Te Whare o Kea is a non profit social enterprise and supports Kea and kiwi Conservation.
It provides simple shelter for trampers, bikers and other nature lovers. Spectacular sunrises and night skies also make it the perfect location for a retreat.
Since opening in 2020, Te Whare o Kea is a Gold Kea Sponsor, donating over $20,000 towards the Kea Conservation Trust, supporting the monitoring of kea nest sites in the Cobb Valley and a 17 trap trapline and trail camera.
Thank you for staying!
The space
Frequented by kea flying overhead, Te Whare 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.
Please get in touch too if you would like to stay longer than a few days over winter for a reduced rental. The cooler months are the best with 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. BYO sheets, sleeping bag, bath towels.
Firewood is kept in the wood box behind Te Whare. Alternatively, collect some or BYO. An axe and saw are in the loo building. It is a very efficient, tiny woodburner.
NB 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 cylinder behind the kitchen.
• The third building is the composting loo/heketua (a modified wheelie bin!)
NB The last 15 minutes of the Aorere Valley Road and the Te Whare o Kea driveway are unsealed.
My lovely neighbours sometimes use the driveway and track for exercising. Occasionally they park at the top.
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 all your own linen, ie sleeping bags, sheets, duvets, towels. There is a duvet and there are woolen blankets in the Whare bench seat. Tea towels are in the kitchen - if you use one, rinse and hang it outside the kitchen to dry.
If you end up using the fitted sheet or pillow cases, leave $25 on the table for the caretaker, along with the used linen. If you want to book two sheets, towels and pillow cases, leave $40 on the table.
Trapline
A trapline has been established along an old goat track through regenerating bush from the top of the driveway. A blue post marks the start.
Cleaning
Please clean the Whare and remove all your rubbish. Cleaning can be arranged for $80.00 if necessary.
Sandflies
In summer there can be sandflies and while repellent may be available, bring some. They are not present in the cooler months.
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.
