About 12 kilometres north of Kaikōura, you’ll find Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, a contemporary country hotel with three styles of luxury accommodation.

Decide between a treehouse, perched at least 10 metres off the ground like the best version of a childhood hide-out; a spacious, light-filled lodge suite; or the freestanding Olive House, which once housed the property’s olive press. Whatever your choice, you’ll be stepping into somewhere special and inviting.

Part of the distinctive feel comes from Hapuku’s surroundings, but the furnishings do the rest of the work. Not only were the lodge and treehouses designed by their owners, so was the furniture. Apparently, guests have said the beds are the most comfortable in the South Island – but you can make up your own mind.

There's plenty to do on and around the lodge grounds, including mountain biking nearby trails, helping to pick olives (between May and June), swims in the heated pool while you gaze at the mountains, and many walks. On the off-chance you’re not soaking in the hot tub, warming up in front of the fireplace, or enjoying the serenity by the huge windows, the region has a host of activities – on both land and sea – to keep you busy. Go for a whale-watching tour, and don’t miss the crayfish feast at Nins Bin.