Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, providing gourmet cuisine and the chance to stay up in the treetops; Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a remarkable hideout just outside Kaikoura in New Zealand.
Why you'll love it here
- Stay in unique Treehouses offering dramatic Kaikoura Mountain and Pacific Ocean Views through the large windows
- Join wildlife experiences in nearby Kaikoura including whale watching and swimming with fur seals and dolphins
- Savour a three-course dinner with local rock lobster and venison from the lodge’s deer farm
- Explore the local Hapuku trails and visit the cooking school for The Supper Club culinary experience
Nick
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
For lovers of the great outdoors, exquisite food and charming company, a stay at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses fulfil every need. This cleverly built hotel lies 12km up from Kaikoura town, wedged between the Kaikoura Seaward Mountains and Mangamaunu Bay in a setting so picturesque it begs to be admired.
Thankfully, Hapuku Lodge has been constructed to maximise the views of this beautiful place, where deer roam freely amid rolling pastures and hundreds of New Zealand plant species have been sown across the estate, for a bucolic landscape like no other. One of the best ways to immerse yourself into it all is by staying in one of the Tree Houses, hovering 10 metres above Kanuka groves with large glass windows and balconies too. Here, and across the rest of the property, the architecture is hewn from upcycled timber and furnishings have been made by hand, for an eco-friendly stay in Kaikoura; which itself was one of the first pioneering sustainable communities in the world.
Your time at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses can be as relaxing or active as you decide to make it: whether you’re Inspiring Travelhing to go surfing or sea kayaking on the Pacific Coast; encounter whales, dolphins and seals on an ocean safari; grab a bike and explore the mountains; or simply unwind by the pool and float between outdoor Jacuzzi and sauna. Dining is also a real highlight, so foodies will be in heaven here, with sustainable, organic produce transformed into delectable dishes starring local favourites like crayfish and venison. If ever there was a love letter to all that New Zealand represents, Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses would be it.
Room Options
Hapuku Lodge has a range of accommodation types to choose from: tree houses (either with one bedroom or two); suites (one bedroom); and the Olive House, which can either be booked as two/three separate rooms or reserved entirely for one group. Each guestroom pays homage to the natural surroundings with wood-clad spaces, cosy throws and large windows that frame the scenery outside; yet there are plenty of mod-cons too, from Jacuzzis and deep-soak tubs to heated floors and big comfy beds.
The Lodge Room
A charming room adorned in mint green and wood, this space has a king-size or twin bed setup, Wi-Fi, a minibar, flat-screen TV and balcony. In the en suite you’ll find a Japanese soaking tub that allows for full immersion into the water; a separate rain shower features here too.
The Hapuku Room
An airy, open-plan abode with windows on three sides, the Hapuku Room has everything in one space: a deep-soak tub, rain shower, balcony, minibar and Wi-Fi. The king-size bed is in the middle of the room, facing the fireplace and flat-screen TV mounted above.
The Lodge Suite
A spacious option, the Lodge Suite features a lounge with a sofa bed and a fireplace built with stone from the Hapuku River. The bedroom is a cosy affair, possessing a king-size bed (which can be changed into a twin setup if required), while the en suite has a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Other amenities include a balcony and/or patio, minibar and Wi-Fi.
One Bedroom Tree House
Perfect for romance-seeking couples, the One Bedroom Tree House teeters 10 metres above ground level, bestowing wonderful views across fields towards the mountains, with the Pacific Ocean in sight too. Each of these five treehouses comes with Wi-Fi, a seating area and fireplace, TV, minibar, king-size bed, balcony and even a Jacuzzi tub, found in the glass-fronted bathroom which also flaunts a separate rain shower and heated floor.
Family Tree House
This accommodation option is much like the One Bedroom Tree House, though it also possesses another bedroom on the lower level with a king-size bed that can be converted into twins – perfect for kids. Each room then has an outdoor deck looking out over the treetops to the mountains and ocean; the same view can also be enjoyed from your rain shower in the upper en suite.
Olive House
Formerly home to the estate’s olive press, the Olive House is now a sumptuous place to stay, whether booking one of the suites or the entire property for a large group or family. There are two bedrooms on the upper floor with a separate lounge, while downstairs is a wheelchair accessible guestroom; each has an en suite bathroom with deep-soak tub and shower. A fireplace, minibar, flat-screen TV, two balconies and Wi-Fi throughout complete the picture.Facilities/Amenities
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses provides a string of modern facilities for your comfort, convenience and enjoyment: a heated swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, all found outside with fantastic views of the surrounds. There are complimentary bicycles, and a massage service can be requested if seeking any extra pampering.
Restaurants & Bars
Hapuku Restaurant
Gourmands will delight in the dining to be savoured at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, for the hotel takes great pride in its culinary offerings. Chef Fiona Read – a graduate of MasterChef – is at the helm, and she not only serves up lip-smacking New Zealand fare, but also shares her passion with guests of the lodge who are invited to chat away with Fiona and her team. They are dedicated to using produce fresh from their own organic garden or sourced from local fishermen and farmers if they can’t grow or rear it themselves. Venison, crayfish and Kaikoura cheese feature heavily on the menu, and each evening you’ll be treated to a delectable three-course menu. This is included in your stay, so too the continental breakfast buffet which comes laden with homemade treats: jam, pastries, bread, granola and yoghurt, among others.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Activities & Entertainment
A wealth of natural and cultural attractions lies in wait during your stay at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses. Of course, no visit to Kaikoura would be complete without enjoying a whale-watching tour, which also takes in sightings of seals and dolphins – you can even swim with them if you so desire! On the water, you try your hand at activities like surfing, kayaking and fishing, or head inland for hiking, horse riding, golf and mountain biking; the lodge provides bikes free of charge. There are also cultural Maori experiences and wine tasting tours too; you certainly won’t be short of things to do here!
New Zealand travel information
When to visit New Zealand
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Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +13 GMT
- Flight time: 25 hours
- Recommended airlines: Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airlines
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar
- Tipping guideline: Optional, but not expected
- Health considerations: No major health risks.
- Capital: Wellington
- Population: 5,269,938
- National languages: English, Maori
- Electricity and plugs: Type I (V), 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You need an ETA for New Zealand if you have a British passport - apply online
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our New-zealand experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Nick
Travel Specialist
New Zealand travel guides
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Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
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