In 2002, Kaikoura, New Zealand, became the world’s first Green Globe certified community. Previously known for the pods of dusky dolphins that cruise the nearby coastline, visitors now flock to this South Island town for the beautiful, environmentally proactive experience at Hapuku Lodge.
Sustainability and conservation are two concepts dear to Kiwi hearts, and guests will discover from the moment of their arrival that Hapuku is less about high prices and more about comfortable, native hospitality – with a green twist.
The Lodge itself, from the youthful tree house rooms to the furniture within them, was predominately hand-made and locally-sourced. Ingredients in the kitchen are regionally-produced, or grown in the chef’s own, organic, garden. All waste is composted.
Hapuku encourages guests to explore and appreciate the area’s unique, indigenous flora, and is responsible for replanting over 11,500 native plants and trees – one for every guest night at the lodge.
Perhaps the best immersion opportunity is a night in Hapuku’s tree house rooms, towering 30 feet from the ground in the branches of New Zealand’s Manuka trees.
From either the one or two-story leafy accommodation, guests can see the Kaikoura coastline – and maybe even spot some passing sea life!
Seal swimming, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing and albatross encounters are just a few of the marine activities guests can participate in. Nearby attractions also include Maori culture tours, wine tours and night sky tours, as well as hiking, biking and golfing.
For rates and reservations, contact Hapuku Lodge online.
Kelli Mutchler left a small, Midwest American town to prove that Yanks can, and do, chose alternative lifestyles. On the road for five years now, Kelli has tried news reporting and waitressing, bungy jumping and English teaching. Currently working with Burmese women refugees in Thailand, she hopes to pursue a MA in Global Development. Opportunities and scenes for international travel are encouraged on her blog, www.toomutchforwords.com.
