
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Hapuku’s treehouses make it a unique, memorable and fun place to stay with the added bonus of awe inspiring views.
- Cutting edge architecture meets comfortable Kiwi style.
- Set amid a 1,600-acre deer farm, Hapuku Lodge is 10 minutes’ drive from Kaikoura – a small east coast town that’s best known for whale-watching.
- Local, seasonal menus.
- Wood burning fires in each room for cold winter nights.
- The lodge is remote and the only neighbours are hundreds of grazing deer, but the peace and quiet is hypnotic.
- Constructed largely from recycled and salvaged New Zealand timber and with impressive home-built furniture, the contemporary lodge is an architectural triumph.
- Blending seamlessly with the rugged scenery, its enormous windows frame the mountains and distant Pacific ocean – which you can also hear.
- Kaikoura was one of the world’s first eco towns, and the environment is well-respected here: a tree is planted for every guest – with more than 17,000 taking root so far – and native birds have been reintroduced.
EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE
We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
- Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
- Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
- Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
- Complimentary private airport transfers.
- Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.
A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.
ACTIVITIES:
Kaikoura’s coastal waters’ with their rich and abundant food supply provide a perfect habitat for marine mammals and seabirds. As a consequence, the Kaikoura coast is an ideal place to undertake a marine safari.Kaikoura is home to a permanent population of bachelor sperm whales, which can be visited just a few kilometers offshore. Dolphins and seals are a permanent presence, as is the giant albatross, the largest sea bird in the world, and many smaller ocean bird species. In fact, to swim with Kaikoura’s dusky dolphins or fur seals is, in our opinion, one of the most enthralling experiences one can have anywhere.
Kaikoura’s rich sea life and fertile land has supported Maori and European settlement for over 900 years. Today the Kaikoura district and township of less than 3,000 persons is home to an eclectic population of fishermen, farmers, surfers, artists, craftspeople, tour guides and accommodation hosts. Kaikoura’s dependence on the land and sea for its livelihood has led to general community acceptance of the need for sustainability. As a result, Kaikoura became the first community in New Zealand and the second in the world to achieve EarthCheck Benchmark status, the world’s only global tourism environmental certification.

Designed as a contemporary luxury country lodge, Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses sit at the foot of South Island’s spectacular Kaikoura Ranges, looking out over the rugged Pacific Coast of New Zealand – home to an abundance of marine life.
Hapuku Lodge is idyllically set outside the seaside town of Kaikoura, in one of South Island’s most spectacular settings. Designed by a family of architects and builders, Hapuku is a contemporary country lodge with suites and rooms in the main lodge building, a freestanding two bedroom suite in the grounds with its own kitchen and a collection of unique wood clad treehouses.
Each Tree House is architecturally stunning, perched high in a native Manuka grove with arresting panoramic views of the dramatic surroundings of the mountains. ocean and the lodge’s own deer park. With only the most comfortable furnishings, natural wood accents that echo your tree-top location and modern amenities, a stay in these luxury Tree Houses makes for a totally unique experience.The lodge itself serves delicious contemporary seasonal cuisine, locally sourced produce and a fantastic selection of fine New Zealand wine.
There are five tree houses nestled 10 metres up in the branches, with captivating panoramic views. Three have one bedroom, while two have a second bedroom beneath. There are also four suites in the main lodge, plus the standalone Olive House, which has three bedrooms. The décor adheres to the natural atmosphere, with wood panelling and neutral colours. All suites have balconies, plus custom-made super-king-sized beds with feather toppers and lambs’ wool mattresses. Each suite has air-conditioning and a fireplace, plus couples’ baths, rain showers, a TV/ DVD player and minibar with complimentary craft beer, juices and local wine. Two more rooms are due to be completed soon.

Lodge Suite
The two large hotel style Lodge Suites have separate living and sleeping areas, deep Japanese soaking tubs, rain fountain showers, fireplaces, and either a balcony or patio overlooking the deer paddock and Kaikoura’s spectacular environment. The Lodge Suites can accommodate up to three people.

Lodge Room
The Lodge Room looks out across the deer paddock and up to the mountains. The room features an expansive bathroom with a deep Japanese soaking tub, and Hapuku Lodge’s custom furnishings, including a custom built king size bed that can be split into twin beds.


Hapuku Room
The Hapuku Room offers luxury accommodation overlooking the lodge’s lap pool, deer paddock, Kaikoura’s spectacular mountains and the Southern Pacific Ocean. It’s a large, light filled room with a fireplace, soaking tub, rain fountain shower, custom made furniture, balcony and private stairway down to the pool.


Olive House
The Olive House is the most spacious accommodation at the lodge, the ideal place to unpack bags and spread out a bit, even cook if in the mood. The Olive House features spectacular views of the surrounding region, and has sufficient rooms for two adults and up to three children.

Family Tree House
Families traveling with children will find the Family Tree House ideal. The two levels of the Family Tree House consist of an upper branch bedroom above and a lower branch bedroom below, joined by an enclosed stairway.

One bedroom Tree Houses
The lodge offers five One bedroom Tree Houses, each providing an intimate tree top retreat in a beautiful environment.
Executive chef Fiona is a former Masterchef finalist, and she and her team source 85 per cent of ingredients locally or from the organic garden. You’re encouraged to sit at the pass (the open space between kitchen and restaurant) with a glass of wine and chat as they work, and the informal dining area is a no-white-tablecloth zone. The big specialty is crayfish – unsurprising given that Kaikoura means ‘eat crayfish’ in Maori. Succulent venison appears on the menu most evenings, too. Breakfast features homemade jam, bread, pastries, granola and yoghurt, while smoked fish hash is a cooked highlight.

Hapuku Lodge Dining
At the heart of the Hapuku Lodge is an experience of good food and wine. Produce is sourced from the lodge’s herb and vegetable gardens, free range chickens, as well as local market gardens, fisherman and hunters. Wild game is a regular feature on the menu along with crayfish and other locally sourced seafood. All the food at Hapuku Lodge is made in the lodge kitchen including breads, stocks, ice cream, jams and jellies, even the peanut butter.The dinner menu is changed daily to take full advantage of the fresh produce, game and seafood available. A regular feature on the menu is local venison and wild blackberries in port on an agria and porcini gratin and warm hazelnut muscovado cake with wild raspberries in a Pinot Noir syrup with organic plum ice cream. There is an extensive all New Zealand wine list, and a wide range of traditional cocktails, along with local beer and non alcoholic beverages.
The ethos is ‘relaxed luxury,’ and the service – led by friendly manager Chris – is attentive but easy-going. Mountain bikes can be used for free, while surfing beach Mangamaunu Bay is a brisk 15-minute walk through the paddocks. Be aware it is rocky however, and swimming in the strong currents can be dangerous.


Pool
Facilities include a gorgeous 25-metre solar-heated pool, plus an outdoor hot tub and sauna.

Spa
Area & Location
Area, Country
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Nearest Airport
Christchurch International Airport, Christchurch
Local Currency
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Time Change
GMT +12
Language
English
Best time to go
November through April
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