Whare Kea Lodge is situated within unrivaled alpine surrounds. Getting into the mountains is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the landscape.
Whether it’s exploring Mt. Aspiring National park, enjoying one of the many incredible day hikes; overnight hikes from the Whare Kea Chalet, rock climbing; ice climbing or summiting a challenging peak with a local guide – there is something for everyone.
Hunting season, between April and July, also provides an alternative way to explore the Southern Alps.
e climbing or summiting a challenging peak with a local guide – there is something for everyone.
Hunting season, between April and July, also provides an alternative way to explore the Southern Alps.
Climbing
A multifaceted and compelling playground for beginners and rock obsessives alike, Wanaka is home to New Zealand’s most concentrated sport climbing area. With almost 1000 routes, ranging from bouldering on the lake front to multi-pitch adventures on the fringes of Mount Aspiring National Park. Progress your skills with a local guide or hire equipment from our local outdoor store.
Alternatively, conquer the highest waterfall cable climb in the world with the legendary guides at Wildwire Wanaka.
Hunting
Hunting season, between April and July, provides an alternative way to explore the Southern Alps. For those seeking game in the hinterland of Wanaka, red deer and chamois are in abundance and can be hunted year-round.
Slightly further afield, tahr is the ultimate target, with New Zealand being the only place this magnificent beast can be freely hunted. Native to the Himalayas, tahr were introduced by early European settlers and flourished.
Hunting in our region takes place on both private and public land, depending on the hunting guide, and hunting grounds are accessed by four-wheel drive or helicopter.
Hikes
We have an abundance of beautiful day walks in Whare Kea’s Lodges immediate surrounds. The Millennium Track can be accessed directly from the lodge, which follows the edge of the Lake, either to the town of Wanaka or towards the mountains and onwards to the beautiful Glendhu Bay.
A short drive away is the Diamond Lake Conservation Area, where a gentle walk will take you to the picturesque Diamond Lake, with options to continue above for spectacular views of Lake Wanaka.
Further afield, a 45-minute drive brings you to the Rob Roy Valley and a walk by the Matukituki River, rising through an old Beech forest to an alpine meadow just beneath the Rob Roy Glacier. Kea can be spotted on this hike- endemic to New Zealand our namesake is the world’s only alpine parrot!
Day hikes from the Whare Kea Chalet can with private guide and a hosted lunch can be arranged or as well as more challenging multi-day options.
Many routes await and can be recommended based on your preferences and experience. Whatever that me be, it is guaranteed that you will be taken to utterly beautiful and breath-taking places.
