Let us tell you our story.
How Posh Pioneers began..
After almost 50 years of working and holidaying in this remote area of New Zealand, we bought a block of land known as ‘Maharanui’ from an old farming family. Our mission is to respect and preserve the Wairua (Spirit) of this special place and to share this experience with like-minded others. With no road access, Maharanui is home to native birds (including kiwis), bats, and glowworms. We routinely trap possums and other pests and use possum fibre, combined with NZ wool, to make quality items to support our pest eradication programme.
After camping for years, we decided to build “Maharanui Lodge.” We received such positive feedback and encouragement from family, friends, and visitors that we decided to take further steps to share this pristine location with others by building six shepherds’ huts on wheels, a kitchen, and a bathroom, all with modern comforts. Our sons, our friends, and ourselves have become spiritually enlightened by our everyday effort; it is a wonderful journey to be part of.
Sustainability
The Sustainable Lifestyle of Posh Pioneers
Posh Pioneers is based at Maharanui on the Whanganui River. Maharanui means big dreams. We endeavor to preserve and respect the environment to the best of our ability. To us, that means maintaining a very eco-friendly business that will be here for generations to come.
Arriving here is a journey in itself – you can arrive by canoe, jet boat or helicopter. There is no road connecting our retreat to the rest of the world.
Due to our remote location, we operate completely off the grid. We harness the sun’s energy for our electricity, collect rainwater, and have composting toilets. A self-composting toilet is actually very modern and looks a lot like any other flash flush toilet. It simply recycles water and waste in a sustainable way. Along with being self-sustaining, we do have modern comforts such as USB chargers, WiFi, fully-insulated shepherds’ huts, potbelly fires, and luxurious linen.
Many of the activities we offer revolve around living sustainably, using natural materials, preserving and appreciating our environment. We use the vegetables and fruit from our large organic garden that is based on the permaculture principles of earth care, or source them locally.
We would love to share more about our commitment to keeping Posh Pioneers’ footprint small.
Come see for yourself and enjoy Posh Pioneers with its modern comforts.
What People Are Saying
“If you are looking for a real river experience in New Zealand but like the idea of luxury, then Posh Pioneers on the Whanganui River is a must! From the moment you are picked up in the jet boat you know this is going to be special. Heather and Fritz are the most welcoming hosts and their eye for detail in handcrafting the bedroom wagons, shower block, kitchen and dining area are second to none. Good wholesome food sourced locally is never in short supply. It’s simply breathtaking..”
-Jane H
“Heather and Fritz were the perfect hosts. We felt very welcome. Their accommodation was superb, the meal was divine, their warmth and friendliness was so appreciated. Our 3 generation family group of 11 had a perfect stay at Posh Pioneers. Made our canoe trip a ten out of ten.”
— Lorraine O
“Amazing accommodation, Heather and Fritz were perfect host's. I would recommend that it is the perfect stop on your trip down the Whanganui river.”
- Cindy B
“Don’t miss this experience!
Fabulous experience! Especially for tourists from far away who don’t have access to camping equipment. We did the 2 day Blazing Paddles experience with an overnight at Posh Pioneers. Blazing Paddles provided the canoe and all the gear, Posh Paddles provided scones, dinner and breakfast along with a wonderful cabin for the night. Fritz and Heather were great hosts, we so enjoyed getting to know them. The cabin was cozy, shower (indoor or outdoor) was hot, the ATV ride was exhilarating! Would love to spend a week or two there! Highly recommend”
This not the norm as far as accomodation goes. This is a wonderful experience designed by two folk who have an amazing passion for what they do. It is very special and we would recommend everyone experiencing Posh Pioneers.
— Marty B
“What a wonderful place. I would encourage anyone paddling the Whanganui river to stop in at Posh Pioneers. It is off the grid and it delivers on a relaxing yet welcoming environment. You will get amazing food and the best coffee. The hosts are incredible with great stories and a genuine love of the environment they have created and the people who visit. The kids really enjoyed the experience and requested we head back to see Heather and Fritz.”
— Gavin G
Unbelievable experience great hosts make sure this is on your to do list!!
- Cassandra K
This place is incredible a must stay for all ages. Thank you
-Susanna
“Fantastic facilities! Great food, the best ever coffee, and very comfy beds. We loved the jet boat ride, canoeing, bush walking and of course, relaxing.”
- Robyn C