Kaikoura Earthquake - Transfer Options To Hapuku Lodge - Update

Following the severe earthquake on the 14th November 2016 that had hit Kaikoura, we want to share with you the latest road and air access to Hapuku Lodge:

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses has reopened and has been welcoming guests since early December 2016.

ROAD

  • SH1 South to Christchurch is OPEN

  • Inland Route 70 between Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura is OPEN

  • SH1 North from Kaikoura-Clarence/Picton remains CLOSED (It is anticipated that this road will be open by approximately Nov 2017)

Please refer to the NZ Transport Authority website for the latest information.

AIR

Flights on the Kaikoura-Blenheim route have been extended through until the end of February!

The Christchurch-Kaikoura flights will be ending on the 27th January. 

From the 31st of Jan schedule is: 

  • Blenheim to Kaikoura 11:45 - 12:15

  • Kaikoura to Blenheim 12:45 - 13:15

Book at www.soundsair.com

Private Helicopter & Charter fixed wing plane options are also available and we continue to offer travel subsidies for those travelling by Air to Kaikoura.

Photo © KookePhoto

Kaikoura Earthquake – Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses Reopening

Kaikoura was hit by a severe earthquake on the 14th November 2016. Our buildings are designed to a high specification and suffered no structural damage – New Zealand’s building codes are among the world’s best. 

We are delighted to announce that we have reopened and look to welcome guests in the next few days.

We have been so heartened by the support of our guests who planned to stay, the travel industry partners, our friends and supporters. We are also inspired by the fortitude of the Kaikoura township our local townspeople and those support services who have and continue to put in many hours of support.

Roading
Road access to Kaikoura continues to be impacted with the inland road route now open for scheduled journeys. Please refer to the NZ Transport Authority website for further details.
There is also very positive news that the main state highway south of Kaikoura (SH1) is likely to be opened before the 20th December. 

Alternative Transfer Options - UPDATE
Thanks to many of our good friends and partners we have put together special rates for transfers between various locations. We are pleased to add road transfer options now to this offering.
- Transfers by Helicopter will be direct to the Lodge
- Transfers by Fixed Wing will be to the Kaikoura airport & Hapuku Lodge will provide complimentary transfers between Kaikoura Airport and also between the Lodge and township during the clients stay.
- Transfer available either one way or return from Christchurch or Blenheim.

The participating companies are:

Fixed Wing:

Road Transfer:

Hapuku Lodge will provide complimentary transfers during the clients stay.

Transfer Subsidy
Hapuku Lodge recognises that with the roading challenges, getting to and from the Lodge for the interim period, has become difficult. In order to assist clients to come to Kaikoura and Hapuku Lodge we are offering an air transport subsidy of $250 incl GST per night of their stay. For example a 2 night stay in 1 room would = a $500 incl GST subsidy in total. This will be credited to your bill at the end of your stay.

Our Transfer subsidy assistance will remain in place until the 30th April 2017.

Kaikoura remains one of the world’s top marine destinations and needs your support over the coming months to ensure we can continue to share our beautiful destination.

Please contact these companies directly quoting “Hapuku Transfer Rate”.

Kaikoura Earthquake - Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses to reopen on 1 December 2016

An official update for you from Tony, Chris, Fiona and the Team at Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses.

At a little after midnight on the 14th November the Kaikoura area experienced a severe earthquake. All guests and staff of Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, located just north of Kaikoura, are safe and well.  Our buildings are designed to a high specification and suffered no structural damage – New Zealand’s building codes are among the world’s best.

Thank you to all the support we have received from the tourism industry, our partners and suppliers. 

Key Information for Partners & Guests

  • Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is planning to host guests on 1 December 2016 pending establishment of transport links and electrical supply

  • No cancellation fees will be applied for any bookings effective 14th November until 15 December 2016

  • The latest information to hand, it is anticipated that a road route via Waipara and Culverden will be available in the next few days and over the coming week – we will update you on developments 

  • We are developing alternative transport options including subsidised helicopters and small plane transfers for access to Hapuku Lodge

  • Many of our tourism activity partners will be up and running soon too so we will keep you informed about activities for guests during their stay – new activities and experiences are already in development 

Please note that media reports both domestic and international are not always factual and may not represent the reality of what is occurring on the ground.  Kaikoura whilst hit hard is already recovering and business operators are positive about the year ahead.

Kaikoura remains one of the world’s top marine destinations and needs your support over the coming months to ensure we can share our beautiful destination.

We will continue to keep you informed of progress.

In the meantime please use Kerryn Ralston as the contact for all bookings etc.