We are incredibly proud and humbled to announce that Hapuku Kitchen has been named the winner of the 2026 Global Culinary Travel Award for Best Rural Culinary Heritage Experience, as well as a global semi-finalist in the highly competitive Dining category.

For our small Kiwi-owned cooking school nestled between the mountains and ocean of Kaikōura, this recognition is both a huge honour and a celebration of everything we have worked towards since opening our doors. It reflects our passion for sharing authentic New Zealand food stories, our commitment to showcasing local producers, and our belief that food has the ability to connect people to a place in a meaningful way. For us it is about Manaakitanga - ensuring every guest feels deeply valued, nurtured, and welcomed through their exceptional experience with us.

The Global Culinary Travel Awards celebrate exceptional food and travel experiences from around the world. To be recognised among some of the finest culinary tourism operators internationally is something we never imagined when we first began welcoming guests into our home kitchen.

Guests enjoying a home-hosted, seasonal dining experience at *Hapuku Kitchen – Te Kura Taka Kai* in Kaikōura, New Zealand

At Hapuku Kitchen, our vision has always been simple. We wanted to create an experience that went beyond a cooking class. We wanted visitors to leave with a genuine understanding of Kaikōura - its people, the ocean, its landscape and the incredible food that is produced here.

Every experience begins with a story. Whether it is fresh kai moana pulled from the waters just offshore, locally raised lamb, seasonal vegetables from nearby growers, or native ingredients that have been used for generations, we believe food tastes better when you understand where it comes from and the people behind it. This award recognises exactly that connection between food, culture, landscape and community.

What makes this achievement particularly special is that it belongs to far more people than just ourselves. Hapuku Kitchen is built on the support of an extraordinary network of local farmers, fishers, growers, artisans, guides, accommodation providers and tourism partners who help us bring each experience to life. Every supplier who delivers exceptional ingredients, every producer who shares their story, and every partner who helps visitors discover the wider Kaikōura region has contributed to this recognition.

Most importantly, we would like to thank our guests.

Over the years, visitors from around New Zealand and across the globe have joined us around the kitchen bench, shared stories, learned new skills and become part of the Hapuku Kitchen family. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and support have been instrumental in helping us grow and continue doing what we love. One of the greatest privileges of our work is seeing complete strangers arrive and leave as friends. Food has a remarkable ability to bring people together, and every guest who has walked through our doors has contributed to the atmosphere that makes Hapuku Kitchen – Te Kura Taka Kai so special.

We are proud to represent not only Kaikōura but also New Zealand’s growing reputation as a world-class culinary destination.

While awards are wonderful, they are never the final destination. They serve as motivation to continue improving, innovating, and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with immense gratitude.

To our team, our partners, our suppliers, our local community, and every guest who has joined us on this journey: thank you. Your support, encouragement, and belief in what we do have made this achievement possible. This award may have our name on it, but it truly belongs to everyone who has helped shape Hapuku Kitchen into what it is today.

We look forward to welcoming many more guests to our table in the years ahead and continuing to share the flavours, stories, and spirit of Kaikōura.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of the journey.

Chris Sturgeon & Fiona Read Founders, Hapuku Kitchen