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

  • "

    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 - 12 Mar 2026

    1 / 12

  • "

    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 - 08 Mar 2026

    2 / 12

  • "

    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 - 03 Mar 2026

    3 / 12

  • "

    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 - 03 Mar 2026

    4 / 12

  • "

    Lovely place to stay.

    "

    Jeremy Stephenson - 27 Feb 2026

    5 / 12

  • "

    It was great! Super clean and the hosts were lovely.

    "

    ALIA LEILANI - 27 Feb 2026

    6 / 12

  • "

    The Lookout Nest exceeded our expectations. Such a cosy and beautiful, well-designed place, and the bath tub on the deck facing the mountains was the most amazing bath with wine in the evening or morning coffee. Comfortable outdoor furnishings and they even provided bath bubbles and bath salts! STUNNING!!! The deck off the bedroom faced the water and was so relaxing. The home has all the necessities for a great stay and the bed was super comfortable. Wonderful shower and towel warmers! The place is so bright and comfortable. Janice and Kim provided welcome milk and chocolates! A very nice treat and surprise. Would not hesitate to stay at the Lookout Nest again! Absolutely beautiful!

    "

    Heidi Brandriff - 26 Feb 2026

    7 / 12

  • "

    Very peaceful and a beautiful setting.

    "

    Anne Eggleston - 23 Feb 2026

    8 / 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

    9 / 12

  • "

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

    "

    Alice Hazlett - 14 Feb 2026

    10 / 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

    11 / 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

    12 / 12

Browse the Collection

Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection.

Find your escape