Need2Know: Mahana Lodge -where a warm welcome awaits

Mahana Lodge – where a warm welcome awaits

By Juliet Gibbons

Mahana 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 name.

One day they were clearing out an old shed and came across a stencil which had been used for marking wool bales with the word “Mahana”. On enquiry, they found that the property up until about 50 years ago had been called Mahana.

There was no further discussion, John and Ann Martin gave Mahana back its original name.

Today Mahana Lodge is owned by Andrew and Ursula Davis from Queenstown who continue to allow their property to be enjoyed by walkers and bikers on the Queen 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 this part of the Sounds. A much new purpose-built lodge sits behind the main building nestled into the Punga ferns with four comfortable ensuite

Above left: A bird’s eye view of the historic Mahana Lodge. Above right: . Fresh herbs in the garden awaiting harvesting for dinner. Below right: The Mahana homestead was built in 1890. Below right: The highest point in the Sounds is near Mahana – Mt Stokes – and it’s a popular day hike for walkers.

Above: The Chef’s Table is a must at Mahana. rooms and a large communal lounge with views across the bay. When the homestead was first built, Endeavour Inlet was a thriving community.

The antimony mines operating around that time drew miners and their families to the remote area as well as all the supporting businesses any community needs - school teachers, bakers, a butcher, and post office. Walk the Queen Charlotte Track today and you can learn all about this short-lived but fascinating industry as you pass the head of the inlet.

The historic Homestead is the heart of the Mahana Lodge complex and is set in lovely surroundings of native bush and established gardens. It was once the centre of a large sheep farm but now the farm has been returned to forest and the lovingly restored homestead welcomes visitors instead. Native forest is being encouraged to grow where the pastures were, and tourism has taken the place of farming.

A visit to Mahana Lodge is not complete without taking a seat at the Chef’s Table.

Chef David’s three course cuisine experience regularly gets rave reviews and is an experience not to be missed. It features locally sourced fresh produce prepared by the former restaurateur and food writer.

Mahana’s dining setting in the lush garden conservatory with an overhanging vine of eatable grapes in season is a unique and for many walkers, counts as a highlight when walking the track.

Chef David explains the menu, where the food comes from, how it gets to Mahana in the remote Marlborough Sounds, why he chooses certain products over others, the regionality of the food, how he cooks it and any story that goes with the product, farmer, and supplier. Our extensive wine list also has a story behind every wine. The Chef’s Table is not just a meal, it’s an experience.

And the Mahana experience is one all involved hope will leave visitors with fond memories of this beautiful part of the Marlborough Sounds.