Lake Wanaka, the fourth largest in New Zealand with its clear blue waters, lapping the feet of the Southern Alps - home to globally sought after ski fields and the dramatic alpine Mount Aspiring National Park - is a wonderland for explorers and adventurers. In all seasons.

Set on it shores is Whare Kea, a secret hideaway offering guests a haven to share the area’s beauty plus perfect access to almost every adventure sport and outdoor pursuit possible. The Lodge, specifically designed to suit the environment, is tailored to work for all seasons providing a luxurious yet intimate and less formal ambience.

Whare Kea – meaning house of the Kea in Maori – is named after the world’s only alpine parrot which lives all year round above the snowline of the surrounding mountains. The Lodge opened in 1996 and became a member of the internationally recognised Relais & Chateaux Family in 2003. Relais & Chateaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries.

A unique alpine escape offering the same philosophy of understated luxury as the Lodge was built a few years later - in a place almost beyond the realms of dreams. The Chalet is situated on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park again with design sensitivity to the local environment which provided the platform for Whare Kea Lodge and Chalet to win the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Environment Design Award for Excellence in 2004.