Spend your days ski touring based out of the luxury Whare Kea Chalet with your experienced guide.
Surrounded by spectacular mountains the area offers some of the best backcountry terrain around. The Chalet is located on Albert Burn Saddle at 1750m. Access is by helicopter, so there's no need to carry a heavy pack and you can add in that extra self-indulgence. Return to the Chalet in the evening for a delicious meal prepared for you by your host. With the comfort of gas heating, comfy made-up beds in private double rooms and breath taking views, the Chalet is the perfect way to spend you winter luxury holiday.
Check out the view (and the snow) at the Chalet today : Whare Kea Webcam
Prior to the start of the trip
Meet with your guide at our offices 5:30pm on the evening prior to departure. Your guide will check all your clothing and equipment and ensure that you have everything that is required for the 3 days of the tour. Rental equipment is issued and last minute purchases can be made. Plans are finalised for an early morning departure.
Day One
We drive to the magnificent Matukituki Valley and meet our helicopter at Cattle Flat, just past the Treble Cone Ski Area. After a short scenic flight we are dropped off at the luxurious Whare Kea Chalet. Welcome to your home for the next few days ! Check out the fabulous views, select one of the bedrooms (made up beds woo!), and unpack your gear. No bunk beds here! Lots of space to relax in. Head out for a quick introductory ski/snowboard tour close to the hut to get your legs in action. After lunch, the afternoon can be spent relaxing or you can head out for a few more runs before returning to the Chalet for your awaiting apres ski drinks and a delicious dinner prepared by your host. Relax on the comfortable lounge suites and watch the sunset behind Mt Aspiring.
Day Two
After a leisurely breakfast it's time to head out for a full day backcountry riding or skiing. The varied terrain will satisfy those looking for steep slopes as well as those who just want to take it gently. Take a packed lunch or arrange to head back to the lodge for a cooked meal (and maybe an afternoon nap!) Watch out for Keas who have lots of tricks to steal your picnic food.
Day Three
Maximise your time this morning to make the most of the last day in this Alpine Paradise. Enjoy the snow as after lunch it's sadly time to pack the gear up and head out for pick up by the helicopter to transfer you back to the valley and town. Take with you wonderful memories and photos of your special time in the mountains.
It's just a 20 minute helicopter flight to your luxury hide-away in the mountains, but it feels like a world away from the busy ski town of Wanaka.
Spend time exploring the extensive terrain in the area with your expert guide. Enjoy delicious meals prepared by your host as you relax and enjoy the views from the Chalet at 1750m. Heli back out in the afternoon on the last day.
Located on Albert Burn Saddle in the Matukituki Valley, the Whare Kea Chalet is a short helicopter flight from the base of the Treble Cone access road.
The Chalet was designed to have minimal environmental impact. Martyn Meyer (Australian Myer group), who has an engineering background, conceived the layout, unique external steel structure and the environmentally conscious power and waste systems. The roof holds snow, providing both additional insulation and camouflage in winter; solar cells produce power and bottled propane gas is used for heating and cooking.
It took two years of challenges and courage to construct with everything flown in by helicopter. Martyn has often remarked that getting the land was the easy part (an agreement with the Department of Conservation). The Chalet has an A-frame steel exoskeleton and is anchored by gabion baskets filled with rocks. It can withstand winds of 300km per hour and a two-metre snow pack on the roof. It was designed to be able to be removed without leaving a footprint on the environment.
Availability
| Trip Date | Available |
|---|---|
| July to September 2023 | Private groups or individuals only, Inquire today! |
Pricing
| Client Ratio | Price |
|---|---|
| 1:1 | $8,250 |
| 1:2 | $5,250 pp |
| 1:3 3 days | $4,250 pp |
| 1:4 3 days | $3,750 pp |
What's included
- NZMGA/IFMGA qualified guide
- Chalet host
- Accommodation for 2 nights - includes made-up beds, gas heating, solar power (ability to charge camera batteries)
- Helicopter flight into and out from lodge
- All meals and energy snacks
- Park concession fees
- Any technical gear required ie., crampons, ice axe, harness etc.
- GST
Frequently asked questions
No. Most people use shuttle bus transport or a taxi service from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka. If you stay in accommodation in central Wanaka then you will not need to rent a car. Most cafes, restaurants and activities are within easy walking distance.
The closest airport to us is in Queenstown. There are regular shuttles between Wanaka and Queenstown airport (one-hour drive).
For shuttle and taxi information:
Queenstown -Wanaka
Ritchies Connectabus
Yello Taxi Service
Christchurch - Wanaka
InterCity Coachlines
Equipment Detail
You will need to bring your own Skis and Boots, with all other safety gear provided.
Equipment Detail Checklist & order form
A relaxing getaway with an old mate combined with a cool lodge and back country skiing. Awesome slopes. Staying at Whare Kea Chalet was an amazing place with awesome facilities and luxury beds with a view of the Milky Way! Back country ski touring wi...read more
Murray, New Zealand, Whare Kea Ski Chalet
