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
• Five course degustation dinner nightly
• Full breakfast daily
• Unforgettable Milford Sound exclusive helicopter flight
• Gourmet lunch with complimentary wine

Milford Magic packages start from NZ$6450 in a Robson 44 helicopter.

* Milford Magic valid through to 30 September 2012

HELI SKI ADVENTURE

Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet & Harris Mountain Heli Ski, combine to tailor make the ultimate winter duo.  The helicopter picks you up from the front lawn of the Lodge and in mere minutes you are skiing some of the world’s best terrain. As a Guest at Whare Kea Lodge you also have exclusive access to the Whare Kea Chalet. Call in and have lunch at 5700ft directly opposite Mt Aspiring! Fly back down to ‘base camp” (Lodge) to a massage in your room after a soak in the hot tub. Enjoy a glass of local pinot. Freshen up just in time for pre dinner drinks and canapés followed by your five course degustation dinner-wow truly unforgettable!

Lodge tariff starts from NZ$1400+ GST and includes pre dinner drinks, canapes, five course degustation dinner and a la carte breakfast daily.

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.

Gourmet lunch with altitude adventure starts from NZ$1500.  (2 Guests) in a Robson 44 Helicopter
* Gourmet lunch valid through to 30 April 2012

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.

Flight of the Kea packages start from NZ$1685. (2 guests)

* Flight of the Kea Adventure valid through to 30 April 2012

WILDERNESS, WINE & CUISINE
On arrival at Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet- part of the Relais & Chateaux collection- make yourself comfortable, relax and immerse in the beauty that surrounds you. Enjoy pre dinner drinks & canapés followed by a five course degustation dinner.

Following dinner, retire to your Deluxe room and sleep soundly dreaming of tomorrows’ adventures.

After a thoroughly indulgent breakfast enjoy a hosted lakeside walk along the Millennium Track, walking towards the village of Wanaka.  Arrive at the picturesque Rippon Vineyard, and be greeted by your guide and horses.  Vineyard trail ride through the vineyard learning the history of Wanaka and the Rippon Vineyard along the way, finishing with a wine tasting.

Return to the Lodge for lunch or perhaps take a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the many lakeside walking tracks.

Wilderness, Wine & Cuisine Package Includes:
• 2 nights' accommodation in a Deluxe room
• Pre dinner drinks, canapés nightly
• Five course tasting menu nightly
• Full breakfasts daily
• Hosted walk on the Millennium Track
• Vineyard trail ride for 2 guests
• Wine tasting at Rippon Vineyard
• Lunch at Whare Kea Lodge

NZ$3620 (2 Guests)

*Wilderness, Wine + Cuisine valid through to 30 April 2012

WHARE KEA EXTREME 3 TO 4 DAYS ADVENTURE
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.

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).

Extreme adventure is one of many adventures that we are more than happy to tailor make and price on application.

LAKE CRUISE & NATURE WALK
Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely cruise to the remote and magical island which also plays home to the Buff Weka (one of New Zealand’s most endangered native birds).  Mou Waho Island is a unique glacial remnant of the last ice age; the island is also the historic site of early ship building and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake.

A well-formed track takes you on a magical adventure climbing steadily through native bush toward Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top you will see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very unique! From the top you will have a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool.

As part of this wonderful journey you are able to plant a native tree on the island. This is a unique opportunity to give back to the environment and this special place.

The 4 hour excursion is one not to be missed.

Departs daily 9am + 1.30pm - NZ$180. Per Guests

CENTRAL OTAGO WINE TOUR
The Central Otago vineyards have an international reputation for Pinot Noir perfection!

Why not enjoy a private half or full day tour through the region which takes in many of the smaller vineyards – meet with the wine makers and sample their beautiful creations along the way. Enjoy lunch at one of the vineyard cafes and relax as you absorb many of the delights this region has to offer.

New Zealand’s highest and the world’s most southerly wine growing region should not be missed!

We are more than happy to tailor make a half or full day wine tour.  Choose from Harley Davidsons, luxury vehicles, funny French cars or helicopter tours.