Aerial view of Mahana Lodge in its setting in Endeavour Inlet, Marlborough Sounds.
Aerial view of Mahana Lodge in its setting in Endeavour Inlet, Marlborough Sounds.
Mahana Lodge, one of the oldest homesteads in the Marlborough Sounds and located on the doorstep of a world famous tourist track, has been placed on the market for sale.
"The lodge is set amidst waterfront native bush combining its boutique accommodation with the natural beauty of its surroundings," says Glenn Dick, Blenheim director for Bayleys who is selling the property and going concern business via a tender campaign, closing on February 4, unless it sells earlier by negotiation.
"Looking out to the waters of Endeavour Inlet, Mahana Lodge offers its guests privacy and tranquility," Dick says. "In addition this historic property is on the world famous Queen Charlotte Track - a walking and cycling trail stretching between the Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sounds."
He says the owners have reluctantly decided to sell the lodge for sale due to health reasons after running it for 14 years.
"As a result, the property now offers a new owner an ideally-located niche tourism business with an established reputation and an idyllic lifestyle.
"This is very special slice of New Zealand just waiting for a new owner to take over and stamp their own personality on this highly-regarded lodge which has hosted thousands of national and international travellers over the years."
Mahana was previously a large sheep farm with much of the property having since been returned to forest. The 100 year old Mahana homestead, which has been fully restored and is now the owner's private residence, is situated in the heart of the lodge complex surrounded by gardens, lawn, extensive plantings of fruit trees and vegetable gardens on an 18.7 hectare section.
"The spacious, sunny lodge is set in a secluded spot 50 metres behind the homestead. It features four bedrooms each with its own ensuite bathroom, and every room opening onto a deck with views of the sea or forest," Dick says. "Two self-contained chalets offer additional accommodation."
Mahana Lodge is accessible by road via a private driveway, by foot or bicycle via the Queen Charlotte track or by water taxi from Picton.
The central lounge, with stunning views over Endeavour Inlet, is heated by a log fire during the cooler months. Guests are served tea, coffee, hot chocolate and home baking while dinners and lunches feature fresh produce from Mahana's gardens.
The frontage of Mahana Lodge as seen from across the water.
Current tariffs are $210 per night for two people between September 21 and April 30. This includes a continental breakfast with eggs and daily housekeeping. The lodge is currently closed from May 1 until September 20.
Dick says Queen Charlotte is one of New Zealand's leading hiking tracks and is internationally renowned for its stunning scenery that takes users 70 kms from historic Ship Cove through to Anakiwa in the Queen CharlotteSound.
"Mahana is ideally suited as an accommodation base for walkers and cyclists travelling the full length of the track or those wanting a base for day track walks," he says.
"The owners have committed to sustainable tourism - focusing on protecting the environment, encouraging the growth of indigenous forest, bird populations and marine life and limiting their impact on the natural surroundings.
"Their aim has been to have as small a footprint as possible. The lodge has been constructed in an environmentally friendly way and designed to reduce energy usage. They have also focused on reducing their effect on the land in several ways including, growing fruits and vegetables spray free, producing free range eggs, making compost, reducing and recycling rubbish and conserving water."
A number of pursuits that guests can enjoy in the immediate vicinity include swimming in the secluded bay, kayaking and exploring a glow worm grotto 20 metres from the lodge.
"They can also lie in a hammock with a good book or read inside by the log fire when it's wet," Dick says.
"This is an historic property which been designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings. It has an established a reputation with a range of guests from international travellers to Kiwi families and couples seeking a few days away from the stresses of everyday life to trampers and cyclists looking for a night's rest after negotiating the Queen Charlotte Track."
Dick says the property offers a number of development opportunities including subdividing the section or increasing capacity and creating a world class resort in an ideal location.
