Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a contemporary country hotel located on a deer breeding farm in the South Island of New Zealand, 12 kilometres North of Kaikōura. It sits snugly at the base of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range, with the Kaikōura coast and famed Mangamaunu Bay only a kilometre to the east. The Lodge provides luxurious accommodation on Kaikōura’s rugged coastline, a place for guests to relax in its intimate indoor/outdoor setting and a place from which they can explore the larger maritime landscape of the region.

With their drive to become more sustainable came their interest in becoming a Moana Mark Partner. Hapuku Lodge General Manager, Emile van der Linde said “It was a no brainer for us to support this fantastic initiative. Not only is sustainability at the core of our operations, but supporting the marine wildlife that brings us our guests is just the right thing to do”. “On top of that our staff and guests love hearing about the research projects we are funding which creates a real buzz for everyone involved”, van der Linde stated.

Tony Wilson, the owner, of Hapuku Lodge has a strong connection to Kaikōura and recognises the need to give back. Their accommodation business hosts international, and domestic guests, all of whom have travelled to experience the beauty of Kaikōura and majestic marine environment. In his words, “I wanted to ensure our local marine ecosystems are protected so the many species within them are here for generations to come. We have to plan to play the long game to protect these spaces for future generations.”

Hapuku Lodge recognised that there was no research facility in Kaikōura to conduct marine research and they wanted to change that. They have now built a fit-for-purpose marine office and laboratory so researchers worldwide can conduct their important mahi in this region. Not only that, but they also donate $10 for every room night towards Moana Mark projects.