The Great Kaikoura Cook And Relax

Two guests: From NZD 1599 per person

Four guests: From NZD 999 per person

Please enquire with the form and let us know any dietary restrictions

Getaway Summary

• Location: Kaikōura
• 2 nights/3 days
• Private use of luxury Manakau Lodge in Kaikōura
• Daily breakfast hamper
• Full day Hapuku Kitchen Experience

Please enquire with the form and let us know any dietary restrictions

Farm-To-Table Full Day Hapuku Kitchen Experience

Hapuku Kitchen’s Full Day experience is something special. Set on a beautiful property steps from your luxury accommodation, this hands-on cooking workshop is all about connecting with seasonal ingredients, sustainable food practices, and good old-fashioned hospitality.

The day begins with a warm welcome and a wander through the on-site kitchen garden. You’ll help harvest what’s fresh and ready, then step into the kitchen to transform it into something delicious. With guidance from hosts Fiona and Chris, you’ll learn new techniques, get stuck in making handmade pasta, sauces, sides, and more—using what you’ve just picked and other locally sourced ingredients.

But this isn’t a formal cooking class. It’s relaxed, immersive, and full of personality. Think shared stories, regional flavours, and a genuine connection to the land and the food. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just love the idea of preparing a meal from scratch, there’s something here for everyone.

Once the cooking is done, you’ll sit down at the long farmhouse table and enjoy the feast together—wine in hand, sea breeze nearby, and mountains on the horizon. It’s a full sensory experience that leaves you feeling inspired, full, and just a little bit spoiled.

Your luxury accommodation in Kaikoura: Manakau Lodge

Looking for a peaceful escape with a touch of luxury? Manakau Lodge is one of those rare finds: private, beautifully appointed, and set against the stunning backdrop of the Kaikōura mountains. Just a 10-minute drive from town, the lodge offers the best of both worlds: complete tranquillity with easy access to local experiences like whale watching, coastal walks, and world-class seafood.

And here’s the real magic: when you book, you get the whole lodge to yourselves! That’s four spacious guest rooms (two of which can be split from king beds into king singles), a large lounge, and a mountain-facing terrace, just for you or your group. Whether it’s a romantic retreat, a celebration with friends, or a family getaway: It’s your space to relax, reconnect, and recharge.

A breakfast hamper is included each morning. Think fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a peaceful start to your day. And if you’re celebrating something special, a private chef can be arranged to prepare dinner onsite. No need to go out. Just sit back, enjoy a glass of wine, and indulge in a fine dining experience without leaving the lodge.

Whether you’re unwinding with a book by the fire or dining under the stars, Manakau Lodge is the kind of place you’ll talk about long after you leave.

This getaway package is perfect for a girls getaway or hens’ getaway or a group of gourmands.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway to propose to your special someone and staying at Manakau Lodge, please message me.