an image

Whare Kea Autumn

Perched on the far shores of Lake Wanaka sits a very special place: Whare Kea Lodge (pronounced ‘far-eh-kee-ah’ meaning ‘house of the Kea’ in Maori) – named after the world’s only alpine parrot that lives high above the snowline in the surrounding mountains. Originally built by the scion’s of Australia’s leading retail family, Martyn and Louise Myer, as a private home, the Myers soon became so intoxicated and passionate about the area that they decided the best thing to do was to share it with as many people as possible. And so it became a boutique hotel inspired by the hospitality the Myers enjoyed on previous trips to Europe. A few years later the lodge earned a place at the distinguished Relais & Chateaux table as one of the world’s best boutique hotels and restaurants. Not bad for first time innkeepers! "

Kate Ayrton, www.wandermelon.com