Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Architect-designed eco lodge with a warm, unpretentious family feel. Think beautiful handcrafted timber interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows framing snowy peaks and surf, a lounge fireplace you'll actually use, and staff who remember your name. Not corporate. Not precious.
Book direct via hapukulodge.com for best rates and access to seasonal packages not available on OTAs
Why It Matters
Designed and built by a five-sibling family of architects over generations on their own deer farm. The tree houses sit 10 metres up in a native kānuka grove — genuinely elevated, not a marketing claim. One of the few NZ luxury lodges where rates include three-course dinner and breakfast, complimentary minibar, guided stargazing in a Dark Sky Sanctuary, mountain bikes, and full spa/sauna/mineral pool access.
A family-designed and built lodge on a 500-acre working deer farm and olive grove, perched between the Kaikōura Seaward Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. Just 12 kilometres north of Kaikōura town, it's a small, fiercely personal place — only five tree houses, four lodge suites, and one standalone Olive House — where the architecture, furniture, food, and beds are all made by the same Wilson family of architects. Every room rate covers dinner and breakfast. Rates at the lower end of comparable NZ luxury lodges make this one of the better-value five-star experiences in the country.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Hapuku Room
A spacious, light-filled suite with an open-plan layout, stone fireplace, and sweeping views of the lodge's lap pool, deer paddocks, Kaikōura mountains, and Pacific Ocean. The standout feature is the freestanding infinity soaking tub. A private stairway gives direct access to the pool area — ideal for early-morning swims. Writing desk included.
KingLodge Room
The Lodge Room is the most entry-level option on the property, but 'entry level' is relative here. It's an intimate, well-appointed room with a custom king bed, two-person Japanese soaking tub, walk-in rain shower, and a private outdoor terrace looking out to the Kaikōura mountain range. Priced from approximately NZD 977/night including dinner and breakfast.
King (or twin configuration)Lodge Suite
Two Lodge Suites in the main lodge building, each with a separate living area and stone fireplace. Expansive and elegantly appointed with panoramic views of the Kaikōura mountain ranges and deer paddocks. The sofa in the lounge converts to a single bed. Japanese-style two-person soaking tub, walk-in rain shower, and private balcony or patio.
King (or twin configuration)One-Bedroom Tree House
Three of the five tree houses are one-bedroom units, and they sit 10 metres up in a canopy of native kānuka and pūriri. Large windows on all sides mean you can watch the Kaikōura Ranges from the soaking bath and the Pacific from the bed. Each one has handcrafted furniture, a romantic fireplace, underfloor heating for year-round comfort, and a deep-soaking bath with mountain or ocean views. Private balcony with cantilevered deck. Each tree house has its own distinct combination of wood species, colours, and finishes — no two are identical.
King (or twin configuration)The Olive House
The Olive House is the most spacious accommodation at Hapuku — a freestanding two-storey building that was once the estate's working olive press. Now converted into a private residence for up to 6 guests. Three king bedrooms each with their own ensuite, a full living area with fireplace and kitchenette, two balconies with mountain and ocean views, and a ground-floor bedroom that is wheelchair accessible via its own private entrance. Ideal for families or small groups wanting their own space while still accessing all lodge dining, spa, and facilities.
3 x King (all configurable as twin)Two-Storey Family Tree House
Two of the five tree houses are family-configured with two separate ensuite bedrooms connected by an internal staircase. The Upper Branch has a king bed, fireplace, private balcony, and deep-soaking bath. The Lower Branch has twin beds, an ensuite, and its own private balcony — cosy for children, equal in appointment to a standard tree house room. Both branches have Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and minibar.
King upper / Twin lower (both configurable)The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guests can watch deer graze from the lodge and pool areas. In May–June, olive harvesting season opens the possibility of participating in the annual pick. The property runs over 800 head of deer across 500-plus acres.
A daily guided nature walk is included for all guests, winding through the native gardens, olive grove, and kitchen garden, or along quiet lanes past deer paddocks to the rugged coastline about a kilometre from the lodge. Evening stargazing is also included — the lodge sits within a Dark Sky Sanctuary, and on clear nights the southern skies are extraordinary.
An in-house gym offering a private, fully equipped space for cardio, strength, and flexibility training. Open to all overnight guests at no extra charge.
An outdoor solar-heated magnesium mineral pool overlooks the deer paddocks and Kaikōura Ranges. The pool house also has a separate hot tub (jacuzzi). Open to all overnight guests. The secret garden has its own private hot tub that can be booked for an evening under the stars.
A sauna in the courtyard area adjacent to the pool — faces the deer paddocks and mountain backdrop. Included for all guests.
A secluded private hot tub in the lodge's secret garden area. Guests can book exclusive time slots — particularly popular in the evening for views of the star-filled sky above the mountain ranges.
Mountain bikes are available free of charge to all guests. The lodge has its own walking and cycling map covering trails through the grounds and along the Kaikōura coast. The Mangamaunu surf beach and nearby seal colony are within easy cycling distance.
The lodge is directly adjacent to Mangamaunu surf beach, one of New Zealand's best uncrowded reef breaks. Guided surf sessions and local knowledge are available for guests of all levels.
Yoga and mindfulness sessions available on-site, drawing on restorative movement and breathwork practices. Available for guests to book.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Small conference room and meeting facilities available for intimate corporate retreats, board meetings, and private events.
Pre-ordered picnics can be arranged for excursions, hikes, or private garden lunches.
Minibar stocked with local treats and drinks, included complimentary in all room rates.
No smoking throughout interior of all Lodge buildings, Suites, Tree Houses, and Olive House. Smoking permitted outdoors only.
On-site kitchen garden supplying fresh vegetables and herbs to the restaurant year-round.
Both daily housekeeping and evening turndown service are included for all guests.
The lodge has its own helipad — guests can fly in directly from Christchurch (~1.5 hrs), Wellington, or Nelson by helicopter for a scenic arrival.
BUILD YOUR HAPUKU LODGE & TREE HOUSES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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