Where rivers, mountains and people come together
A hacienda on the Clutha
Set on the peaceful banks above where the Manuherikia and Clutha / Mata-Au rivers meet, this restored five-bedroom villa blends Spanish and Mexican design with sweeping views of Central Otago's schist ranges. Located just moments from Alexandra, it offers a welcoming sanctuary framed by grand river waters and open skies.
WHY THE NAME?
It was a mad idea to turn a 1970s villa at the end of the world into a guesthouse for global travelers. Guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Translating to "country estate," the name reflects an energetic home in a dry landscape. It offers a base for activity rather than simply a bed for the night.
What's Here?
Unwind in the private spa pool, cedar sauna, or garden meditation cave. Enjoy a private cinema, sunlit courtyard dining, gym, espresso corner, and secure bike workshop with e-bike charging. Direct garden paths connect straight to the river trail below.
Sustainably sourced New Zealand hardwoods, soft merino carpets, schist tiles, and exposed timber beams blend with original artwork to create grounded luxury. Each themed bedroom features fine linen, quality mattresses, and a smart TV, offering effortless comfort from the moment you arrive.
Designed for recovery
Everything you need, and a few things you didn't expect
Secure bike storage
Locked, undercover, and big enough for ten bikes with the wheels on. Includes workbench and track pump.
Spa pool
Private, hot, and pointed at the ranges. The best twenty minutes of your day.
Sauna
A quiet one-person cedar sauna for the evening after a long ride.
Cinema room
Proper screen, proper sound, deep seats. For wet afternoons and rest days.
Courtyard & BBQ
Long table, late sun, and the smell of something cooking while the day winds down.
Games room
Board games, arcade cabinet, and the sort of low-stakes competition that ends a good evening.
Full laundry
Washer, dryer, and drying racks. Ride kit dry by morning.
Fast Wi-Fi throughout
High-speed fiber across the entire property, inside and out.
Contactless self check-in
Digital door code sent prior to arrival. Arrive whenever the ride finishes.
One room, or the whole hacienda
Five bedrooms, each with its own character. Take a single sanctuary or secure exclusive access for your entire group.
The Whole Hacienda
The complete Hacienda experience. Access to all five bedrooms, the private courtyard, spa pool, cinema room, and riverfront grounds. Ideal for cycling crews, family gatherings, and trail groups.
Master bedroom (w.ensuite)
Generous queen room with a private ensuite, generous natural light, and a peaceful morning atmosphere.
Frida Kahlo Room
Queen bed, rich color, and a wall of local art. Peaceful garden views.
Diego Maradonna Room
Twin single beds, well spaced. Designed specifically for trail buddies sharing.
Riverview Room
Queen bed with the Clutha directly below the window.
Garden Room
A quiet queen on the sunny side, tucked away from the main living spaces.
Built around the bike
Four of New Zealand's best trails meet within riding distance of the front gate — the Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan, Roxburgh Gorge, and Clutha Gold. Roll in off any of them and everything you need is already here: a locked shed for the bikes, a bench and a track pump, a laundry that will deal with two weeks of chamois, and a spa pool with a view of the ranges.
Explore the TrailsDining & Self-Catering
Dine out at Central Otago’s finest local eateries or bring takeaway back to the hacienda. Use the provided guest fridge to chill your wine, and find all necessary plates, bowls, and cutlery ready for use. Please note that full kitchen access requires a whole-house booking and excludes individual rooms.
You've picked the right corner of the South Island
Guest Services & Experiences
Waterfront Retreat
Exclusive whole-house bookings for up to ten.
Master Suite
Deep soaking tub and private sunny ensuite.
Frida Kahlo Room
Rich colors, local artwork, and garden views.
Diego Maradona Room
Twin single setup built for trail buddies.
The Tiny House
Secluded standalone micro-dwelling with private deck
Alpine Descent Trail
High-altitude switchbacks through pine forests with panoramic valley views.
Lakeside Loop
Gentle gravel circuit hugging the shoreline with rest stops and swimming coves.
Ridge Traverse
Technical single-track along exposed ridgelines with wildflower meadows.
Valley Floor Cruise
Easy-grade paved path through farmland, vineyards, and river crossings.
Forest Canopy Trail
Shaded woodland route with boardwalk sections and native bird hides.
Overnight Backcountry
Two-day gravel route with wilderness camping and river ford crossings.
Coastal Expedition
Multi-day cliff-top trail with beachside bivouacs and seafood stops.
Mountain Circuit
Three-day alpine loop with hut-to-hut accommodation and summit passes.
Desert Crossing
Remote outback traverse with star-camp sites and ancient rock formations.
River Valley Route
Riverside bikepacking with hot spring camps and gorge swimming holes.
Heritage & Culture Tour
Guided ride through historic villages, artisan workshops, and local markets.
Wine Trail Experience
Curated vineyard visits with tastings, cheese pairings, and cellar tours.
Wildlife Safari Ride
Dawn expedition with expert naturalists through native wildlife corridors.
Photography Tour
Golden-hour rides to scenic lookouts with pro photography coaching.
Gastronomy Tour
Farm-to-table cycling with cooking classes, foraging, and local feasts.
Book your stay at The Mad Hacienda
Direct bookings include a complimentary bottle of local Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Check availabilityFrequently Asked Questions
How far are you from Queenstown and Dunedin airports?
Both Queenstown and Dunedin airports are approximately an hour’s drive from Alexandra, making The Mad Hacienda an easy base whether starting, ending, or hosting a South Island trail trip.
Do you offer bike hire or shuttle services?
While we don’t hire bikes directly, we partner with trusted local operators—including Bike It Now and Trail Journeys—for bike rentals, luggage transfers, and trail shuttles. Contact us prior to arrival and we will coordinate your logistics.
Can you arrange luggage transfers for multi-day rides?
Yes. Local operators run daily luggage and shuttle connections across the Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan, and Clutha Gold trails directly to our front gate.
What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
A 30% deposit secures your reservation, with the balance due 14 days prior to arrival. Cancellations made more than 30 days before check-in receive a full refund. Cancellations within 30 days will be refunded for any nights we are able to re-book. (Whole-house bookings may carry specific group terms confirmed at booking).
Are pets allowed?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in ground-floor rooms by prior arrangement. Please contact us prior to booking to confirm availability for pet-friendly setups.
Is there anything to do if we don't ride?
Plenty. The property is regularly booked by non-cyclists coming for the local wineries, gold-rush history, river gorge jet boating, orchards, and clear night skies.
How does check-in work?
Check-in is entirely self-serviced via a unique digital door code issued before arrival. No key handovers or arrival deadline pressures.
Is there enough parking for multiple cars and bike trailers?
Yes. We provide free on-site parking accommodating multiple vehicles, vans, and dedicated bike trailers.
Is the kitchen available to room guests?
Kitchen access is not included with individual room bookings. Guests can store food and drinks in the provided fridge and enjoy nearby restaurants and takeaway options. Plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery are provided.