26th January 2024

Recently, a few of our team had the opportunity to experience one of the curated trips offered to our Mahu Whenua guests. The adventure at hand? An e-bike tour along the Motatapu Trail from Arrowtown to Mahu Whenua. 

In this blog post, I’ll take you through the breath-taking journey that left us with memories to last a lifetime. This trail can be rode in either direction. Just reach out to our concierge team and they will figure out the logistics for you!

Preparing for the ride

Our journey began in the picturesque town of Arrowtown, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Known for its rich history, gold mining and quaint streets – Arrowtown served as a great starting point for our e-bike tour. The skies were blue, the air was warm and the team was filled with anticipation as we geared up for the ride. 

Before hitting the trail, we were outfitted with state-of-the-art e-bikes and helmets. The electric-assist feature would later prove to be a game-changer, especially when tackling the more challenging sections of the Motatapu Trail. As someone completely new to e-biking, I appreciated the thorough briefing from our experienced guide. They ensured that I felt confident and ready for the journey ahead. One final application of sunscreen and we were ready to go! 

The Motatapu Trail

Leaving Arrowtown behind, we pedalled our way through winding trails, native trees, following the sparkling waters of the Arrow River.  The ‘’turbo’’ function of the e-bike allowed us to effortlessly conquer a few uphill sections of terrain, ensuring that the journey remained enjoyable. 

With numerous small river crossings to tackle, you mustn’t be afraid to get a little wet, wild and muddy…In the strong summer sun we welcomed the cool splashes of water! With water no deeper than ankle depth and no fast-flowing water, there was nothing to fear, just great times and excitable squeals. 

Making frequent stops along the way, our knowledgeable guide taught us of local history and pointed out areas of interest.  Soon, before we knew it, we had reached our scenic picnic spot. We took a breather and soaked in the serenity of the area, before completing the last leg of the e-bike tour in the valley. 

Arriving at the Homestead

As the Motatapu Trail guided us towards our final destination, the prestigious Mahu Whenua Homestead came into view. Nestled into the sprawling landscape, the homestead exuded kiwi class and comfort. We were welcomed in by the friendly hosting team, who had freshly baked cookies and fresh juice waiting for us. The finish a perfect day of exploration!

E-biking the Motatapu Trail from Arrowtown to Mahu Whenua was a journey that was out of the ordinary. The thrill of navigating the trail, under the safety of a trained guide, meant that we could really dive straight in and enjoy every moment of the experience. This reinforced my belief in the power of well-curated experiences. 

The Motatapu Trail and Mahu Whenua exemplify the seamless integration of adventure and luxury. The adventure created memories that linger long after the journey concludes. For anyone seeking a blend of outdoor exploration and exclusive experiences, this e-bike tour is for you.