NEW HAPUKU LODGE TEAM MEMBERS

New General Managers, Rod and Belinda Ramsay bring 30 years of combined hospitality experience to Hapuku Lodge, including managing the award-winning Christchurch restaurant and events location, 'Sign of the Takahe' for the past six years. Rod and Belinda's experience will be a major asset to Hapuku Lodge's plan to establish a first class restaurant and event/conference hosting facility.

New Assistant General Manager, Briar Nash will be responsible for reservations and front of house responsibilities at the Lodge. With a degree in hospitality management from a university in Switzerland and hospitality experience from leading Swiss hotels and Northland's exclusive Kauri Cliffs, Briar brings a high level of professionalism and charm to her new role.

Former General Manager, Justin Stafford-Wilson has relocated to San Francisco to pursue graduate education. However, don't be surprised to see Justin, or his father, Tony, behind the reception desk at Hapuku Lodge, as they continue to be actively involved in the affairs of the lodge.

NEW TREEHOUSES OPEN

Hapuku's five new luxury Tree Houses have created a stir since they were completed in November 2006. Nested 10 metres above ground in a mature manuka grove, the three 1-bedroom and two 2-bedroom contemporary units have been enthusiastically received by guests and media alike. Individually named after New Zealand native birds, the Tree Houses are perched at varying heights in their tree top home. The Tree Houses' interior colours and furniture detail are unique to each unit while keeping with the contemporary style of the main lodge. Continuing the lodge's native reafforestation program, the Hapuku team has densely planted the manuka grove surrounding the Tree Houses with NZ indigenous trees and plants. As a result, guests have the pleasure of watching native birds just an arm's length away in the tree tops.

FITNESS ROOM OPENS

The lower level of the Olive House has been developed into a compact gymnasium that features large windows looking out to the Kaikoura Seaward Mountains. Equipped with a stationary bike, elliptical trainer, row machine with water resistance and a Swedish work ball, it provides a relaxed environment for guests' workout sessions. Development has also begin to include a spa facility next to the fitness

DINING ROOM REDESIGNED

With the completion of the new Tree Houses, Hapuku Lodge can now accommodate 30-plus guests. With that in mind, Lodge owners and designers, Tony and Peter Wilson have re-designed the Hapuku Cafe' into a stylish contemporary dining room. Each night guests are offered four-course dinners complete with pre-dinner drinks, while breakfast is provided by a generous continental buffet. Guests have the choice of breakfast and dinner in the finely crafted interior dining room or beautiful garden terrace setting.

Hapuku's General Manager, Rod Ramsay, is now running the kitchen & preparing the flavoursome seasonal offerings that have established the lodge's reputation as a culinary high point of any travel schedule. Included in the list of fresh offerings, diners may select Kaikoura's famous fare of live crayfish (New Zealand rock lobster), pulled directly from the resident saltwater tank.

The newly designed dining room can also be used for hosting events and functions for up to 60 people. A private dining room that seats up to ten guests is available within the main lodge as well.

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