Set in the small fishing town of ‘Kaikoura’ (which means ‘to eat crayfish’ in Maori) the Hapuku Lodge is the place to stay if you love eco tourism, beautiful scenery, and sea air. The area has been home to the Maori for over 1000 years and is an excellent example of their unique culture. It is also home to a stunning variety of marine wildlife including dolphins, whales, and seals.

You could stay in the treehouses which are built to complement the natural environment using local wood. There your stay in a treehouse is all sweeping views and handmade furnishings. The ‘Olive Suite’ is a fully furnished lodge with 360-degree views and the restaurant sources 75% of its ingredients from local sources or the chef’s own organic garden.

Heating and waste management are all based on sound conservationist principles. The Lodge also runs a Maori Culture and Bush Restoration Tour and a Night Sky Tour as the area is remote enough to see the stars very brightly shining.