Meet Your Host

Hosting that feels personal, genuine, and entirely authentic.

INTRODUCING

G'day. I'm Henrik.

Your host, your problem-solver, and the person behind Mad Hacienda.

Dutch by birth and Central Otago by choice, I came to New Zealand in 2004 and have called this part of the country home ever since. For the last fifteen years, I have been running Rent-A-Room and managing more than a hundred rooms across the Queenstown and Wanaka region.

Now, Mad Hacienda is my own place in Alexandra. It is a five-bedroom villa built around the things I enjoy most: cycling, the outdoors, good company, and having a comfortable place to come back to after a day out.

I am a mountain biker and bike packer myself, so I understand what you want when you get off the bike. You want somewhere comfortable, secure, relaxed, and well looked after.

Why I Built This Place

I came to New Zealand in 2004 looking for a different way of life. Central Otago quickly became a place I wanted to call home. Over the years, my work running accommodation across Queenstown and Wanaka taught me what makes a stay genuinely enjoyable. It is not always about luxury or having the biggest list of facilities. Often, it comes down to the simple things being right.

Mad Hacienda is my chance to create that kind of place myself.

It is a five-bedroom villa in Alexandra designed with cyclists and active travellers in mind. There is secure bike storage, a workshop, comfortable furniture, nice views, a cinema, a sauna, and a spa pool. Most importantly, it is a place where you can slow down, recover, and enjoy Central Otago at your own pace.

Why I Love Hosting Here

Central Otago is a special place to live and explore. The landscapes are dramatic, the cycling is excellent, and there is plenty of space to step away from a busy routine. As a mountain biker and bikepacker, I know how good it feels to finish a long ride and have somewhere comfortable waiting for you.

I like meeting people who come here to ride, explore, relax, or simply experience a different part of New Zealand. Whether you are travelling alone, riding with friends, or visiting as a group, I want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. For me, good hosting is simple. Keep the place comfortable, make the useful things easy, and give guests the space to enjoy their stay.

Different Guests, Same Genuine Care

For Cyclists & Bikepacking Riders

You need secure storage, proper recovery, and someone who understands the demands of multi-day riding. That's what we've built here — a base that takes your bike and your body seriously.

For Solo Travelers

You're here for space, good food, and genuine interaction. You'll get all three — no false enthusiasm, just honest hosting and someone who enjoys good conversation over dinner.

For Groups & Crews

Families. Cycling teams. Milestone weekends. You get the run of the house, hosting support, shared spaces, and someone who handles logistics so your group can focus on connection.

How I Manage Your Stay

Personal inspections every 7-10 days

Not a manager’s report. My eyes on every detail. Clean rooms, working facilities, nothing left to chance.

Available 24/7

Something needs fixing at midnight? A question before your ride? You can reach me. Genuine service doesn’t keep office hours.

Hands-on maintenance oversight

I personally manage what gets fixed and how quickly. A broken shower isn’t delegated and forgotten — it’s my problem to solve.

Quality over occupancy

I don’t overcrowd this place. Rooms are comfortable because they’re not packed beyond what makes sense. Your experience matters more than maximizing bookings.

Real attention to cleanliness

This gets serious attention. Housekeeping standards aren’t something I check once — they’re actively monitored and enforced every day.

Know what you’re getting

Clear information before you arrive. House rules that make sense. No surprises, no hidden catches — just honest communication about what to expect.

Experience the Difference Yourself

Book your stay at Mad Hacienda and discover what personal, attentive service feels like. You arrive, and we take it from there.

Check availability Get in touch