Restoring the land at Minaret Station

Step into the heart of our commitment to preserving New Zealand's natural beauty and wildlife at Minaret Station. Situated in the stunning landscapes of the Southern Alps, our lodge offers unparalleled access to some of the country's most breathtaking and secluded spots.

At Minaret Station, we believe in the harmony between responsible tourism and conservation. With a hands-on approach, we actively engage in restoring the habitat of native birds and wildlife, recognising their vital role in our ecosystem. Our extensive trapping program, now boasting 405 traps, reflects our dedication to protecting these delicate environments.

Through strategic placement and meticulous maintenance, our traps target invasive predators such as stoats and rats, mitigating their impact on our native species. By creating a sanctuary for native birds to thrive, we strengthen the biodiversity and ecological resilience of the region.

As our guest, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness the tangible results of our conservation efforts and the thriving wildlife that calls this sanctuary home. We're passionate about raising awareness among our guests about the importance of preserving these natural wonders for generations to come. If after your stay, you feel compelled to join us in our mission to safeguard New Zealand's unique flora and fauna, you can join us by sponsoring the Conservation Collective at Minaret Station.

Be a part of our sustainability endeavour

At the core of our conservation endeavours lies the Conservation Collective, an exclusive and passionate group of individuals who each play a pivotal role in restoring our ecosystem's balance. Central to the Conservation Collective is our predator trapping program, with each donor individually supporting our cause through their own personal trap, with it’s on-going maintenance funded through their generous donations, playing an essential role in restoring the habitat for our native wildlife. Thanks to their dedication, we’re thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our conservation journey; the installation of our 400th predator trap.

While this is a significant milestone, we still have a long way to go; which is why today we extend a warm invitation to you to join us in this crucial mission. At $500 per year, your membership to the Conservation Collective by Minaret Station will directly contribute to the ongoing upgrades and maintenance of our predator trapping program.

As a member, you'll have the unique opportunity to select your own individual trap to champion, with access to a 24/7 monitoring portal to check on it’s progress, as well as that of the wider operation. Conservation Collective donors trap to support. We'll keep you updated on its performance in the field, providing personalized reports so you can stay informed. Additionally, you'll gain access to an online portal, allowing you to check in and track the progress of the program at your convenience.

We deeply value the support of our guests in furthering this conservation initiative.

Your support isn't just an investment in conservation; it's a commitment to upholding Minaret Station's enduring legacy.

Conservation Collective membership inclusions

As a member of Conservation Collective, you will have unprecedented access to live information and updates; allowing you to see first-hand the positive impact your donation is having to restore the land at Minaret Station, making it a wildlife sanctuary for native species.

• At the heart of the collective, is the unique opportunity to personally select the individual trap you would like to champion throughout the program.

• You will be supplied with 24/7 access to a monitoring portal to check on it’s progress, as well as the wider operation.

• Access to the Conservation Collective: a hub of live updates and behind the scenes content, keeping you informed and up to date on our progress.

• Quarterly Conservation Collective emails, where you will gain a deeper insight into the real world impact of this initiative, with updates on rare bird sightings at Minaret Station, an in-depth report on how the predator trapping program is progressing, and first hand experiences from our Ellie, our conservation team leader on the ground.

• As a thank you for your dedication, you will receive a bespoke gift, exclusive to Conservation Collective donors.

How to donate and join the Conservation Collective

Step 01: Register your details

Complete the donors form below to register your details and join the Conservation Collective.

Step 02: Make payment

The final section of the form will ask you to make your donation through our secure payment processing platform. You will need to manually enter your chosen donation amount (duration of membership), and use the word Conservation in the invoice # field.

Step 03: Welcome to the Conservation Collective

We'll reach out to confirm your membership and welcome you into the Conservation Collective. A key part of this final step in the on-boarding process will be working together to select the individual trap at Minaret Station which you would like to champion. Once onboarded, you will have full access to the Conservation Collective, the 24/7 monitoring portal and recieve exclusive quarterly updates on our progress, to see first-hand how your contribution is making an impact.

