your hosts

A global journey to Kaikōura
Originally from South Africa, Emile began his career through Protea Hotels’ in-house management training programme. Hospitality became his passport to the world, taking him through different cultures, properties, and roles before he eventually landed in Kaikōura.

How Hapuku captured his heart
Emile first encountered Hapuku Lodge on a surf trip and after experiencing the Tree Houses, the food, the land, and the people, he knew he had found something special. Outside the Lodge, Emile spends most of his time with his wife, Krista, a marine biologist, and their daughter, Zoe Grace. They’re a family of ocean lovers, keeping their connection to the sea alive whenever they can.

Emile’s local tip:
“Make the effort to rise early for a Kaikōura sunrise, there’s something truly special about the first light hitting the mountain peaks. And if you can, end your day with a sunset around a beach bonfire. It’s one of those simple Kaikōura moments that stays with you.”

From Brazil to the Bay of Plenty
Originally from Santa Catarina, Brazil, Fernando has been cooking professionally for 20 years, beginning under chef Alastair Dunlop in Tauranga. He sharpened his skills further at The Lodge at the Inlet in Wellington and has brought modern Asian fusion influences to each of his kitchens since.

A perfect match
Fernando was invited to join Hapuku by friend and former Head Chef Jeremy Simeon. The lodge’s focus on local ingredients and the supportive Wilson family made it the right place to stay and lead an inspired culinary team. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find Fernando surfing Kaikōura’s world-class waves.

Fernando’s local tip:
“Grab a beer at The Pier, and go see the baby seal waterfall at Ohau Point.”

An eye for the little things
Born and raised in England, Anna moved to New Zealand in 2014. After spending time living and working in other luxury lodges, she joined Hapuku Lodge in 2017, bringing together her experience in hospitality, customer service, and administration. For Anna, it’s the small details that elevate a stay and make it truly special.

Growing with Hapuku
Since joining the lodge, Anna has grown alongside the team, supported to develop her skills while helping others do the same. Now living in Raglan with her young family and working remotely, Anna still treasures Kaikōura. One of her favourite memories is watching pods of dolphins from the beach, something she now loves sharing with her children whenever they visit.

Anna’s local tip:
“The Peninsula Walkway is a must. With the breathtaking views and the seals lazing on the rocks, it’s the perfect place to reset.”

Drawn to the coast
Originally from the UK, Laura graduated from Manchester School of Art before realising she needed to work with people. Travel and food soon became her way of exploring culture, connection, and community. Her journey took her across Australia and New Zealand where she fell in love with the art of connecting people both to place and each other through experiences.

Living in nature
Laura sought somewhere wild, coastal, and connected and found Hapuku Lodge, offering the perfect blend of rugged Pacific coastline, mountain ranges, and a role that put people at the centre of the experience. Outside of work, Laura loves making the most of Kaikōura’s abundance of wildlife, mountains, lush forests, and ocean moments.

Laura’s local tip:
“The Dolphin Encounter is one of the most incredible animal interactions I have ever had in the wild, swimming with 200+ playful and curious dolphins eye to eye.”

From skyscrapers to starry skies
Originally from China, Amy worked in high-end real estate in bustling Shanghai before trading skyscrapers for sky-high mountain views. A move to New Zealand sparked her transition into hospitality.

Finding a home amongst the trees
Amy first came for the peaceful landscape, but stayed for the people. The inclusive, kind culture of the Hapuku team made her feel at home from day one. She loves knowing that her team’s thoughtful touches can make a stay feel truly special.

Amy’s local tip:
“Definitely take the Peninsula Walk, and if you’re around at night, don’t forget to look up, the stars here are next level.”

A life lived outdoors
Born in the UK and raised in Cornwall, Joe grew up by the sea and eventually found his rhythm in New Zealand. With a love for learning new skills, his work spans sustainability, solar and hydropower projects, and eco-building, always chasing waves and purpose.

A childhood dream realised
Tree Houses and a close-knit community brought Joe to Hapuku. What keeps him here is the grounding energy of the land and the joy of meaningful, values-driven work.

Joe’s local tip:
“Visit Blue Duck Scientific Reserve, the harmony of old-growth forest and diversity of native trees is truly humbling.”

A world of curiosity
Originally from Germany and half Dutch, Janet has always chased new experiences. After working as an event organiser, she spent four years travelling and working across New Zealand and Australia, falling in love with te whenua, ōna tāngata, and tōna ātaahua ā-taiao – the land, the people, and the natural beauty. Her travels eventually brought her to Hapuku Lodge, and she hasn’t looked back.

A place to belong
Now calling Kaikōura home, Janet loves the harmony of maunga me te moana – mountains and ocean – and the sense of connection it brings. Working at Hapuku means being surrounded by birdsong, mountain views, and the gentle sound of waves. Outside of work, Janet spends her time hiking, gardening, and soaking up the landscapes that first stole her heart.

