Elegant alpine & lakeside stays.

Perched on a headland overlooking spectacular Lake Wanaka, in the lower South Island, Whare Kea offers a luxurious stay in contemporary surroundings. In summer the lodge is surrounded by sunny mountain and lake views, farmland and sweeping  plantings of native trees. In winter the landscape sparkles with icy morning frosts, snow-covered peaks and sombre lake views.

Whare Kea is a short drive from the alpine town of Wanaka, surrounded by outdoor activities, world-class fly fishing for trout, and some of the best winter skiing in New Zealand at the Treble Cone and Cardrona ski areas. It is also close to the beautiful Mt Aspiring National Park, one of New Zealand’s more challenging alpine regions where the options range from moderate day walks to full-on mountaineering at altitude and heli-skiing. The lodge has a full service day spa offering a range of body, beauty and massage treatments.

Whare Kea is an exclusive-stay lodge for a maximum of 12 people in six deluxe bedrooms. All bedrooms have Super King beds (which can be split into King singles), walk-in wardrobes, premium furnishings and access to outdoor decking with seating. All bedrooms have en suites, featuring under-floor heating, walk-in showers and deep baths positioned with views of the surrounding landscape. It is the ideal place for an extended family stay, a wedding group or a corporate retreat. A chef is available to cook beautiful food for guests (extra to the rate).

One of the highlights of a stay at Whare Kea is the opportunity to stay at The Chalet – an architecturally designed alpine chalet high in the mountains above the lake, and New Zealand’s only private accommodation in a national park. Sitting at 1750 metres (5,700 feet) it can be reached by a 20 minute helicopter flight from the Whare Kea helipad. Once there, guests can enjoy an amazing mountain getaway in real New Zealand high country, far removed from civilisation. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a true mountain environment.

The Accommodation

• lodge accommodation is in 6 bedrooms: two Master Suites and four Deluxe Rooms and the 3-bdm Alpine Chalet

• Both the Master Suites and the Deluxe rooms have super king (or split twin beds), walk-in wardrobe and private ensuite, writing desk, couch, wifi and access to balcony with lounge chairs

• bathrooms have heated floors, walk-in double-headed showers and separate deep baths

• the Alpine Chalet has two double bedrooms, a spacious loft, a washroom and separate WC, and a bunk room for staff. A Chalet stay is fully catered and staff are on hand to host you

The Main Lodge

• The Lodge has three lounge spaces, one with a large open fire

• decor throughout uses a simple Scandinavian palette, with lots of glass and polished wooden floors

• the lodge also has a bar, dining area, and a games room with a billiard table and TV

• there are several landscaped outdoor dining areas and a private spa pool in the grounds, overlooking the lake

• The Chalet is an architecturally designed alpine ‘hut’ high in the mountains in the Mt Aspiring National Park

• although not large it is very comfortable, with central heating, a full kitchen and steaming hot showers

• there are two double guest bedrooms and a guest loft; a staff bunk room allows room for two staff to stay on site

• the chalet has decks on all four sides and a helipad for easy arrivals and departures

• it is also available for picnics and day adventures