Luxury cabanas perched in trees between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Mountains
Located halfway between the Pacific Ocean and the imposing mountain range of Seaward Kaikoura Range, five bungalows on stilts Hapuku Lodge totaled almost naturally among manukas, old trees native to the region. Tenants can even feel the vibrations and the wind in the branches… Feel in harmony with the natural elements in comfort and aesthetics, this is the spirit of architectural thought by Tony Wilson, owner of the unique institution built in the heart of an olive grove and a deer farm. The architect designed the original plans of these bungalows with his brother Olivier back in time to their childhood, when they built treehouses, bringing a touch of luxury and modernity…
A luxury ecolodge perfectly integrated into the environment
The two brothers were probably inspired by the career of their father, Gordon Wilson, who has worked for ten years with the New Zealand Government. He designed, among other railway station in Auckland and Wellington Public Library. Expat in California where he works with his talent as an architect, Tony Wilson chose his homeland to launch a luxury ecolodge perfectly integrated into the environment. A project close to his heart for a long time, because he lives on the other side of the Pacific, he followed the evolution of Kaikoura, this former resort style ‘fish and chips’ typically British 1980s, which turned and reached gradually to rise to the forefront of international ecotourism resorts. Hapuku Lodge is completely in the process of mutation and Kaikoura is one of the emblems of the new orientation of the city towards sustainable tourism. The establishment opened its doors in 2003 with six standard rooms located in the main building and it was not until three years later that the five deluxe bungalows have emerged among the trees. In 2009, the main building has been renovated and six rooms have been converted into four suites with Japanese tubs featuring a sleek and refined, an ode to relax… Each room is equipped with a highly efficient modern insert, d an optimal insulation of double glazing and quality.
Reconstitution of primary forest within an hotel
The hotel structure is located in the heart of a deer farm formerly a barn. Suffice to say at this time, the local vegetation was completely cleared! Concerned with the environment, the last owners bought the land with the intention of gradually reconstruct the primary forest that covered the area before the arrival of settlers in the 1800s. Since the construction of the ecolodge, no less than 15,000 native trees of New Zealand have been planted.
A tree planted by night sold by the eccolodge
The school is committed to planting a tree or shrub local to each night recorded daily. It is now in the ownership of valuable endemic species such as grasses and Carex Frosted Curl Dispacia Dispaci, and several species of ferns and trees such as lancewood, Totara, Pohutukawa, Manuka Kanuka or famous, including bungalows were built on stilts. Efforts even more successful they also helped reintroduce native species of nesting birds, some endangered. The hotel guests can take advantage of the beauty and diversity of the ecosystem native New Zealand while welcoming participate in their conservation. Residents who chose bungalows have the opportunity to observe at leisure the surrounding flora and fauna from their bath while those staying in the apartment Olive House Suite enjoy a 360 ° view on the olive grove chain of mountains, the ocean with bonus frolicking rabbits and deer grazing…!
Local flavors to honor
If it has not yet obtained certification, the garden, managed by the Chef, is completely organic and includes the cultivation of herbs, seasonal vegetables and traditional vegetables. The menus highlight local flavors, seasonal products and local New Zealand wine. All food waste is composted, including waste and meat proteins.
An invitation to discover the region
From the park and the rooms to the choice of menus, Hapuku Lodge invites guests to discover the many facets of the region in a subtle natural comfort.
An ideal stopover to enjoy plenty of activities
Strategically located the ecolodge recommends various kind of excursions for exploring the many attractions of Kaikoura, ranging from the introduction to Maori culture and traditions, guided walks to an interpretation of nocturnal sky of the southern hemisphere, not forgetting, of course, the famous dolphins and whale-watching trips or kayaking trips.
For sports enthusiasts, Hapuku Lodge is located one kilometer away from the renowned surf spot Mangamaunu Bay. Mountain bikes are also available to customers around the paths surrounding.
