Wanaka
Whare Kea Chalet
The Altitude: 5,700 feet.
The Perch: Tucked into the glacial snow of the South Island’s Southern Alps, the steel-and-glass Whare Kea Chalet at first looks like a forest ranger’s hut as interpreted by architect I. M. Pei. But looks aren’t everything: those are solar cells adorning the A-frame roof; a small wind turbine whirs on-site.
The Journey: You’ll be picked up by helicopter in the nearby town of Queenstown, then lofted on a 20-minute ride over Lake Wanaka and among the craggy Southern Alps to the lodge. If you visit in winter, bring your “fat boys”—heli-skiing is big here, and a great way to carve your own path in the adjacent, powder-heavy Buchanans Range.
The Best View: There are only two rooms in the chalet; both have equally sweeping views. Look for Mount Aspiring, the Lucas Glaciers, and Aoraki/ Mount Cook—the highest peak in New Zealand—from your bed.
Amenities
Open / Closes- Adults Only
- Breakfast Included
- Handicapped Accessible
- Laundry Service
- Luxury Boutique Hotel
- Maid Service
- Meal Plan
- Non-Traditional
- Skiing
- WiFi
Number of Rooms: 2
Number of Suites: 4
Year Opened: 1996
Other:
