Manakau Lodge

A group of us (x3 couples) spent a fabulous two nights at Manakau Lodge recently and we can’t rate our experience high enough. This is our second trip to the lodge in 3 months as the first time was so good. Janice goes above and beyond to ensure a top notch stay. The lodge is extremely well equiped and the food supplied plentiful, fresh and of a high quality. Each bedroom is large with its own spacious ensuite, couch, tv (not needed with the stunning mountain or sea views) and feather down quilts. The rooms are very quiet and beds super comfortable. The open fire in the lounge was a hit with all of us and a wonderful focal point to sit around relaxing with a few wines. Our highlight was a Trust the Chef in-house experience with Rob & Rosie Cullen on Saturday night. We could not fault the food, presentation and relaxed interactive exchanges with Rob & Rosie. We all couldn’t stop talking about our 5 course dinner and highly recommended.

This is a magical place to stay. Situated between the sea and the mountains, the views from the lodge are amazing. The lodge itself is a delightful, a well designed space with superb bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen invites even the most reluctant chef to try out the facilities. You do need to be aware that Kaikoura is 15 km away and a car is essential.

We stayed at Manakau Lodge for a long overdue girls trip! It was an amazing base while we explored the sights of Kaikoura. A lovely luxurious space to unwind after our busy days exploring. Very well equipped kitchen for our nights in. Warm and cosy with a stunning outlook. The coastal walk was amazing and the whale watch experience didn't disappoint. Lovely restaurants. It was so incredible we are returning in November!! Thanks Kim and Janice

We stayed at Manakau Lodge for a family wedding. Janice and Kim are fabulous hosts. Nestled between the ocean and the mountains the setting could have not been more perfect. We had a crisp, cool day for the wedding and retreated into the warmth of the Lodge. Janice and Kim connected us with local suppliers for cake and catering support. We highly recommend the Manakau Lodge and will be back. Thanks guys

The beautiful Manukau Lodge features highly appointed rooms and fixtures. The accommodation is very comfortable with heatpumps throughout and a fabulously large open fire in the main living area. Original artworks complete the ambience. We were fortunate to utilise the Lodge as a wedding venue at Matariki 2022 with Jan and Kim being gracious hosts. Nothing was a problem and they facilitated contact with a number of other Kaikoura businesses and service providers. The venue itself was superb with the snow capped Kaikoura ranges presenting a wonderful backdrop to the west and the Pacific ocean to the east. Fabulous walks abound with a number of guests seeing migrating whales from their coastal walk. Other sightseeing included a trip with Kim into back country to see historic sights. We had a fantastic and memorable experience with family and friends and cannot recommend Manukau Lodge highly enough.

We stayed at Manakau Lodge for 4 nights in mid March. Two families with young children. The lodge was perfect for us. We had plenty of space with the 4 spacious bedrooms each with their own ensuite. The kitchen had everything we needed just like home away from home. We had the coffee machine going every morning. The kids loved playing on the deck and excitedly toddling over to see if the sheep were there by the fence. Kim and Janice were generous and kind hosts and were always available if we needed them for anything. With its slightly elevated position we enjoyed both mountain and sea views, and loved the rural setting with no neighbours! And only 10 min drive to Kaikōura. We can't wait to go back. Thank you Janice and Kim. You're doing a great job.