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 luxury accommodation and a spectacular base for trekking in an exclusive location high in the mountains on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. After a day out trekking, 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

With two double bedrooms and a spacious loft, the Chalet provides comfortable accommodation for up to six guests including down duvets, a gas fire, and a full kitchen.

The large windows frame astounding views of Mount Cook and Tititea / Mount Aspiring with its tumbling glaciers. and all the way to Aoraki / Mount Cook to the north. Check out the live feed from the window Whare Kea Webcam.

Trekking Options

The helicopter can drop-off on the summit of nearby Dragonfly Peak, shuttling the overnight gear straight to the Chalet so the views and the walk down can be enjoyed unencumbered.

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.

On the last day, the energetic can walk the 1000m vertically down from Albert Burn Saddle to below the bushline and out along the East Matukituki Valley to Cameron Flat or take the more relaxed approach of flying out from the hut.

Fitness and Difficulty Requirements

Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Albert Burn Saddle Alpine Trekking

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

2023/24 Price:

Overnight packages from $1790 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

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‘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