In addition to the warm stone and timbre design and the bespoke furnishings, there is a gas fireplace, wide his-and-hers wardrobes, a plethora of storage space and a writing desk with personalised stationary.  There is a Tivoli radio, a TV with Netflix (though who would want to look at a tv when that view beckons), and a concealed mini bar contains complimentary soft drinks, beers, cider and sparkling wine.  Outside, there are lounge chairs for relaxing on a private deck whilst looking out over the fields and hills.  It is truly a breathtaking suite and worthy of its master suite status. 

 Next door is the Kereru suite.  Initially designed as Shania Twain’s son’s room, it is now a very grown-up retreat, with stylish furnishings, a striking marble ensuite, a glass-edged wraparound private veranda and views in two directions over the valleys, including the horses grazing nearby. 

 On the lower level of the homestead is the Komaku suite, a large suite with separate living area, able to accommodate two adults and two children in a main bedroom and a cute adjoining bunkroom.  And behind the main homestead, two simple but chic cottages are designed to be more self-contained, with kitchenettes and laundry facilities, in addition to sweeping views of the mountains and stables. 

 Activities at Mahu Whenua 

 It is tempting, and thoroughly encouraged, to spend time at Mahu Whenua ensconced in the natural beauty of the surroundings, with nothing more than a good book and a glass of New Zealand wine in hand.  But many other experiences are on offer. 

Close at hand, there is a shimmering pool in the lodge grounds, which is heated but still brisk.  If the pool is too cold, a multi-person hot tub is also available. 

A short walk from the lodge are the stables, a beautiful stone building with equally majestic horses who are friendly with guests and keen to approach in the hope of treats.  Horse-riding tours of the grounds are available and cater to beginners and experienced riders. 

It is also possible (and encouraged) to explore the property by walking or e-bike, with marked trails extending around the lodge with routes of varying lengths and strenuousness, through the dramatic alpine scenery.  Guided walks are also available, with a private guide to explain the highly-regarded conservation processes that are being undertaken across the property. 

The experiences guide for Mahu Whenua also includes a number of externally provided activities, such as heli-hiking, private helicopter experiences, winery tours, photography workshops, water activities on Lake Wanaka and rockclimbing excursions. 

For independent adventures, a number of stunning roadtrips are nearby, including the dramatic Haast Pass road to the West Coast, with stops at the Blue Pools, Lake Hawea and numerous waterfalls and scenic lookouts. 

Wanaka and the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park are also home to some of New Zealand’s great hikes.  We can highly recommend the Rob Roy Glacier walk.  An hour’s drive from Wanaka through the picturesque Matukituki Valley, the hike is a stunningly beautiful but relatively easy ten kilometre return walk along rivers and through mossy forests, before culminating at a view across the Rob Roy Glacier and its multitude of waterfalls.

Impression

Mahu Whenua may have celebrity origins, but its ongoing appeal lies in its warm hospitality, its beautifully appointed rooms and communal spaces, its decadent and delicious dining, and its location and views that, even by New Zealand standards, are hard to surpass.  It is definitely one of New Zealand’s most special accommodation options.