News from the farm…

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A few weeks ago, an abandoned baby deer was rescued by Alastair, our farm manager. Alastair and his grandchildren are now raising the fawn on a bottle, as a result she has become very friendly toward humans.

 
Rosie

Rosie

 

The grandchildren have named her Rosie. When Rosie gets a little older, we will find her a home paddock near the Lodge so guests can visit with Rosie.

Reopening of The Olive House

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Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is delighted to now have available our new Olive House.

The Olive House is a free standing building that used to house our farm's olive press. We relocated our press and have turned the building into a beautifully realized three-bedroom suite of rooms.

It can comfortably accommodate 3 couples or large families.

The upper floor can be separately occupied as a two-bedroom suite including the lounge, while the ground floor room can be occupied as a stand alone guest room.

Our new digs are the perfect place to unpack your bags and settle in to enjoy the Lodge's unique environment.

 
Soak in the view.

Soak in the view.

 

Kaikoura Earthquake - Transfer Options To Hapuku Lodge - Update

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Following the severe earthquake on the 14th November 2016 that had hit Kaikoura, we want to share with you the latest road and air access to Hapuku Lodge:

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses has reopened and has been welcoming guests since early December 2016.

ROAD

  • SH1 South to Christchurch is OPEN

  • Inland Route 70 between Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura is OPEN

  • SH1 North from Kaikoura-Clarence/Picton remains CLOSED (It is anticipated that this road will be open by approximately Nov 2017)

Please refer to the NZ Transport Authority website for the latest information.

AIR

Flights on the Kaikoura-Blenheim route have been extended through until the end of February!

The Christchurch-Kaikoura flights will be ending on the 27th January. 

From the 31st of Jan schedule is: 

  • Blenheim to Kaikoura 11:45 - 12:15

  • Kaikoura to Blenheim 12:45 - 13:15

Book at www.soundsair.com

Private Helicopter & Charter fixed wing plane options are also available and we continue to offer travel subsidies for those travelling by Air to Kaikoura.

Photo © KookePhoto

Summertime, Sunshine & Kai Moana in Kaikoura

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The garden is bursting with Summer vegetables, the hot house overflowing with tomatoes, the Pohutukawa is flowering and the birds are in abundance.

Summer is the traditional time for Kiwis to flock to the ocean in search of Kaikoura’s namesake Crayfish (Lobster), Blue Cod and all manner of different Kai Moana (Seafood)

During the day many of our guests are out Whale Watching by boat or by air, swimming with Dolphins, Seals or even Kayaking around the inlets of Kaikoura; returning in the evening for a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and fresh produce from the garden, farm and sea for dinner.

It is a busy time in Kaikoura and at the Lodge and it is a time where we invite many visitors who are staying in Kaikoura to come and have dinner at the Lodge.

Available all year round we offer the opportunity to dine in our restaurant for a set price of $100 including gst per person. This is a set three course meal with usually three choices per course & a chefs surprise to start. 

Call one of our team today on 03 319 6559 or book a table online.

Gift vouchers - ideal for those last minute presents!

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Are you still searching for the ultimate Christmas gift?

We have gift vouchers available; including Accommodation, Dining and Spa vouchers.

Treat your family member, friend or colleague to a relaxing break, or an adrenalin pumping adventure on the Kaikoura Coast!

Following the 7.8 earthquake last November 14th, help us spread the word that we have reopened and ready to host guests again!

Contact us to buy vouchers.

Kaikoura Earthquake – Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses Reopening

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Kaikoura was hit by a severe earthquake on the 14th November 2016. Our buildings are designed to a high specification and suffered no structural damage – New Zealand’s building codes are among the world’s best. 

We are delighted to announce that we have reopened and look to welcome guests in the next few days.

We have been so heartened by the support of our guests who planned to stay, the travel industry partners, our friends and supporters. We are also inspired by the fortitude of the Kaikoura township our local townspeople and those support services who have and continue to put in many hours of support.

Roading
Road access to Kaikoura continues to be impacted with the inland road route now open for scheduled journeys. Please refer to the NZ Transport Authority website for further details.
There is also very positive news that the main state highway south of Kaikoura (SH1) is likely to be opened before the 20th December. 

Alternative Transfer Options - UPDATE
Thanks to many of our good friends and partners we have put together special rates for transfers between various locations. We are pleased to add road transfer options now to this offering.
- Transfers by Helicopter will be direct to the Lodge
- Transfers by Fixed Wing will be to the Kaikoura airport & Hapuku Lodge will provide complimentary transfers between Kaikoura Airport and also between the Lodge and township during the clients stay.
- Transfer available either one way or return from Christchurch or Blenheim.

The participating companies are:

Fixed Wing:

Road Transfer:

Hapuku Lodge will provide complimentary transfers during the clients stay.

Transfer Subsidy
Hapuku Lodge recognises that with the roading challenges, getting to and from the Lodge for the interim period, has become difficult. In order to assist clients to come to Kaikoura and Hapuku Lodge we are offering an air transport subsidy of $250 incl GST per night of their stay. For example a 2 night stay in 1 room would = a $500 incl GST subsidy in total. This will be credited to your bill at the end of your stay.

