The beginning of 2015 brings an exciting and refreshing transition for award-winning Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet, set on the shores of New Zealand's spectacular Lake Wanaka.  For the upcoming winter season from July, owners Martyn and Louise Myer plan to return the luxury lodge to its original purpose – making it available to groups for exclusive use.

Operating for nearly two decades since 1996, Whare Kea Lodge has achieved accolades that established hoteliers could only dream of, including Relais & Châteaux's Environment Design Award for Excellence in 2004; Louise Myer receiving acknowledgment for her superb book on Wanaka and Whare Kea Lodge and Chalet and its cuisine: WANAKA: Earth to Heaven at Whare Kea, words Michal McKay, photographs Kieran Scott (Published by Godwit, an imprint of Random House), as the New Zealand winner in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2012, cookbooks category – fourth place worldwide; and the year following, named Relais & Châteaux's Woman Of The Year.  In September 2014, HM Magazine named Whare Kea New Zealand Lodge of the Year. 

One of the original luxury lodges of New Zealand's South Island, Whare Kea has been designed as an elegant and spacious family home, evoking a feeling of intimacy and warmth, whilst also maintaining the respective privacy of those who visit.  This is achieved by the lodge's superbly comfortable open plan living and dining areas, decorated with a combination of contemporary furniture, antiques and local artwork, in conjunction with two elegant master suites and four inviting deluxe suites – all featuring their own ensuite bathrooms and private decks.

In July 2015, the property will be transformed into a serviced lodge for exclusive hire to groups – a concept inspired by the luxurious chalets and lodges for hire in the French Alps and villas from Sardinia, Italy, to Palm Beach, Sydney.  Included in this is a host on hand to provide housekeeping and daily breakfast, as well as providing insight into the Wanaka region.

Whare Kea Lodge is especially renowned for its superb cuisine developed by Louise Myer, with leading UK born chef James Stapley.  The talented chef who is based in Wanaka and has his own organic gardens which produce fresh, seasonal produce for the lodge, will continue to be a key member of the Whare Kea team as executive chef, designing elegant menus.  Stapley or one of his hand-picked team of chefs will continue to be on hand to create superb meals for guests on request.

The Myer's maintain their commitment to the authenticity of Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet.

** A stay at Whare Kea from July 2015, starts at NZ $10,000 per 5 nights, plus staff and GST.

MEDIA CONTACTS

The Brandman Agency
Susie Westwood / Richard Butler / Nadina Stening / Paige Lewis
susie@brandmanpr.com / richard@brandmanpr.com/
nadina@brandmanpr.com/ paige@brandmanpr.com
T. +61 (0)2 9299 6448 M. +61 (0)416 109 160