Activity Packages

Below are a list of our seasonal specials. Please check back often for updates and please don't hesitate to ask us about any of these packages.



100% PURE POWDER & PARADISE
After you and your friends have enjoyed a beautiful breakfast at Whare Kea, your private chartered helicopter will pick you up right from the front lawn. Enjoy a premium world-class heli skiing day in the unforgettable Southern Alps with your incredibly experienced guide. Indulge in your gourmet lunch served at the exclusive Whare Kea Chalet nestled high up on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park. Fly back down to the Lodge and slip into the hot tub with a glass of local Pinot Noir and take in the day’s adventure. Chalet Image

    Your experience includes:
  • 3 nights stylish accommodation in a twin share Deluxe Room
  • Pre-dinner drinks & canapés nightly
  • Four course table d’hote dinners nightly
  • Full energy -filled breakfast daily
  • 1 day world-class heli skiing
  • Private charter helicopter for heli skiing- one helicopter. No limits!
  • Complimentary lunch served at 1750 metres at our ultimate, unique and unforgettable mountain Chalet.
More Info

NZ$3450 per person inc gst

(Please Note: Valid to 31.10.10; each Powder & Paradise Package sold is based on 4 guests participating in the experience, with two twin share rooms booked for three consecutive nights and is subject to availability)


WHARE KEA’S MILFORD MAGIC
The helicopter lands right before your eyes on Whare Kea’s front lawn. Collect your gourmet lunch and don’t forget your camera - the day’s adventures have begun! Traverse the Southern Alps to the outstanding West Coast and into spectacular Milford sound. Experience breathtaking views, waterfalls and wildlife. Enjoy a number of wilderness landings along the way.

    For 2 guests:
  • 2 nights stylish accommodation in a Deluxe Room
  • Pre-dinner drinks & canapés nightly
  • Four course table d’hote dinners nightly
  • Full breakfast daily
  • Unforgettable Milford Sound exclusive helicopter flight
  • Gourmet lunch with complimentary wine
More Info

Milford Magic packages start from NZ$5910 (2 persons)

* This package is subject to availability & weather conditions. Valid until 31st October 2010. For enquiries after these dates, please contact our Reservations Team on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it



UNIQUE SOUTHERN ALPS OVERNIGHT CHALET EXPERIENCE
Aspiring Helicopters will land on the front lawn of Whare Kea Lodge to whisk you, your host and your guide away. Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight over Lake Wanaka and up towards Whare Kea Chalet nestled high in the Southern Alps. Land on the top of Dragon Fly Peak with your Guide and enjoy a magnificent alpine hike down to Whare Kea Chalet. At the Chalet you will be welcomed by your host, settle back and enjoy a glass of Champagne with nothing distracting your mountainous views. Enjoy your delicious Whare Kea dinner in the evening Alpen glow and the silence of New Zealand’s Buchanan Mountain range. Sleep soundly under the Southern stars secure in the remoteness from the cares of every day life. Awaken to the sound of silence and indulge in a hearty breakfast with Mt. Cook to the northeast and Mt Aspiring to the west. Aspiring Helicopters will arrive at the Chalet to fly you scenically back to the Lodge.

More Info

Overnight packages start from NZ$4950. (2 persons)

* This package is subject to availability & weather conditions. Valid from 1st November 2010 until 30th April 2011. For enquiries after these dates, please contact our Reservations Team on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 



GOURMET LUNCH WITH ALTITUDE
Have you ever wanted to do lunch at 5700ft (1750m).  Just say the word and Aspiring Helicopters will land on the front lawn of Whare Kea Lodge to pick you and your host up. Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight over Lake Wanaka and up towards the Whare Kea Chalet nestled high in the Southern Alps. Indulge in a gourmet lunch on “top of the world” with views of Mt. Cook to the northeast and Mt Aspiring to the west. In winter, the chalet is blanketed by snow; in spring a vista of alpine flowers surrounds it. Fly back over the Matukituki River, arriving back on the lawn at the Lodge.

More Info

Gourmet lunch packages start from NZ$1600 (2 persons).
* This package is subject to availability & weather conditions. Valid until 31st October 2010. For enquiries after these dates, please contact our Reservations Team on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it



FLIGHT OF THE KEA
Follow the flight path of the native Kea (mountain parrot). Wanaka River Journeys will pick you up at Whare Kea Lodge and take you to the braided and ever-changing Matukituki River. Thrill in shallow water jet boating at its best. The Matukituki River is one of New Zealand’s most powerful and pristine jet boating rivers and is surrounded by the peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park. Experience a wilderness walk through native beech forest alongside a mountain stream to a waterfall. Be met by Aspiring Helicopters who will continue your journey of the Kea. Fly scenically around Glaciers and up towards the Whare Kea Chalet nestled at 5700ft (1750m) high in the Southern Alps. Indulge in a gourmet lunch on the Chalet deck with views of Mt. Cook to the northeast and Mt Aspiring to the west. In winter, the Chalet is blanketed by snow; in spring a vista of alpine flowers surrounds it. After lunch, spread your wings and stroll around taking in all the photo opportunities. Return via helicopter to the valley floor and Cattle Flat station. Your host will drive you through the Matukituki valley, joining the lake at beautiful honeymoon bay continuing back to the Lodge.

