A seven-room lodge on the shores of Lake Wanaka with Southern Alps views. Helicopter skiing, mountaineering guides, and a home-style dining program centered on New Zealand produce.
Why We Chose It
5.0 • Lodge Set on the shores of Lake Wānaka beneath the Southern Alps, Whare Kea is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular luxury lodges — a striking glass-and-timber retreat designed to feel immersed in the surrounding landscape. The property combines contemporary architecture with expansive lake and mountain views, offering six suites, outdoor hot tubs, private chef options, and a deeply secluded atmosphere just minutes from central Wānaka. What makes Whare Kea especially unique is its companion alpine chalet high in the mountains, accessible only by helicopter, where guests can stay overnight surrounded by glaciers and wilderness. The experience feels less like a traditional hotel and more like a private luxury retreat built for adventure, heli-skiing, hiking, and complete immersion in New Zealand’s South Island scenery.
What Stands Out
- Lake Wanaka shoreline
- Southern Alps panorama
- Heli-skiing access
- Private dining program
- Seven-room intimate scale