Hapuku Lodge

Rated one of the top lodge stays in NZ, three nights here was our special anniversary treat. The location consists of both tree-houses and accommodation within the main lodge where we stayed.

Where to start? How about coffee in the bedroom? Kiwis like their coffee, as do we. At Hapuku Lodge bedroom coffee consisted of coffee beans, a grinder and cafetiere. See what Ben Fogle has to say. How cool is that!

After freshening up by relaxing in a Japanese bath, we went to dinner. The Lodge is on a deer farm but non-meat eaters should have no fear - we’d previously contacted the Lodge and had been assured this wouldn’t be a problem. They were true to their word - a brief chat to determine preferences and dinner was served far exceeding expectations. After dinner entertainment consisted of relaxing on the sofas in front of a massive stone fireplace chatting with other guests.

Breakfast was another must-do, although our first one was a “take-away” due to the early start for whale watching. Let’s be clear, though, a “Hapuku take-away breakfast” is a delight in itself and was well received despite the rolling of the boat. Next morning at the Lodge breakfast consisted of a range of home baking and local jams and honeys and other scrumptious goodies, as well as the traditional cooked fare. The side-board of baked goodies looked so good it was almost a crime to touch it.

The whole Hapuku Lodge experience was in a class of its own. From the moment we arrived until the minute we departed, the service was very personal and nothing was a problem, with staff always having time to talk and share their love for the area. While a stay there is not cheap, it’s truly memorable and a special treat.