Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses

Nestled between the Kaikōura Seaward Mountain Ranges and the Pacific Ocean, Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses is a contemporary country lodge just a few km’s north of the eco-marine town, Kaikōura.
"If you could but be a bird you could more fully appreciate the beauty that is Kaikōura." That was the inspiration of the Kiwi-American Wilson family, who had the vision to develop a spectacular treehouse experience. The seductive crops of Kanuka suggested the solution: station people in the tree-tops and they would feel closer to the mountains and ocean, while experiencing a contemporary version of a child’s treehouse.

Guests can settle into one of the five lush free-standing Treehouses, each named after the bird most curious about its construction. Panoramic views are there to savor from every angle, and the cantilevered decks are just the spot to overlook the deer wandering on the resident farm or eavesdrop on night-time wildlife scampering beneath. The Lodge itself houses one lodge room and three suites, each with its own captivating charm, along with the splendidly adorned Olive House, Hapuku’s version of an owner’s cottage. All rooms feature individual fireplaces, custom-designed furniture, tailor-made beds and mattresses, spacious bathrooms with heated floors and large soaking tubs.

Included in the stay is an exquisite dining experience with an three course dinner and à la carte breakfast. Onsite guests can enjoy the in-house spa, sauna, jacuzzi, solar heated lap pool and gymnasium, but can also while the days away birdwatching, hiking, fishing or taming the surf break at Mangamaunu – which is only a stroll away. Hapuku also has boutique conference facilities, which are ideal for small conferences and board meetings.

Dedicated to a sustainable ethos well before all the cool kids were doing it, the Wilson family's passions for food, design and nurturing the environment fit perfectly into the values of the community – the first in the world to become Green Globe certified in 2002. Guests dine heartily on local fare, with vegetables and herbs grown on site and their olive oil freshly pressed from the olive grove behind the Tree Houses. For every room night spent at Hapuku, a native tree is planted on the property, helping towards offsetting emissions created by guests travel. But perhaps the most unique way that Hapuku are giving back is through their sponsorship of marine mammal research conducted by the Kaikōura Marine Mammal Foundation. The Lodge has built the South Islands only dedicated marine mammal laboratory on its property and a proportion of every guests stay is donated to local marine mammal research projects. Considering the importance of marine mammals to this region, the Wilsons wanted to ensure that they are being kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment by working towards better knowledge and protection of these local taonga (treasures) for generations to come.