Our Story, Our Table
Celebrating the land we love, the ocean at our doorstep and the people beside us
Kia ora
Almost 14 years ago, Chris and I made a life-changing decision to leave the city behind. We were looking for a deeper relationship with nature and its rhythms, and the rugged, wild coastline of Kaikōura had a powerful calling. We purchased a small plot of land with a simple but grand vision: to create a unique space where we could rediscover the pleasures of sustainably growing, gathering, catching, cooking and sharing quality food with others.
Food has always been my anchor. My Scottish heritage and a family love of foraging, cooking, and feasting exposed me from a young age to the joy of a shared table. Those early experiences shaped my philosophy today: using local, seasonal and wild produce, and leaving absolutely nothing to waste. For me, creating a true taste of place and sense of place is everything.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of sharing this philosophy on MasterChef New Zealand and later as the Executive Chef at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, where I loved crafting menus that reflected the distinct flavours, textures and colours of our region.
Hapuku Kitchen is the culmination of that entire journey. It has taken a village to get here and I am endlessly grateful for the help and enthusiasm of our family, friends and the many WWOOFers who have left their mark on our soil. We truly wouldn’t be here without you.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our table.
— Fiona
Kia ora koutou
Ko Kapukataumahaka te maunga
Ko Waikouaiti te awa
Ko Ngāi Tahu tōku iwi
Ko Sturgeon tōku whānau
Ko Chris tōku ingoa Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa
(A traditional Māori introduction, connecting Chris to his ancestral land, river and people)
My ancestors come from Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) in the deep south and Brinns Point near Karitāne. A bone-deep connection to the land and water has always been a part of who I am - though as a keen hunter and fisherman, I sometimes just wish I had better sea legs! My earliest culinary memories start right at the sea, helping out at our family fish shop in Dunedin, shucking Bluff oysters and filleting the day's catch.
Moving to Kaikōura allowed me to truly connect that upbringing to the land. I feel incredibly fortunate to manage our small farm, where we raise our own animals and take full responsibility for their welfare.
Hapuku Kitchen has given me the perfect canvas to indulge my passion for the old ways of preserving and curing. Using our own ethically raised meats and garden herbs, I love spending time crafting everything from salami, prosciutto, and chorizo to coppa and lardo.
For me, this place is about respecting the ingredients from the very start of their life to the moment they hit your plate. I look forward to sharing our home, our produce and our region's incredible bounty with you.
— Chris (Ngāti Kurī, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki)
Rebecca
Host & Chef
Rebecca absolutely loves Kaikōura and that passion shines through in everything she does. As a warm host and chef, she is the epitome of kindness and genuine hospitality - calm under pressure, wonderful with children and deeply welcoming.
Rebecca’s love for the land runs deep; she is an avid vegetable gardener who adores every single facet of Hapuku Kitchen, from tending to our animals and flowers to harvesting the very ingredients she prepares for your plate.
The Team
Fiona (McFi)
Reservations & Event Partner
Affectionately known as McFi, Fiona (yes, there are two Fionas) is the welcoming voice handling our guest bookings and reservations. But her connection to the Hapuku Kitchen family goes much deeper.
As a registered marriage celebrant and the owner of Kaikōura Elopements, McFi is our exclusive partner for weddings, crafting intimate, unforgettable celebrations. To top it off, she is also a partner in Top Catch Charters, our trusted local fishing partner, meaning she is just as likely to help secure your ocean bounty as she is to manage your seat at our table.
Lou
Trade & Relations
Loves a good party and is even better company. Lou is one of the most energetic, tenacious and engaging people we know.
As an experienced business operator, she keeps our travel and tourism trade relationships in incredibly capable hands. Whether she’s connecting with partners across the industry or bringing her vibrant energy to the team, Lou ensures the spirit of Hapuku Kitchen extends far beyond our front gate.
Nikki
Gardener
Super hard-working and seemingly powered by endless energy, Nikki is the driving force out in our soils. She never truly stops, bringing a sharp eye for detail and a love for keeping the gardens tidy. Most importantly, Nikki keeps her focus firmly on the edibles - tending to our seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs to ensure that when you cook and dine with us, you are enjoying the absolute best of our estate-to-plate harvest.