Flora & Fauna

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps, Minaret Station beckons with its rich tapestry of native flora and fauna, offering an immersive encounter with New Zealand's natural wonders.

Flora

In the alpine embrace of Minaret Station, over 600 species of resilient plants thrive, carving their existence in a landscape shaped by centuries of adaptation. From hardy ferns and mosses to the enduring Beech tree, our habitat celebrates the resilience of life amidst challenging temperatures and conditions.

Fauna

Venture into our sanctuary, where a symphony of life awaits. Keep an eye out for the curious Kea, its vibrant plumage a testament to the playful spirit of our native parrot species. Delight in the agile Rock Wren, a diminutive marvel of alpine adaptation, or marvel at the majestic Chamois, gracefully navigating our rugged terrain.

Encounter the noble Red Deer, roaming freely in our pristine wilderness, or witness the swift grace of the New Zealand Falcon, soaring high above our alpine vistas.

At Minaret Station, every step is a journey into the heart of nature's abundance. From the enchanting melodies of Grey Ducks and Sky Larks to the vibrant presence of the Yellowhammer, our grounds offer a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Moreover, Minaret Station stands as a vital wildlife oasis for the Pütekete (Crested Grebe), an endangered species that has chosen our pristine shoreline as a breeding ground. With every sighting, guests are invited to celebrate the wild spirit of New Zealand, making Minaret Station a true sanctuary for both wildlife and nature aficionados.

Sustainability

Committed to Sustainable Tourism: As part of a pledge to make a positive difference, Minaret Station has signed the Tourism Sustainability Commitment. Developed by TIA (Tourism Industry Aotearoa) this commitment aims to ensure economic, environmental and social sustainability throughout New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Alpine Lodge

The Alpine Lodge, opened by the Wallis family in 2010, is a truly unique lodging experience situated at an elevation of 3,000 ft (914m) in the upper reaches of the Estuary Burn Valley. Every single item used to construct the Lodge was transported by barge across Lake Wanaka to Minaret Station and then lifted by helicopter onsite. Embracing sustainable principles, the design of the Alpine Lodge draws inspiration from traditional high country station homesteads and musterer’s huts, with a careful selection of sustainable materials that reflect the surrounding landscape.

Electricity & Water

Nestled in a stunning glacial valley, the Alpine Lodge primarily operates using hydroelectricity generated from a nearby waterfall. All water used in the Lodge originates from the station's abundant annual rainfall and snowmelt. The drinking water available in the chalets is sourced directly from the snow and rain-fed waterfall behind the Alpine Lodge, providing guests with 100% pristine New Zealand water.

Waste

Preserving the beauty and delicate balance of the station's wild surroundings is of utmost importance. All waste is meticulously removed from the property and where possible, fully recycled. Supplies are transported onto the property via helicopter, and laundry is done off-site, ensuring a minimal footprint at the location itself.

Cuisine

Food plays a central role in the Minaret Station experience. Our talented chefs utilise the freshest local ingredients, including lamb, beef, and venison from our own 50,000-acre working farm. Minaret Station sources all produce from the Wanaka region, working closely with local growers and farmers we know and trust. We take pride in offering full transparency and traceability in how our ingredients are sourced and nurtured.

Love Wanaka Community Fund

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge are proud to support the Love Wanaka Community Fund. Love Wanaka raises funds to support climate, conservation, and biodiversity action in the Wanaka region. The fund was established so that visitors to our rohe (region), and the businesses connecting them, can play an active role in the protection and regeneration of this place.

Tiaki Promise

Tiaki means to care for people and place. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. Minaret Station and The Alpine Lodge cherish New Zealand’s precious treasures in which our Lodge is based, and our tours are centred around. We remind all of our guests, and anyone who travels with us, that everyone has a responsibility to look after our home.