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.

Perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat, this escape has hosted many honeymoons, proposals and special anniversaries. Private and 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.

Last updated 15 Sept 2026

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 fine dining the restaurant at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is just a few minutes drive away.

For a more casual option, try Donegal House in Kaikoura.

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

“ Fantastic stay at The Lookout Nest, we didn’t want to leave. Great location close to Kaikoura, but really peaceful with incredible views. The space itself was really well done, everything was thought of, and the shower was great too. ”

Sarah Barham- 2026-03-02

20 / 20

“ Great view, nice short drive to the town centre, good cooking facilities and the outdoor bath is great. ”

Sam D- 2026-09-14

1 / 20

“ Great spot out of the way but still close to Kaikoura town and the surf. ”

Isaac Box- 2026-09-07

2 / 20

“ Awesome cabin with stunning views and easy access to town. Highly recommend. ”

Mike- 2026-09-01

3 / 20

“ The whole place was amazing, location, cleanliness, views, couldn’t fault a thing. ”

Paula Billett- 2026-08-30

4 / 20

“ We loved our stay here, it was beautiful, private, clean and well furnished/stocked. Janice was friendly and accommodating. We would love to return. ”

Katherine Nordmeyer- 2026-08-09

5 / 20

“ Beautiful spot, loved the view and the special touches left by our host. Instructions were super easy to follow. Not too far too town and areas to explore. Stunning place, extremely well done and presented. ”

Michelle Sims- 2026-06-24

6 / 20

“ We recently stayed at The Lookout Nest in Hapuku, Kaikōura and had an amazing experience. The accommodation was beautifully presented, clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed to make the most of the stunning surroundings. The views were absolutely breathtaking, especially watching the sunrise and taking in the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect place to relax, unwind, and escape from the busy pace of everyday life. Everything was well maintained, and the hosts clearly put a lot of care and attention into creating a memorable stay. We truly appreciated the tranquillity, privacy, and unique experience that The Lookout Nest offers. We would highly recommend staying here to anyone visiting the Kaikōura region and would love to return in the future. Thank you for such a wonderful stay! ”

Vehar Phoeuk- 2026-06-08

7 / 20

“ It was such an amazing experience. Wonderful communication and the setting and atmosphere was first class. Thank so very much. ”

Janeen Valentine- 2026-05-27

8 / 20

“ The Lookout Nest was incredible. It was such a beautiful location, with amazing views. The place was beautifully kept and there were some wee treats left for us. ”

Grace Thomson- 2026-05-25

9 / 20

“ Beautiful, relaxing place to stay. A very comfortable property. Loved the bath. ”

Heather- 2026-05-21

10 / 20

“ I found everything to be perfect with our stay. Janice had great communication. The location and accommodation were perfect. The Lookout Nest hosts thought of every little thing. Thank you. ”

Megan- 2026-05-13

11 / 20

“ Beautiful setting with the mountain and ocean view! Loved that we could bring our fur babies, and the chocolates, milk and toiletries were a nice bonus! ”

Jacinta Dempster- 2026-05-11

12 / 20

“ We had an amazing time staying at The Lookout Nest. We brought our two dogs with us and found that the place was amazingly fenced and suitable for dogs to run around in without having to worry. The place was amazing, comfortable, warm, and the owners had thought about every amenity that might be required by someone staying. The place was clean and very comfortable, let alone the amazing views you get to wake up to! With the drive only being 10 minutes away from town, it was also a super accessible place that wasn’t too far from Kaikōura, but you also felt like you were away from everything at the same time. It was a very peaceful, relaxing, and beautiful stay, and we were delighted we could bring our dogs with us. The Lookout Nest is a must if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Canterbury (especially with a dog!), and we are planning to visit again. ”

Rhiannon Martin- 2026-05-11

13 / 20

“ Fantastic accommodation with fabulous views and amenities. So grateful our dog was welcome and was super happy there. Communication from Janice was excellent. Definitely will be returning. ”

Vivienne Vincent- 2026-04-30

14 / 20

“ Beautiful place to stay with the bed orientated perfectly to watch the sun rise. It has everything you could need to make your stay away relaxing and enjoyable. ”

Dale- 2026-04-05

15 / 20

“ Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise, beautiful location, and so thoughtfully designed "nest", everything you need. Prompt, clear communication with the host too. ”

Sharon Annett- 2026-04-03

16 / 20

“ We had the most relaxing stay and it was so special to be able to bring our Golden Retriever with us. He had the best time. ”

Lara Morse- 2026-03-11

17 / 20

“ What a great choice! Two days full of rain, strong wind and unusual low temperature for (still) summer, but The Lookout Nest kept us warm and cosy and we couldn't have picked a better place for our stay in Kaikōura. Lovely host and heartwarming interior. Loved it a lot and would highly recommend. ”

Daniela- 2026-03-08

18 / 20

“ We had an amazing stay at The Lookout Nest. Great view, private, comfortable space, all the amenities provided, great communication with host, and they even provided a portacot for our stay. ”

Sarah Everest- 2026-03-03

19 / 20

Sarah Barham- 2026-03-02

20 / 20

“ Great view, nice short drive to the town centre, good cooking facilities and the outdoor bath is great. ”

Sam D- 2026-09-14

1 / 20

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