Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses

Occupying a narrow coastal strip between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, this luxury lodge provides an unrivalled base from which to explore the Kaikoura region, famous for its ecotours.

The five treehouses – quirky, rustic but brilliantly furnished – are mounted 30 feet above the ground, all come with jaw-dropping ocean and alpine views, open fires and deep baths. Three have one bedroom, 2 family ones with separate bedrooms for kids.

The treehouses perfectly capture the spirit of the place; indeed, the whole property (which includes four lodge suites, a lap pool and sauna) seems at one with the landscape.

There’s a great in-house restaurant too, serving local specialities, notably seafood, accompanied by locally sourced and even home-grown ingredients.

Kaikoura town is a 20-minute drive away, so as well as a quirky, memorable place to stay, it is sufficiently close for access to Kaikoura’s whale-watching, dolphin swimming and other eco-adventures.