Hapuku Lodge

Adjacent to the main building are two Lodge Suites and a Lodge Room, all warmly decorated with rustic wooden furniture. From the balcony, you have a view of the farm estate. Each offers a spacious bedroom with a seating area, and the ensuite bathroom features a luxurious deep soaking tub and a separate shower. The Hapuku Suite also has a fireplace for a romantic evening.

A short distance from the lodge, approximately 10 meters high, you will find the unique Tree Houses. They are built to feel like a bedroom floating in the air. Large windows provide a 180° view over the estate, from the rugged mountains on one side to the Pacific Ocean on the other. The three 1-Bedroom Tree Houses are the ultimate romantic retreat for couples, modern yet warm, with plenty of wood, a spacious seating area with a fireplace, a lovely balcony, and a deep freestanding bath in the ensuite bathroom.

The two Family Tree Houses consist of two floors. Upstairs is the master bedroom, identical to the 1-Bedroom Tree House with an ensuite bathroom. Downstairs is a slightly smaller bedroom for children, with two single beds, a balcony, and a private ensuite bathroom.

For a larger family or traveling friends, there is the Olive House. This is located a bit away from the lodge, and it was formerly the olive press used to produce olive oil. It has been completely transformed into a residence with three bedrooms and is just as warmly decorated as the other accommodations. The upper floor has two bedrooms, each with a king-size bed, and a living room with access to a balcony on both sides. Downstairs, there is another separate bedroom with access to a terrace. All bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and a separate shower.

In the cozy Dining Room of the lodge, you can watch the chefs prepare the meals and have a chat with them. The head chef handles everything related to the lodge's cuisine. He determines the seasonal menus, manages the kitchen, and also tends to the lodge's garden, which supplies most of the vegetables and herbs. Additionally, he ensures that the other ingredients are sourced from local farmers and that sufficient meat and fish are obtained from local farms and fishermen. You will definitely get to experience the culinary skills of the chefs, as both breakfast and a gastronomic 3-course dinner are included daily in the room rate.

There is so much to do during your stay. Use the lodge's mountain bikes to explore the Hapuku Trails. Or enjoy one of the hikes starting from the lodge. At the right time of year, you can also help out on the farm, such as harvesting olives (May-June). The surf beach Mangamaunu, where you can take surf lessons, is a 20-minute walk from the lodge.

But a stay here is not complete without a boat trip from Kaikoura to spot the whales, dolphins, and seals that inhabit this area. Or see them from the air during a helicopter or small plane tour.

Hapuku Lodge features the Kawakawa Studio Spa. Each treatment begins with a consultation to ensure you receive the treatment that best suits you at that moment. There is a selection of treatments and a few packages available. Additionally, the lodge offers a sauna and free bike rental.

The energy-efficient swimming pool is heated year-round (by solar panels) and the water contains a mineral blend instead of chlorine. The water remains pure and is better for skin and hair. Next to it, there is a small Jacuzzi.

Kaikoura is known for being able to spot whales almost all year round. Kaikoura is approximately a 10-minute drive south of this lodge. The lodge is easily accessible by car. You can also fly to Kaikoura on a domestic flight or travel by the Tranz Coastal train from Christchurch to Kaikoura. From Kaikoura, the lodge will pick you up and drop you off after your stay for the continuation of your journey.

In 2002, Kaikoura was one of the first municipalities in the world to be Green Globe certified. As a result, most local businesses and accommodations have a sustainability policy. This includes Hapuku Lodge. They undertake various projects to restore nature, such as planting indigenous trees, reintroducing native birds, and implementing a sustainable policy within the lodge. This involves, among other things, purchasing as many products as possible locally from businesses and farmers. They have their own vegetable garden where they grow organic vegetables and herbs for the restaurant. They recycle and compost as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of achieving a zero-waste policy. They use sustainably sourced wood, have the most energy-efficient fireplaces, and of course, all rooms are insulated to the best possible standard.