Need 2 Know
Charlotte Track as well as visitors to the Marlborough Sounds. Operated as accommodation by long-time locals Juliet and Steve Gibbons, also the owners of Wilderness Guides Marlborough Sounds, the boutique bed and breakfast is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life or a pause point along the Queen Charlotte Track. During a Mahana stay, guests are hosted and catered for by hospitable and experienced Lodge Manager and Chef, David Woodley. The old homestead was built around 1890, the oldest house in name. this part of the Sounds. A much new One day they were clearing out an purpose-built lodge sits behind the old shed and came across a stencil main building nestled into the Punga which had been used for marking ferns with four comfortable ensuite wool bales with the word “Mahana”. On enquiry, they found that the Above left: A bird’s eye view of the property up until about 50 years ago historic Mahana Lodge. had been called Mahana. Above right: . Fresh herbs in the There was no further discussion, garden awaiting harvesting for John and Ann Martin gave Mahana dinner. back its original name. Below right: The Mahana homestead Today Mahana Lodge is owned was built in 1890. by Andrew and Ursula Davis from Below right: The highest point in Queenstown who continue to al- the Sounds is near Mahana – Mt low their property to be enjoyed by Stokes – and it’s a popular day hike walkers and bikers on the Queen for walkers.
Mahana Lodge – where a warm welcome awaits By Juliet Gibbons
M
ahana in Māori word means warmth, shelter, and hospitality. All this and more are waiting for hikers visiting the Mahana Lodge in the Marlborough Sounds. When the previous owners of Mahana Lodge, John and Ann Martin, bought the property in 2002 it was called the Homestead Backpackers. There were many “Homesteads” in the Marlborough Sounds and they thought such a beautiful place was deserving of a more descriptive
24 Walking New Zealand, issue no 294
- 2022
www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