Janet’s local tip:
“Don’t miss a hike along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway — it’s the perfect way to experience the area’s rugged beauty.”

A career shaped by service
After studying Professional Restaurant, Wine and Bar Service at Christchurch Polytech, Mike spent several years honing his skills at a high-country resort in mid-Canterbury. When the opportunity arose to move to Kaikōura and join a passionate, hard-working team, he jumped at it.

The joy of connection and a place to call home
Mike loves meeting guests from around the world and hearing the stories behind their travels. Seeing guests relax, enjoy themselves, and leave happy is what drives him every day. Mike always wanted to live by the sea, and now he wakes up to nature right outside his door. It’s a place that continues to inspire him.

Mike’s local tip:
“Visit the Pier Hotel, grab a pint of a local craft beer or a glass of fine New Zealand wine and enjoy the view over the bay onto the mountains.”

A global culinary journey
Originally from India, Akhil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and trained in the US before refining his craft across New Zealand. Akhil has held roles at Gibbston Valley Lodge, and the NZ High Commission in India, building a diverse and dynamic culinary career.

Inspired every day
The lodge’s commitment to personalised dining and its unique Tree House experience gave Akhil the creative freedom he was searching for. It’s the combination of innovation, collaboration, and natural beauty that keeps him inspired every day.

Akhil’s local tip:
“Don’t miss the Mount Fyffe hike, it’s an unforgettable experience.”

A global wellness journey
Originally from Canada, Taylor has over 10 years’ experience as a spa therapist. Her career has taken her from Relais & Châteaux resorts to superyachts, allowing her to blend a love of travel with the spa and wellness industry.

Drawn to detail and connection
Taylor first arrived in Kaikōura in 2019 and immediately felt a sense of belonging. She was drawn to Hapuku Lodge for its high standards of service and attention to detail, balanced by a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. Outside the spa, Taylor loves surfing, hiking, and exploring the coastline, staying closely connected to the land and ocean that inspire her work.

Taylor’s local tip:
“The Peninsula Walk is a favourite. Bring a picnic!”

From Indonesia to Hapuku
Born in Indonesia, Tuti learned to cook in her mother’s restaurant. After moving to Christmas Island and marrying her husband Peter, she relocated to New Zealand. Here they opened Tuti’s Restaurant & Bar, a local Kaikōura favourite for many years until the couple decided to close it post-earthquake.

A lodge close to home and heart
Tuti joined the Hapuku team and fell in love with its unique setting and warm community. Her connection to food, land and people runs deep as she loves the laidback lifestyle that Kaikōura offers and spends her free time fishing, both from the beach and boats.

Tuti’s local tip:
“Try Whale Watch or Dolphin Encounter – a must for seeing the whales, dolphins and seabirds.”

Old-school hospo with heart
From Fiordland to Queenstown, Lizzie has been part of NZ’s hospitality story since her teenage years, owning and running two successful businesses before following her passion for gardening.

Drawn to the land
Now living next door to Hapuku Lodge, Lizzie followed her heart, and her love of food and plants, into the team. She’s right at home surrounded by mountains, sea, and the vibrant local community.

Lizzie’s local tip:
“Smell the Hapuku air, listen to the birds, drink the water… and buy the olive oil, tehe!”

Local roots, early flavours
A Kaikōura local, Tayla built her hospitality experience working at Cods and Crays and The Pier Hotel before joining Hapuku. Her journey has been shaped by a passion for food and the joy of serving her community.

Drawn to people and place
For Tayla, it’s the unbeatable combination of Hapuku’s scenery and the warmth of her teammates that makes every day meaningful. Outside the kitchen, Tayla makes the most of Kaikōura’s stunning landscapes. She loves walking her dogs along the beach and soaking up the mountain views that frame her hometown.

Tayla’s local tip:
“The Iron Gate walk is perfect for summer with a waterfall, a swimming spot, and incredible scenery. Don’t miss the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway for spotting seals and wildlife also.”

Crafted in calm
Originally from China, Grace honed her skills in five-star hotels before joining Hapuku. Her approach is rooted in stillness and presence.

The harmony of Hapuku
Hapuku’s nature-focused ethos and tranquil energy align perfectly with Grace’s belief in mindful, nourishing care. She’s found peace here and helps others find it too. Grace loves to embrace quiet moments, cherishing reading, walking, and being inspired by Kaikōura’s beauty.

Grace’s local tip:
“Start with a dawn walk along the Peninsula. Then enjoy fresh crayfish from a roadside stall – simple, authentic, unforgettable. If you seek wonder, join a whale-watch tour to meet our ocean friends.”