The Lookout Nest

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 Check Availability & Book Sleeps 2 Children welcome Dogs welcome Horses welcome Check Availability & Book Previous Next Getting There FAQS Rates and Extras Booking Terms 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]. Locate The Lookout Nest What is the minimum stay at this escape? The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.  The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates. Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions. If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit. Can I stay for one night only? To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book. If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day. Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions. What time is check-in and check-out? What are the bed and bedding arrangements? The pod has a king-size bed. The sheets are 100% cotton and the blankets are down-filled with cotton covers.  Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. A portocot is available upon request (please ensure you bring your own sheets and bedding). What are the kitchen and cooking facilities? The kitchen has a single-induction element, electric frying pan, and air fryer. A large fridge/freezer provides cool storage. A dishwasher, microwave, toaster and kettle are also provided. An electric Ninja Smoker Grill, Air Fryer, and BBQ combo is provided under cover on the deck All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. Some pantry basics are supplied - oil, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, coffee (plunger), milk and a variety of teas and cereals. What are the bathroom facilities? The bathroom has a flushing toilet, shower, hand basin and heated towel rails. An outdoor bath is located on the covered deck. Towels, hand and body wash, shampoo and conditioner are provided. Is there power? Yes! The Lookout Nest is connected to mains power and devices can be charged inside via wall sockets. A small TV screen is available in the lounge. If you use a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for sleep apnoea, there’s a convenient power outlet located beside the bed. Is there mobile phone reception or wifi? Yes, there is good 5G mobile phone reception and WiFi available at The Lookout Nest. Devices can be charged inside via wall sockets. What sort of heating is there? The pod has a heat pump to keep you warm. Extra blankets are provided. An Infrared Red heater is located on the deck next to the outdoor bath to keep you warm while enjoying the views and a soak. Can I have an outdoor fire? No, due to the fire risk, there are no outdoor fires allowed at The Lookout Nest. Can children stay at The Lookout Nest? The Lookout Nest sleeps a max of two people in a king-size bed. Non-mobile babies under 6 months at the time of your stay with BYO bedding and a portacot are free of charge. A portocot is available upon request. If you're looking for a family-friendly glamping escape that accommodates larger groups, select the family icon in the search bar on our 'find your escape' page to easily find them. Can I bring my dog? Yes, your dog is welcome at The Lookout Nest. We kindly ask that you adhere to a few doggy rules: The property is fully fenced but it's still a good idea to supervise your dog at all times Dogs must be up-to-date with vaccinations and either regularly wormed or dosed at least 48 hours prior to arrival (learn more about Ovis Management in NZ). Please pick up all droppings (bring doggy pick-up bags). Dogs that are not fully toilet trained must be kept outside or in a crate while inside the cabin. Bring your own crate and/or dog bed and do not allow your dog on any furniture or soft furnishings. Can I bring my horse? You’re welcome to bring your horse for $15 per horse, per night. A well-fenced paddock with a water supply is located right beside the Pod. Note that at times, sheep may be grazing in the paddock, so it’s important that you keep the gates securely closed. If you’re bringing a horse float, it will need to be parked beside the host’s shed, and your horse will need to be walked through the gate to the nearby paddock. Your host will provide full details closer to the time of your stay. Please also note that there are no riding trails on the property however this is suited as a stop over for those travelling on the ferry or if you want a base to travel out from. How private and remote is The Lookout Nest? Very private! Your hosts' house is located approximately 100m away, but a privacy screen and surrounding bush ensure seclusion once you're settled in the pod. What is the access like and where do I park my car? You can drive and park your vehicle just 10m from the pod. You're welcome to come and go from the property as often as you please. Please contact your host if you are bringing a boat or camper. What do i need to bring? Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay Toiletries  Insect repellent and sunscreen Beach towels for taking off the property for swimming Warm clothing for cooler evenings Are there any safety considerations? There is a nearby cliff that is securely fenced and clearly signposted to ensure safety. Activities Wilderness Tour - $75 per person for 2 hours Experience an unforgettable guided wilderness tour with your host in their ATV Polaris. Venture across stunning farmland, over rushing rivers and untouched bushland. You will also get to see the South Island’s largest Tōtara tree. It’s the perfect way to get to know the beauty of the Kaikōura region. Don’t forget to bring sturdy walking shoes! Bring Your Horse You’re welcome to bring your horse for $15 per horse, per night. A well-fenced paddock with a water supply is located right beside the Pod. Note that at times, sheep may be grazing in the paddock, so it’s important that you keep the gates securely closed. If you’re bringing a horse float, it will need to be parked beside the host’s shed, and your horse will need to be walked through the gate to the nearby paddock. Your host will provide full details closer to the time of your stay. When booking, please make sure to select this add-on. gift vouchers Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any of our glamping spots in the Canopy Camping Escapes collection. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here. 1. Introduction 1.1 Canopy Camping Limited (Canopy Camping Escapes, also referred to as we, our and us) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (Hosts). 1.2 By making a booking through our website (here) (Website), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (Booking Conditions). 1.3 Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host.  That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host.   1.4 In these terms: “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked] 2. booking and payments 2.1 If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking.  A credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.1% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments. 2.2 Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process.   2.3 If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your payment has not been received within 24 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.1% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.  2.4 If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.   3. Guest cancellations and date changes 3.1 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time. 3.2 Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.  3.3 Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid. 3.4 Force Majeure You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons: Road closure. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by Waka Kotahi as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. Metservice RED Weather Warning. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the Metservice has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure. Natural disasters in New Zealand. Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation. 4. Host Cancellations 4.1 Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:  (a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest.  (b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property.  (c) A death in the Host family. (d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason. In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled. 4.2 Cancellation for breach Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.   5. safety and hazards 5.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk. 5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk. 5.3 To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during your stay. 6. pets No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the Website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets. 7. Activities Hunting or motorcycles are not permitted on the properties. 8. GST GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested. 9. conditions of occupancy and conduct 9.1 Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website. 9.2 You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property: Specified on the Website. Contained in the information folder provided at the property. 9.3 You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking. 9.4 You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. 9.5 You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person. 9.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. 9.7 The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with. 9.8 The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted.  9.9 You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.  10. Complaints If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [email protected] with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues. 11. Liability To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay,  Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes.  If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking.  Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.   12. Gift vouchers Gift vouchers expire if not redeemed within 3 years of purchase.  If a booking paid for using a gift voucher is cancelled, any refund will be by way of a gift voucher with the same expiry date as the original gift voucher. Gift vouchers are not refundable or redeemable for cash and cannot be transferred or on-sold. 13. Law These Booking Conditions are governed by New Zealand law and the New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction. 14. Changes to booking conditions We may amend these Booking Conditions at any time. Any changes shall apply to bookings made from the date of such changes. You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these Booking Conditions each time you make a booking. 15. Authority to sign As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period. 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 " 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 1 / 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 2 / 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 3 / 12 " Lovely place to stay. " Jeremy Stephenson - 27 Feb 2026 4 / 12 " It was great! Super clean and the hosts were lovely. " ALIA LEILANI - 27 Feb 2026 5 / 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 6 / 12 " Very peaceful and a beautiful setting. " Anne Eggleston - 23 Feb 2026 7 / 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 8 / 12 " Lookout Nest was magical, it was so relaxing and the perfect escape. Thanks for having us. " Alice Hazlett - 14 Feb 2026 9 / 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 10 / 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 11 / 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 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