Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
A wonderfully arboreal eco retreat
Facilities & services
- 12 rooms and suites
- Restaurant
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Hot tub and sauna
Activities
- Marine safaris
- Maori cultural tours
- Mountain biking
- Sea kayaking
- Surfing
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
- Deep sea fishing
The work of a family of architects and builders, Hapuku Lodge is an extraordinary ecolodge perfectly placed between the white peaks of the Kaikoura Mountain Range and waves of Mangamaunu Bay. With an environmentally-friendly focus, this lodge was carefully constructed from salvaged timber and seeks to be sustainable in every area.
There are four ultra-spacious rooms in the main lodge with wonderful mountain views, Japanese soaking tubs with room for two and immense custom beds – said to be the best on the island. The two suites also have their own fireplaces and a living area.
However, the real stars of the show are the luxurious treehouses, standing 10m (30 feet) above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, each with a wood-burning fireplace, spa bath, open rain showers and large glass windows with a birds-eye view to the coast. There are two storey options for families, and the standalone Olive House Suite has room for two adults and up to three children.
Dining at Hapuku means an organic and locally-sourced menu, with produce collected from the hotel’s own herb and vegetable gardens, free-range chicken populations and meat from nearby hunters and fishermen. Constantly changing and evolving offerings may include venison, wild blackberries, a variety of cheese, crayfish and even homemade plum ice cream. A comprehensive wine list makes sure to incorporate vintages from all over New Zealand, the ideal accompaniment to a wonderful meal.
There are adventures to be had in every corner of Kaikoura’s coast, dubbed the ‘Maritime Serengeti’ by the local National Geographic. Head out on the waves in a sea kayak, swim with dolphins and seals or go whale watching to spot the gentle grey giants in the ocean blue. Mountain bikes can be borrowed from the lodge to traverse the surrounding trails while there are also Maori cultural tours, horse riding and the acclaimed surfing of Mangamaunu Bay a short walk away.
Eco-friendly outlook
In 2002, Kaikoura as a township became the first local authority in the world to become a Green Globe certified community. Hapuku Lodge’s eco-efforts include sourcing over 75% of ingredients locally, an organic kitchen garden, responsibly sourced and salvaged timber used for construction, moving towards zero-waste, efficient fireplaces and significant insulation.
The aim of the lodge is to nurture this unique environment, restoring it through planting native trees, re-introducing native birds, and being sustainable in their operations.
Farm-to-table dining
The kitchen garden is completely organic, growing seasonal vegetables and herbs, and they aim to reduce, recycle and compost with a goal of becoming a zero-waste community.
Sustainable design
The timber used in construction and the interiors are responsibly sourced or recycled and salvaged timbers. The treehouses have small private fireplaces that are some of the most efficient fireplaces in the world. All of the rooms have significant insulation and double glazing.
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