The Lookout Nest

The Lookout Nest

Kaikōura Coast, Canterbury

The Lookout Nest is located 10 minutes from Kaikōura and 2.5 hours from Christchurch in the Canterbury region.

Surrounded by kanuka trees, the pod offers breathtaking views of the Kaikōura Seaward Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean.

The curved-roof structure creates a cosy, unique cabin containing everything you need for a comfortable stay. A well equipped kitchen and lounging area have an outlook towards the mountains, while the bedroom showcases stunning ocean views. Step onto one of the two decks to take in the scenery. As you unwind in the outdoor bath, let the calming sounds of bellbirds and the gentle flow of the distant river wave over you.

For those looking to explore, take a 10 minute walk along a country road leading to a beautiful swimming hole in the Hapuku River. From here, it's the start of a lovely bush track through reserve land winding all the way to the ocean. Or discover the Kaikōura region, filled with beautiful countryside, mountain views, and coastal attractions.

FROM
NZ$
340
/pn

  • Sleeps 2
  • Children welcome
  • Dogs welcome
  • Horses welcome
address
 

198B Parsons Road, Hapuku 7371

location
 

The Lookout Nest is located 10 minutes from Kaikōura and 2.5 hours from Christchurch in the Canterbury region.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

The Lookout Nest

What is the minimum stay at this escape?

Can I stay for one night only?

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception or wifi?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

Can children stay at The Lookout Nest?

Can I bring my dog?

Can I bring my horse?

How private and remote is The Lookout Nest?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Activities

Bring Your Horse

gift vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. Activities

8. GST

9. conditions of occupancy and conduct

10. Complaints

11. Liability

12. Gift vouchers

13. Law

14. Changes to booking conditions

15. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    The Lookout Nest is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the single-element induction, electric frying pan and an electric Ninja Smoker Grill/Air Fryer/BBQ hybrid provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Zephyr is a stylish, modern restaurant just 15 minutes away, offering a great wine list and delicious meals. 

    For another option, Graze at Koura Bay is open daily from November to the end of March. During the rest of the year, it opens from Friday to Sunday. Their menu celebrates local, seasonal ingredients with a selection of small plates, shared dishes, and generous platters designed to inspire and delight.

    For a more casual option, try The Pier Hotel & Restaurant.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is New World in Kaikōura, a 10-minute drive.

  • things to do

    In a world buzzing with technology – board games, books, and cards offer a delightful escape.

    Take a scenic 10-minute walk from the property along a bush track through reserve land beside the Hapuku River, leading to a beautiful swimming hole in the river.

    Your hosts offer an incredible two-hour wilderness tour in their ATV Polaris, featuring a guided walk to the South Island’s largest Tōtara tree. Find out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

    If you want to head further afield, this stunning coastal region is home to a variety of activities, including whale watching, dolphin encounters, sea kayaking, and more. For a thrilling experience, try the flying-fox ziplines at EcoZip Adventures, where you'll soar above acres of native bush with breathtaking views.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at The Lookout Nest are Janice and Kim.

    Janice and Kim have lived on the property since 2021, joined by Minnie, their border collie, and Boss and Storm, their cats. They relocated to Kaikōura from Hawkes Bay and stumbled upon their first accommodation business, Manukau Lodge, on a whim. It didn't take long for them to fall in love with the lodge and the beauty of Kaikōura. Since then, they have poured their hearts and efforts into the property and have quickly become part of the welcoming local community.

    Janice works part-time managing Manakau Lodge and is also a Chartered Accountant, while Kim enjoys earthmoving.

    The Lookout Nest is the latest addition to their accommodation offerings. The name "The Lookout Nest" reflects its unique location—nestled among the trees on a plateau with stunning views in every direction.

Testimonials

  • "

    Very peaceful and a beautiful setting.

    "

    Anne Eggleston - 23 Feb 2026

    1 / 12

  • "

    We had the most amazing stay at The Lookout Nest. The views were stunning and it was such a relaxing place to stay whilst also in close proximity to Kaikoura. Janice also kindly recommended a whale watching flight, which was incredible! Highly recommend and wish we could visit again already. Thank you!

    "

    Milly & Will - 18 Feb 2026

    2 / 12

  • "

    Lookout Nest was magical, it was so relaxing and the perfect escape. Thanks for having us.

    "

    Alice Hazlett - 14 Feb 2026

    3 / 12

  • "

    Such a wonderful remote location, but still had all the modern amenities to make it a really comfortable stay. Wonderful panoramic views to wake up to, and such a perfect place to chill out and relax.

    "

    Scott Bainbridge - 11 Feb 2026

    4 / 12

  • "

    One of a kind spot. Felt very private even though there was a working farm nearby. We didn’t see a soul (which is what we wanted). Would definitely stay again. Hosts were fantastic, little chocolates were a nice touch, and great pantry full of staples.

    "

    Katya Frolova - 10 Feb 2026

    5 / 12

  • "

    Our stay at The Lookout Nest was almost magical. This little getaway is like a hidden gem, just close enough to Kaikoura yet tucked away so you felt like you were all alone. The pod itself was perfect, a well laid out and comfortable spot, with a fully equipped kitchen and two fabulous little decks to enjoy the outdoor ambiance. Wish we had more time to stay and relax a little longer. And to top it off Janice was a super host, extremely kind and great at communicating. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to get away for a while.

    "

    Tanya Sims - 24 Feb 2026

    6 / 12

  • "

    Everything was really nice. Good communication, loved the bathtub, and how lovely the accommodation was. We would come again!

    "

    Virginia Wittmann - 06 Feb 2026

    7 / 12

  • "

    The Lookout Nest is quaint, immaculately clean and an absolute delight. Loved our two night stay.

    "

    Susan Mckenna - 22 Jan 2026

    8 / 12

  • "

    Loved staying at The Lookout Nest. Great views, great facilities, and great communication from the host. It has everything you could want and more than I was expecting. Would highly recommend and would happily stay there again in the future.

    "

    Luke Hardinge - 11 Jan 2026

    9 / 12

  • "

    Thank you for such a gorgeous place to escape to! The pod was so private, well laid out and exceptionally clean. Janice was friendly and communicative, and I cannot fault our stay in any way. We will most certainly be booking The Lookout Nest again in future.

    "

    Elly Bucher - 09 Jan 2026

    10 / 12

  • "

    The Lookout Nest was perfect. The hosts had thought of absolutely everything and then gone beyond. The kitchen was well stocked and the appliances top notch. We wanted somewhere quiet and away from crowds for new year and we couldn’t be happier with our stay. The weather didn’t play ball for us but that just showed even more so how carefully considered everything was, from the covered deck with outdoor bath to the jigsaws and things provided. This really was the perfect place to stay and we highly recommended it.

    "

    Tina and Allan - 05 Jan 2026

    11 / 12

  • "

    Private, but close enough to Kaikoura for an easy transit. I would gladly recommend The Lookout Nest if you were looking to escape and relax for a few days in a beautiful and peaceful setting.

    "

    Darryl May - 16 Dec 2025

    12 / 12

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