We LOVED staying at Hapuku Carriages. Mike and Susie-Lee are very friendly and welcoming. We had a lovely time staying in their restored rail carriage.
This was the last place we stayed at on our three week trip in the South Island. It was by far the coolest place we stayed at and Mike made the best breakfasts of all the B&Bs on this trip.
The carriage is awesome! Very comfortable, tidy and tastefully decorated with an NZ Rail theme and kiwiana books and DVDs to keep you occupied.
The location is excellent, it's in a very quiet spot away from the town and 1 minute walk from the ocean. We were lucky and got to see snow on the pretty mountains behind it. The whole property follows the theme with several carriages and railway signs.
Each night we used the private outdoor bath. It has hot water and it is magical to lay there soaking your bones beneath a starry sky, with the only sound being the ocean in the background. Very relaxing!
Breakfast time is a real treat. Mike puts on a great spread and makes a fantastic cooked breakfast for you. After he'd finished cooking and making coffee for us, he'd join us for a good chat, providing tips on what to do in Kaikoura and good conversation.
The house where you have breakfast is nicely laid out with an interesting blend of modern, home-made and antique. There are collections of all manner of interesting objects to keep you fascinated.
I highly recommend choosing to stay with Mike and Susie-Lee and we'll be back to stay with them next time we're in Kaikoura.