Adventure Lover

At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer - taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. You are hosted in the home of Fiona & Chris Read, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season.

The Hapuku Kitchen Seasonal Feast is an ever-changing half day experience, focused on uncomplicated and utterly delicious dishes made from ingredients sourced from the gardens and local producers.

The day begins with an introduction to the kitchen and the menu for the day.  This is discussed over a cup of locally roasted coffee or a refreshing drink made from herbs and flowers from the garden.  You’ll then embark on a wander around the Hapuku Kitchen property, foraging in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Once you have completed the harvest, return to the kitchen and as a group, prepare the various dishes that make up the menu.  With help always at hand, you will learn many techniques and tricks on the creation of the dishes of the day.

To finish the day, simply relax and enjoy the feast accompanied with wine or beer from some of Fiona’s favourite Canterbury and Marlborough winemakers and brewers.  Delicious home-made non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as sparkling elderflower and cucumber.

Experience Kaikōura from a whole new perspective on this unforgettable EcoZip adventure combining giant dual ziplines, rugged mountain landscapes, and immersive native forest scenery. Set on the beautiful Rakanui Station just south of Kaikōura township, this eco-adventure delivers the perfect mix of adrenaline, nature, and breathtaking South Island views.

The journey begins in central Kaikōura where guests meet the EcoZip crew before heading out on a scenic shuttle ride through the countryside. After gearing up, the adventure continues aboard a custom-built 4X4 vehicle crossing the Kahutara River and winding through rolling farmland, waterfalls, braided rivers, and native bush. Along the way, expert local guides share stories of the region, Māori history, and Kaikōura’s unique landscapes while travelling deeper into the heart of Rakanui Station.

Then it’s time to take flight across five epic dual ziplines stretching more than 2.2 kilometres in total. Flying side-by-side with a friend or family member, guests soar high above valleys, native forest, and lush farmland while soaking up spectacular 360-degree views of the Kaikōura mountains and coastline. Each zipline grows longer and more exhilarating, creating a shared experience filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable scenery.

After the final zipline, the adventure slows with a peaceful walk through regenerating native forest and the onsite tree nursery, offering a closer connection to the conservation work supported by every EcoZip experience. Combining thrilling adventure with environmental restoration and authentic local storytelling, this Kaikōura zipline experience is perfect for nature lovers, families, couples, and anyone wanting to discover one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes in a truly unique way.

Do both in a day, or make an entire weekend out of your Chuffed Gift, with these two incredible Kaikoura Experiences!

Whale Watch:

Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale. See the whales in their natural environment at all times of the year, boasting a 95% success rate!

The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the Giant Sperm Whale. Whale Watch average between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged. The whales form loose pods, keeping several miles between each other, so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus.

Around 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past our coastline so at any given time there is the opportunity for other species of marine mammals to be sighted such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals.

Depending on the amount of time available after viewing the Sperm Whales, the captain of the vessel may decide to move in along the coastline and see what other types of marine life can be encountered. This could include Dusky and Hector Dolphins and the New Zealand Fur Seal.

Kaikōura is also home to around 75% of the world’s pelagic sea bird species which include Wandering and Royal Albatross, Mollymawk Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Fulmars, Gannets, Terns and Herons.

Throughout your tour there is an onboard visual presentation, “World of the Whales” – an experience that takes passengers “virtually” to the bottom of the Kaikōura undersea canyon. The presentation also provides information for a variety of marine life found in Kaikōura waters.

Designed specially for whale watching, the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.

Hapuku Kitchen:

At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer - taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. You are hosted in the home of Fiona & Chris Read, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season.

The Hapuku Kitchen Seasonal Feast is an ever-changing half day experience, focused on uncomplicated and utterly delicious dishes made from ingredients sourced from the gardens and local producers.

The day begins with an introduction to the kitchen and the menu for the day.  This is discussed over a cup of locally roasted coffee or a refreshing drink made from herbs and flowers from the garden.  You’ll then embark on a wander around the Hapuku Kitchen property, foraging in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Once you have completed the harvest, return to the kitchen and as a group, prepare the various dishes that make up the menu.  With help always at hand, you will learn many techniques and tricks on the creation of the dishes of the day.

