Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses
Upper South Island
Between the ocean and the mountains.
Sitting quietly in lush farmland and surrounded by grove of olives and rolling lawns it's easy to forget that Hapuku Lodge in fact lies on a narrow strip of coastal land wedged between the towering mountains of the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the temperate waters of the southern Pacific Ocean. This is whale watching territory, and guests come from around the world to see the mighty sperm whales that live along this wild coastline. Add in the seals and dolphins, the long hikes up to vast views, and the local food attractions like fresh crayfish (lobsters), venison and cheeses, and you can easily spend a few days relaxing in this beautiful spot.
Accommodation is split between very comfortable conventional rooms in the main lodge, a 3 bedroom house that can be taken exclusively, or split, and a line of very funky luxury tree houses that sit up like meerkats, watching over the ocean out front and the mountains behind. There is also excellent fishing and hunting, surfing, diving and snorkelling, nature tours, mountain biking and Maori cultural experiences to round out the options.
Accommodation:
there are 5 contemporary tree houses perched in a grove of native kanuka trees. Three offer 1 bedroom stays and the other two have 2 bedrooms and are suitable for families. All have a stunning view from the mountains to the sea, a free-standing wood fire and a memorable bathroom
there are 4 lodge rooms and suites available - all are beautifully appointed and have lovely views out across farmland to the mountains. Each has a large tub, balcony and kingbird. The two suites have a lounge area as well, and the Hapuku Room also has a fireplace and private entrance
the Olive House is a self-contained suite of three bedrooms - two upstairs and one down. The whole house can be occupied by a family or group, or the top and bottom floors can be used separately
The Main Lodge:
the lodge is part of a large working farm, running mostly deer, which has its roots right back in the early times European settlement in the Kaikoura area
much of the timber used in the construction was sustainably produced or recycled from old buildings. Hand-crafted wooden furniture features throughout the property
the chef sources as much food as possible from local growers and the lodge also has a large organic vegetable garden and greenhouse supplying fresh food all year
there is an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor dining and an easy walk to the beach
The Activities:
with the ocean and the mountains so close there is an incredible number of options nearby
take a whale watch trip from nearby Kaikoura. This is a fabulous trip where you will learn as much about the local area and Maori culture as you will about the whales.
or join a Maori cultural tour and learn local stories traditions and experiences
or watch the seals off the peninsula. Take an albatross tour or a fishing trip
there are mountain biking and hiking trails throughout the nearby mountains
take a sea kayak trip to see dolphins, seals and penguins (if they're around)
half and full day small boat fishing trips leave from Kaikoura
Tariff:
Rates are per room per night (twin share) and include accommodation, 3-course gourmet dinner and full breakfast daily:
Lodge rooms start from NZD$1,095 per night (2 guests), low season
Lodge Suites start from NZD$1,395 per night (2 guests), low season
The Hapuku Suite starts from NZD$1,395 per night (2 guests), low season
1 bdrm Tree House starts from NZD$1,695 per night (2 guests), low season
2 bdrm Tree House starts from NZD$2,295 per night (4 guests), low season
Olive House rates start from NZD$3,795 per night (4 guests) in 2 bedrooms; and from NZD$4,895 per night (6 guests) in 3 bedrooms
additional guests incur an extra charge
Seasonal rates are available
Cancellation and covid policies apply
Season:
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is open all year.