Description
Whare Kea Lodge is located on 70 acres of private farmland on the shores of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand's southern lakes district. This inspiring building captures the full beauty of its lakeside setting and alpine views with enormous picture windows, whilst providing the ultimate in sophisticated and luxurious accommodation for guests.
Whare Kea Lodge provides a relaxing base to absorb the ambience of this lakeside resort; all six rooms and suites overlook the lake and mountains with direct access to a sundeck with spectacular vistas. The central living area has three lounges, a library, bar and billiard room and dining room and there is plenty to keep you occupied when not out exploring the surrounding region.
The Lake Wanaka enjoys four distinct seasons with warm, dry summers and cold, crisp winters. Enjoy tout and salmon fishing in summer or go heli-skiing in the Harris or Buchanan mountain ranges in winter - the choices in this region are endless and you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish.
Whare Kea also boasts an exclusive Alpine Chalet, high on a mountain in Mount Aspiring National Park, offering luxury where you would least expect it. Make your way up the mountain by helicopter and take in your stunning surrounds before relaxing with a glass of champagne as the stars come out high above the snow-capped peaks.
Accommodation
Whare Kea has six suites and deluxe rooms, and all have access to the large sundeck, luxurious bathrooms, dressing rooms, Bose sound systems and wireless internet. There is also a two bedroom mountain chalet accessible by helicopter and ideal for an overnight stay. A personal host and mountain guide are there exclusively to look after you and seasonal activities in this stunning, remote region include walking and skiing.
Childcare
Children under 15 are welcome when the lodge is booked on an exclusive basis and in these circumstance the menus, activities etc will all be tailored by the attentive staff to suit the younger members of the party.
Facilities
Guests at Whare Kea are offered a five course tasting menu each evening as well as a hearty breakfast and a range of lunch options depending on where your day is taking you. Evening drinks and canapés are a great way for staff and guests to get to know each other and chat about their own individual experiences from that day. Fine Australian and New Zealand wines, and French champagne compliment the cuisine here.
Activities
Activities can be as relaxed as a stroll round Lake Wanaka, a massage, golf or fly fishing. Or you may prefer to go heli-skiing or climb a mountain and then mountain bike down. Activities here are seasonal with trout and salmon, kayaking, hunting, helicopter scenic flights and rafting being some of the other things you might wish to try in this vast adventure playground. Please note that Whare Kea has some of the best guides there are, with a huge amount of experience between them.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Wanaka, New Zealand
Whare Kea Lodge is on the right hand side of the Mt Aspiring Road, near the township of Wanaka in the Southern Lakes district of New Zealand.
How to get there
Just over an hour's drive from Queenstown Airport, or about 5.5-hour scenic drive from Christchurch Airport,
