Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek
The Whare Kea Chalet experience redefines a luxury approach to trekking in New Zealand. The Chalet, in association with Aspiring Helicopters, offers exclusive luxury accommodation and a spectacular base for trekking on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. After a day out trekking, or shoeing in winter, relax whilst your guide prepares a full mountain dinner and watch the sunset over the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
Location
Albert Burn Saddle is a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight from the Aspiring Helicopters Matukituki Valley base. Located at 1750 metres on the north side of Dragonfly Peak.
Watch the sunrise on the northern ramparts of Tititea / Mount Aspiring and on clear nights, it is a fantastic place to observe unobscured stars and the southern lights / aurora.
Whare Kea Chalet
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDQwOjUzMA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAyNCA0MDMyIiB3aWR0aD0iMzAyNCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI0MDMyIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg== "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 2")
With two double bedrooms and a spacious loft, the Chalet provides comfortable accommodation for up to six guests including down duvets, a cosy gas fire, and a full kitchen.
The large windows frame views of Tititea / Mount Aspiring, with its tumbling glaciers and steep rock faces, all the way to Aoraki / Mount Cook in the north. Check out the live feed from the window Whare Kea Webcam.
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDUxOjMwNjI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 3")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDU1OjMxODc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 4")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Whare Kea Chalet](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDU5OjMwNzk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 5")
Trekking and Shoeshoing Options
There are a number of day trips possible from the Chalet. Take in waterfalls, summits, or more challenging options north along the exposed ‘Galactic Ridge’ for views over the head of the East Matukituki Valley and Rabbit Pass.
Fitness and Difficulty Requirements
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Albert Burn Saddle Alpine Trekking](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDkyOjI0NTY=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA1NzYiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU3NiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 7")
With a variety of objectives, this trip can accommodate all trekking abilities.
More energetic options require some experience on DOC tracks.
Pricing and Details
| Duration: 1 – 3 days |
| Private dates by arrangement winter and summer |
| 2025 Price: |
| Overnight packages from $2150 per person. Please contact us for more information and to receive a quote specific to your requirements. Optional extras include: helicopter transfers from Queenstown or Wanaka accommodation, and additional scenic helicopter flights including Milford Sound and Mt Cook. |
| Maximum ratio 1:4 |
See Also
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Glacier Heli-hike](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTUyOjIwODU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 10")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Gillespie Pass Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTU3OjE4NjE=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 11")
![Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Brewster Glacier Trek](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NTYyOjE5NzM=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "Whare Kea Chalet Luxury Trek 12")
‘A very professional guide and great company. He took time to explain to us what walks were possible/practical each day depending on the weather and the impact it would have on the surrounding rivers. If you are city dwellers it is very comforting to know that your guide is thinking of the safety of the group. [He] certainly kept us well fed as well. We are looking forward to future trips in the beautiful mountains around Wānaka which is a refreshing change and takes us out of our comfort zone for a few days at least.’
— Michael, Siberia Hut Trip
‘A relaxing getaway with an old mate combined with a cool lodge and backcountry 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! Backcountry ski touring with a guide in remote locations takes all the stress out of making decisions.’
— Murray, Whare Kea Chalet Ski Tour
‘It was 4 days I’ll never forget! The experiences I had I only want to grow on. I set out to accomplish a task, but I got so much more! You showed me a whole new world with your sport and I can’t thank you enough! Absolutely exceeded my expectations!!! Thanks Wānaka Mountain Guides!
— Landen, Mitre Peak Ascent