Our Transfer subsidy assistance will remain in place until the 30th April 2017.

Kaikoura remains one of the world’s top marine destinations and needs your support over the coming months to ensure we can continue to share our beautiful destination.

Please contact these companies directly quoting “Hapuku Transfer Rate”.

Kaikoura Earthquake – Transfer Options to Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses

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As I am sure you all know Kaikoura was hit by a severe earthquake on the 14th November 2016.  Our buildings are designed to a high specification and suffered no structural damage – New Zealand’s building codes are among the world’s best.  At this stage we continue to be on track to reopen on the 1st December 2016.

Roading

Road access to Kaikoura is severely impacted with the inland road route yet to open at the time of writing this release. We understand from authorities that subject to any future disruption this should be open in the next few days.

Alternative Transfer Options

Thanks to many of our good friends and partners we have put together special rates for transfers between various locations. Transfers by Helicopter will be direct to the lodge & complimentary transfers will be provided for those flying by fixed wing from the Kaikoura Airport to Hapuku. Complimentary transfers will be provided during the clients stay at Hapuku.

The participating companies are:

Fixed Wing:

  • Sounds Air Blenheim & Christchurch – charter & multiple return flights per day Ph +64 3 520 3080 info@soundsair.com Base - Blenheim
  • Wings Over Whales – Kaikoura – charter Ph +64 3 319 6580 info@whales.co.nz

Hapuku Lodge will provide complimentary transfers during the clients stay

Transfer Subsidy

Hapuku Lodge recognises that with the roading challenges, getting to and from the Lodge for the interim period, has become difficult. In order to assist clients to come to Kaikoura and Hapuku Lodge we are offering a air transport subsidy of $250 incl GST per night of their stay. For example a 2 night stay in 1 room would = a $500 incl GST subsidy in total. This will be credited to your bill at the end of your stay.

Kaikoura remains one of the world’s top marine destinations and needs your support over the coming months to ensure we can continue to share our beautiful destination.

Please contact these companies directly quoting “Hapuku Transfer Rate”

Kaikoura Earthquake - Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses to reopen on 1 December 2016

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An official update for you from Tony, Chris, Fiona and the Team at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses.

At a little after midnight on the 14th November the Kaikoura area experienced a severe earthquake. All guests and staff of Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, located just north of Kaikoura, are safe and well.  Our buildings are designed to a high specification and suffered no structural damage – New Zealand’s building codes are among the world’s best.

Thank you to all the support we have received from the tourism industry, our partners and suppliers. 

Key Information for Partners & Guests

  • Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is planning to host guests on 1 December 2016 pending establishment of transport links and electrical supply

  • No cancellation fees will be applied for any bookings effective 14th November until 15 December 2016

  • The latest information to hand, it is anticipated that a road route via Waipara and Culverden will be available in the next few days and over the coming week – we will update you on developments 

  • We are developing alternative transport options including subsidised helicopters and small plane transfers for access to Hapuku Lodge

  • Many of our tourism activity partners will be up and running soon too so we will keep you informed about activities for guests during their stay – new activities and experiences are already in development 

Please note that media reports both domestic and international are not always factual and may not represent the reality of what is occurring on the ground.  Kaikoura whilst hit hard is already recovering and business operators are positive about the year ahead.

Kaikoura remains one of the world’s top marine destinations and needs your support over the coming months to ensure we can share our beautiful destination.

We will continue to keep you informed of progress.

In the meantime please use Kerryn Ralston as the contact for all bookings etc.

Spring is in the air

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As the season begins to change, the days get longer and the first spring bulbs start to flourish, we wake up to the warmth of the new season filtering in through open windows.

Spring also signals the time where Kaikoura comes fully to life with the local festivals and return of the Huttons Shearwater birds that perch in the Kaikoura mountains. They spend their time in the mountains which is only a short flight to the waters edge where the Hutton's shearwaters can exploit this marine supermarket regularly.

Fiona our Executive Chef considers Spring her best season as all the fresh produce that starts to appear in the garden and our continuing supply of local Kaikoura seafood. 

Why not getaway for a weekend at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses with our Celebration Package which includes two nights in a tree house, dinner both evenings, bottle of French champagne on arrival, a picnic basket to explore the surrounding area & complimentary minibar. All for the price of $2870.

Call one of our team today on 03 319 6559 to book your Hapuku Escape
Please note: Direct bookings only.  Prices include GST. 

Unbelievable experience with the baby seal pups

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Autumn also signals the time where the Kekeno (local baby Seal pups) head up to their natural nursery up the Ohau Stream under the waterfall.

The world famous Ohau Stream seal pup nursery is just 10 minutes drive north of Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses.

The baby fur seas are born in November each year and by April/May they are old enough to travel up the Ohau fresh water stream to a waterfall, where they remain for several days while their mothers are out at sea on foraging trips.  This incredible experience only takes place between April and September. This makes the timing perfect time to come & visit.

During their time at the base of the waterfall, the pups develop social, swimming and foraging skills.  They will often be seen playing with sticks and leaves in the water, chasing each other and generally being cute and curious.

Look at the short video we made of those pups at the Ohau Stream.