FAQ
When do you charge my credit card for my stay?
We usually charge within the “no refund for cancellation” period applicable to your booking.
What is the “no refund for cancellation” period
For our high season which runs from 1 November to 31 March each year, we require 42 days (6 weeks) notice prior to your arrival date to not be charged for your stay. In extenuating circumstances (where travel insurance would not have covered your loss), we will not charge.
For the rest of the year (from 1 April to 31st October), the no refund period reduces to 7 days prior to arrival.
If I don’t book all 4 bedrooms, will there be other guests in the rooms I don’t use?
No, we only take one booking at a time. You will always have sole/ exclusive use of the lodge, even if you only book 1 bedroom. The other bedrooms will be locked, but you will have full access to all living areas and the grounds.
Will there be someone at the lodge when I check-in?
We do our best to be on-site to greet every guest, however occasionally we are not able to do so. For example, if you arrive after 8.30pm at night, or if we have had to leave the property.
In the unlikely event that we are not able to meet and greet you when you arrive, we will leave the front door unlocked so that you can go straight inside and make yourselves at home. Your bedroom keys will be on the kitchen bench. These keys can also be used for the front door if you have locked this when you go out.
Is there someone living on-site?
The owners, Kim and Janice live in a separate house on the same property, situated about 50 meters away from the lodge building. They are here on-site to help you if you need anything or have any concerns.
How remote is Manakau Lodge?
We are situated in the Hapuku area of Kaikōura, which is only a 10 minute drive north from the township of Kaikoura. So, we are close to all the wonderful activities, cafes and restaurants that the Kaikoura region has to offer. The Lodge cannot be seen from the road as it is down a long driveway, so this provides a great deal of privacy and security.
Do you provide breakfast?
Yes, we provide the following for each day that you stay: -
Fresh free-range eggs
Bread
Butter and Spreads
A variety of cereals
Yoghurt
Fresh fruit
Juice
A range of teas and coffees and hot drinks
Milk
Do you service the rooms and living areas daily?
Normally we do not service the rooms, however, you can request this as an extra when you make your booking. The additional cost will be $100 per day.
Do you have back up power supply in the event of a power failure?
Yes, the lodge has full generator back up power supply.
Can we cook our own meals at the lodge?
Yes, you can purchase groceries from our local New World Supermarket, which is a 10 minute drive away, and prepare you own meals.
We have a great kitchen with modern appliances and a BBQ outdoors.
If booked in advance, the New World Supermarket in Kaikoura will deliver your groceries to the front door of Manakau Lodge.
What are the best local restaurants?
For fine dining; Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses have an excellent restaurant, only a 5-minute drive from Manakau Lodge. Bookings are essential to secure a table and can be made by calling +64 3 319 6559. We are happy to try and secure a booking for you if you prefer.
Fera is also an amazing restaurant with a world class Michelin trained chef (Rob Cullen). This is situated in the Golf Club at Koura Bay, also only a 5 minute drive from Manakau Lodge. Bookings are also essential here and can be made be calling +64 22 303 6695 (Rosie Cullen).
For a great casual Pub meal; there are several good choices:-
Donegal House on Schoolhouse Road, phone +64 3 319 5083.
The Strawberry Tree in town, phone +64 3 319 6451.
The Pier Hotel in town, phone +64 3 319 5037.
The Whaler in town, phone +64 3 319 3333.
What are your check in and check out times?
Check in is any time from 2 pm. If you plan to arrive later than 8.30 pm, please note that we will not be there to greet you, but you can simply head inside as the front door will be left unlocked for you.
Check out time is no later than 10am. We have cleaning staff booked to arrive then and it is embarrassing for both sides if you have not left.
Can I have an early check-in or late check out?
Possibly. If you enquire in advance, we may well be able to accommodate this. It will depend on where we have other guests arriving the same day you arrive or leave, and whether we can change plans for our cleaning staff as they are rostered on well in advance.
Do you have free wifi?
Yes, we have unlimited free wifi which has good speed as it our internet is satellite provided.
Is there plenty of free parking?
Yes, there is room for several cars to be parked at the Lodge. We encourage you to park right near the front door when you arrive, to facilitate ease of unloading luggage.
What type of heating and cooling is provided in the Lodge?
Each room has a separate air conditioner unit for both heating and cooling. In addition, the lounge has a huge open fireplace. We supply ample firewood for your stay.