Te Whare o Kea provides simple shelter for trampers, bikers and other nature lovers. The location also makes it perfect for a retreat.
A non profit social enterprise and a Gold Kea Sponsor, guest stays have enabled over $20,000 worth of donations to the Kea Conservation Trust.
It also supports monitoring of kea nest sites in the Cobb Valley and maintains a 17 trap trapline.
The space
Frequented by kea flying overhead, Te Whare o Kea enjoys huge views of Golden Bay's Aorere Valley and the Douglas mountains. Up a private gravel 1km driveway it is very peaceful and just 2km from the Heaphy Track.
The last 15 minutes of the Aorere Valley Road and the Te Whare o Kea driveway are unsealed. Take it easy up the 1km driveway.
Bring your own sheets/sleeping bag/towels unless you book linen separately ($25pp). Blankets, a duvet and tea-towels are provided.
The cooler months are great too with the sun first thing and a cosy woodburner.
Te Whare o Kea is three buildings and is best suited for 1-2 guests:
• The whare (10m2) has an armchair, table, two bench seats, a woodburner and a loft with a queen mattress. Bench seats (160cm and 180cm long) can double as small single beds if necessary.
Firewood is kept in the wood box behind the whare. The woodburner is very efficient and you only need a couple of logs to warm the room.
When closing the bifold doors, be gentle and use the midway handle and lever catch to lock in the first two panels first.
• The kitchen/kāuta is well equipped with a sink, utensils, crockery and a two-ring gas burner with a grill. Next to the kitchen, the bathroom/rūma kaukau has a beaut gas powered hot shower and sink. Gas needs to be turned on and off at the top of the cylinder behind the kitchen.
• The third building is the composting loo/heketua (a modified wheelie bin!)
Guest access
Turning space is at the very top of the driveway and there is parking on the driveway below the Whare.
Other things to note
Solar Power
All lights are solar powered and the whare has USB charge inputs. The bathroom light switch is on the light, the other lights have wall switches.
There is phone reception.
Linen
Bring your own linen, ie sheets or sleeping bags and towels. A duvet and woollen blankets are kept in the whare bench seat or loft. Tea and hand towels are in the kitchen - if you use them, please rinse and hang them out on the wee line outside the kitchen.
If needed, you can book sheets, towels and pillow cases in advance for $25.00pp.
Trapline
A trapline has been established along an old goat track through the bush from the top of the driveway. A blue post marks the start. You are welcome to explore it - the track is relatively steep but there are lovely views not too far up.
Cleaning
Please clean the whare and remove all your rubbish. Cleaning can be arranged for $80.00 if necessary.
Sandflies
In summer and depending on the weather there can be sandflies. They are not present in the cooler months. There is usually repellent in the whare but byo if concerned.
Whakatauki
He kea ki pae maunga, he keorangi ki pae atamai.
The mountain parrot sits on top of the mountain and at the pinnacle of intelligence.
Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua.
As people disappear from sight, the land remains.
