HAPUKU LODGE & TREE HOUSES

The nearby town of Kaikoura sets the bar for the country's commitment to eco-tourism, and Hapuku Lodge is no different, heating the gorgeous lap pool with solar power, re-harvesting rainwater and planting a tree for every guest.

Dining at the lodge's restaurant is a highlight of any stay, with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients such as crayfish, venison and vegetables foraged from the organic gardens. Guests can have picnics parcelled up to take out on day trips whale watching, fishing and mountain biking - or opt for unhurried afternoons visiting the olive groves and enjoying a glass of the estate's very own Sauvignon Blanc.

SUITABLE FOR:

• Outdoor adventurers
• Gourmands
• Those with a love of nature and sustainability

THINGS TO DO AT THE HOTEL:

• Enjoy a sea salt and herb massage, glacial clay and Manuka oil facial or reflexology therapy in the spa
• Sip a glass of Sauvignon Blanc by the fireplace
• Enjoy a refreshing lap or two in the outdoor swimming pool
• Unwind after a day’s activities in the inviting sauna
• Chat with the chefs while they rustle you up a tantalising three-course meal using local ingredients
• Help pick olives from the hotel’s olive groves (May-June)

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

• Experience New Zealand's best year-round whale watching in Kaikoura
• Grab a mountain bike and explore the local trails
• Learn to ride the waves with a surfing lesson at Mangamaunu surf break
• Spot dolphins as you sea kayak through the waters of Kaikoura
• Take in stunning vistas of the Kaikoura ranges and maybe even glimpse humpback whales during an unforgettable helicopter flight