Whare Kea Lodge and Chalet
Set on the shores of Lake Wanaka, Whare Kea Lodge and Chalet blends contemporary luxury with breathtaking alpine scenery. The lodge features elegant suites, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service, while the exclusive mountain chalet offers a secluded retreat for adventure and relaxation. Guests enjoy tailored experiences, from heli-skiing to lake activities, all in a tranquil, architecturally stunning setting.
Quick Facts
Gallery
Amenities
Dining Experience
• Heli-Accessed Alpine Picnics and Chalet Dinners – Signature experience featuring chef-prepared cuisine at the remote Whare Kea Chalet on the Buchanan mountain range, accessible by helicopter for an unforgettable alpine dining adventure.
• Curated Wine Pairings – Extensive selection of fine New Zealand wines expertly paired with each meal, enhancing the flavors of the region’s seasonal produce.
• Seamless Access to Wanaka’s Culinary Scene – Personalized recommendations and arrangements for acclaimed local venues such as Kika (modern sharing plates), Bistro Gentil (French-inspired lakeside dining), and the historic Cardrona Hotel for après ski drinks and hearty fare.
Après Ski
Whare Kea Lodge and Chalet offers an exclusive alpine dining experience with gourmet meals prepared by private chefs, focusing on fresh, locally sourced New Zealand produce and fine wines. Guests enjoy bespoke menus in the elegant lodge dining room or alfresco on the terrace overlooking Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The lodge’s signature experience includes heli-accessed mountain picnics and private dinners at the remote Whare Kea Chalet on the Buchanan mountain range, where guests can savor chef-prepared cuisine in a dramatic alpine setting. While the lodge itself is secluded, Wanaka’s vibrant dining scene is a short drive away, featuring acclaimed venues such as Kika for modern sharing plates, Bistro Gentil for French-inspired fare with lake views, and the lively Cardrona Hotel for classic après ski drinks and hearty pub meals. For a unique après ski experience, visit the Gin and Raspberry Bar for cocktails with panoramic lake vistas or enjoy local craft beers at Rhyme and Reason Brewery. Whare Kea Lodge’s personalized service ensures seamless access to both refined in-house dining and the best of Wanaka’s culinary and social offerings.
Ski Resort Guide
View Destination →Cardrona Alpine Resort
Weather Forecast · 1,260m – 1,909m
This resort is currently closed for the season. Southern Hemisphere resorts typically operate May–October.
Limited snow coverage and no snow in the forecast.
Cardrona Alpine Resort is experiencing a very poor season with only 15% of the average snowfall to date. Current conditions show no recent snowfall, and the forecast predicts no new snow in the coming weeks. Warm temperatures and a high freezing level further threaten snow preservation.
Satellite data shows 0cm at both base and summit, and season snowfall is only 28cm, indicating limited coverage.
No snowfall has been recorded in the last 24 hours or 7 days, resulting in a score of 0.
The 14-day forecast predicts no snowfall, resulting in a score of 0.
The season is at 15% of the 5-year average, scoring 4 for being significantly below normal.
Shows daily snowfall predictions from 7 weather models. Black line = SnowSure™ weighted average.
Over the past five years, average seasonal snowfall has been slightly below the 30-year average (11.5 cm vs. 12.9 cm), indicating a modest downward trend. However, the current season's snowfall is more than double both the 5-year and 30-year averages, representing a significant positive anomaly. This sharp increase follows several years of below-average snowfall, highlighting substantial year-to-year variability and a recent reversal of the declining trend.
Plan Your Trip to Cardrona Alpine Resort
Predictions are based on historical patterns and current season performance. Actual conditions may vary. Season dates are estimates and vary by resort.
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