More Info

Flight of the Kea packages start from NZ$1600. (2 persons)

* This package is subject to availability & weather conditions. Valid until 30th April 2010 with adventure re-commencing 1st November 2010. For enquiries after these dates, please contact our Reservations Team on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it



ALBERT BURN & DRAGONFLY PEAK - 4 Days
For people who wish to experience the remote areas of the Mt Aspiring region, this trek is a constantly changing journey through wild New Zealand. From temperate rain forest to the summits of high alpine peaks, this route is one of the most exciting mountain trips in New Zealand. This route follows the remote Albert Burn river from its’ mouth on Lake Wanaka to its source and climbs Dragonfly Peak (2165m) giving the most outstanding views of Mt Aspiring (3000m). No heavy packs needed, accommodation is a combination of one night camping and two nights at Whare Kea Chalet at Albert Burn Saddle.

Albert Burn Trek Albert Burn View

Itinerary:
Day 1. The Albert Burn is a remote valley at the north end of Lake Wanaka. We start the day early, with one of several options for accessing the lower Albert Burn; either a helicopter flight right from the front lawn of Whare Kea Lodge, or a drive to Makarora at the north end of Lake Wanaka and from there either jet boating in or taking a light aircraft.

The first morning’s walk (3 hours) is along the river flats to the Albert Burn Hut, sharing the pasture with cattle from Albert Burn Station. After lunch we leave the cattle behind when a well defined track takes us through the beech forest to the top flat located at the junction of the North and South Branches of the Albert Burn (4½ hours). Along the way we will stop and visit the beautiful waterfall about one hour from the hut at the junction of the unnamed stream and the Albert Burn.

Day 2. Day two begins early with steady climbing up the track through the beech forest to tree line (2hours) then along the track amongst the tussocks to the base of the Albert Burn gorge where we stop for lunch and those brave enough a very cool swim – (2½ hours).

The afternoon’s hiking begins with a 1 hour climb up beside the gorge to the hanging valley above, which forms the head of the Albert Burn. Once in the hanging valley it is 1 hour of easy walking in along the gravel river bed to the climb to the Albert Burn Saddle. From here it is a climb for 2hrs up tussock slopes to the Saddle where we will spend two nights at the incomparable Whare Kea Chalet which boasts that ultimate mountain luxury – a hot shower along with a sumptuous meal!

Day 3. The third day begins with a more relaxed later start with the aim of exploring the lesser peaks around the Chalet. Two options are available – an exploration of the peaks around Dragonfly Peak just to the south of the Chalet (2 - 4 hours) or alternatively for the more ambitious a trek to the north along the ridge to the top of “Galactic Bypass”, (6 hours). Of course those who would rather spend an even more relaxed day then the day can be spent exploring the alpine meadows which surround the Chalet. Conclude the day with a glass of champagne whilst watching the sunset over Mount Aspiring followed by a delicious dinner.

Day 4. The last day begins with a direct ascent of Dragonfly Peak (1 hour). Dragonfly offers outstanding close up views of the Mt Aspiring massif and extensive views to Mt Cook to the north (100km away) and Mt Earnslaw to the south. From the summit of Dragonfly Peak the route descends the south side of the mountain then along the long ridge towards Mt Estre following deer trails for much of the way to the ridge above the tree line above the junction of the East and west Branches of the Matukituki River. Then sit back and relax soaking up the ambience whilst waiting for the helicopter pick up and flight back to Whare Kea Lodge (5 - 6 hours).

More Info

The Albert Burn & Dragonfly Peak Trek package is just one of the many adventures that can be tailored by Whare Kea Lodge to suit the individual guests needs. Price is on application and is dependent upon inclusions.

* This package is subject to availability & weather conditions. For enquiries, please contact our Reservations Team on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it



CELEBRATE THE DIFFERENCE

We invite you to “celebrate the difference” of two stunning properties and their equally stunning yet different locations.

Located in the heart of Queenstown, just 50 metres from Lake Wakatipu, the award winning Spire Hotel stands out like “Stiletto’s at a Greenpeace Rally”. With just 10 suites, Spire guests receive the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Each room has it’s own private balcony, stone clad fireplace, soft lighting, fine furnishings and luxurious linens – there’s even a pillow menu… Your stay also includes a complimentary half day exclusive tour of Central Otago’s best vineyards.

Suite Image

Add the lakeside location of Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet, Lake Wanaka and you will instantly celebrate the subtle differences that capture these two outstanding properties.

Suite Image

Whare Kea Lodge is a member of the illustrious Relais & Chateaux collection. Privately located above the shores of Lake Wanaka, Whare Kea appears to float above water. The Lodge’s design and position captures the true beauty and grandeur of its lakeside setting and alpine views, whilst providing the ultimate in accommodation.

    Celebrate the Difference Package Includes:
  • Airport transfers from Queenstown to The Spire
  • Champagne & chocolates on arrival at the Spire
  • 2 nights accommodation in a Junior Suite
  • Full a la carte breakfast daily
  • Half day exclusive wine tour of vineyards of Central Otago
  • Private 4WD transfer to Whare Kea Lodge - Wanaka
  • 2 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Lake View Room
  • Four course table d'hote dinners nightly
  • Full breakfast daily
  • Half Day lake cruise to Mou Waho Island and guided nature walk
  • Transfer to Queenstown Airport
More Info

Celebrate the Difference package is NZ$6000 (2 guests twin share)

* This package is subject to availability. Valid until 31 October 2010. For enquiries after these dates, please contact our Reservations Team on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it