To finish the day, simply relax and enjoy the feast accompanied with wine or beer from some of Fiona’s favourite Canterbury and Marlborough winemakers and brewers.  Delicious home-made non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as sparkling elderflower and cucumber.

Experience the beautiful Kaikoura landscape with a guided kayak tour, choose from the amazing wildlife or sunset tours. Then top off your day with a delicious seasonal three-course meal inspired by the stunning Kaikoura surrounds.

Wildlife or sunset Kayak

Choose between the Wildlife or Sunset Kayak trips with Kaikoura Kayaks!

Experience the excitement of watching seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Have chance encounters with dolphins, penguins and albatross!

Or watch seals dive and manoeuvre around and under your kayak as the sun sets, paddle with them as they swim around the Peninsula hunting for octopus! Along your way keep an eye out for blue penguins or albatross then have chance encounters with dusky dolphins.

Whichever you opt for, this promises to be a unique & unforgettable adventure!

Three course seasonal meal

The Supper Club at Hapuku Kitchen offers a unique dining experience in the home of chef Fiona Read, inspired by Kaikoura's natural surroundings.  This three-course, set menu meal is a celebration of the seasons and everything the wild, rugged region has to offer.

At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer - taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. You are hosted in the home of Fiona & Chris Read, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season.

The dining table seats ten guests and while you're savouring the flavours of Kaikoura, you'll hear stories about how Hapuku Kitchen grow the food, how they forage from the mountains to the sea and the people behind locally sourced ingredients.

Experience one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters in Kaikōura, widely regarded as the country’s leading marine wildlife destination and often rated as the best place in the world to swim with dolphins. Join a small group of just 16 swimmers and venture into the open ocean to meet wild dusky dolphins in their natural habitat. Known for their playful nature and incredible underwater acrobatics, these beautiful creatures often leap, spin and interact with swimmers, creating an experience that many describe as truly life-changing.

The adventure begins with check-in and a briefing before being fitted with a high-quality wetsuit, hood, mask, snorkel and fins. You'll then board one of Encounter Kaikōura’s modern, smaller vessels, specially designed to provide a close-to-the-water experience that feels personal and immersive. As the crew searches for dolphin pods, they share fascinating insights into the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Once the dolphins are found, swimmers can enter the water in small groups and enjoy unhurried encounters, floating among these gentle animals at their own pace without feeling rushed or crowded. Allow approximately 3.5 hours for the full experience, including around 2.5 hours at sea.

With dolphins present year-round and the spectacular backdrop of Kaikōura’s dramatic coastline and mountains, every departure offers the possibility of an unforgettable connection with nature. Swimming with Kaikōura’s wild dusky dolphins is a magical experience that will stay with you long after you leave the water.

Experience whale watching from a whole new perspective with exclusive access to the Captain’s Cabin in Kaikōura. Positioned alongside the captain in the vessel’s wheelhouse, this premium experience combines the thrill of encountering giant sperm whales with the comfort, privacy, and personalized service of a small-group setting. Surrounded by panoramic ocean views and New Zealand’s spectacular coastal scenery, every moment feels more immersive and memorable.

The experience begins with priority check-in and transport before boarding the purpose-built whale watching vessel. With space limited to just 12 passengers, guests can relax in business-class seating while enjoying dedicated commentary from a tour host throughout the journey. As the vessel heads offshore, keep watch for giant sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, and other marine wildlife that frequent Kaikōura’s rich waters. Large viewing windows, an exclusive top-deck viewing area, complimentary refreshments, and a locally prepared food pack elevate the experience from start to finish.

What makes this experience truly special is the combination of world-class whale watching and VIP comfort. Exclusive access to the captain and watchkeeper provides a unique behind-the-scenes perspective, while the intimate group size creates a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. Kaikōura’s deep underwater canyon attracts marine life year-round, making every journey an exciting opportunity to witness some of the ocean’s most remarkable creatures in their natural environment. From the anticipation of spotting a whale’s first blow on the horizon to the unforgettable sight of ocean giants surfacing nearby, this premium wildlife experience creates memories that will stay with you long after returning to shore.