We have some great news to share with our guests, friends and followers. It has been announced that State Highway 1 to the north of Kaikoura will be re-opening on December 15th, restoring direct access to us from Blenheim, Picton, and the Top of the South, and enabling guests to continue their journeys northwards without a long detour.

The highway was completely destroyed in places during last year's earthquake and the rebuild has been a major engineering undertaking, involving hundreds of contractors, the removal of millions of tonnes of rocks and rubble, and completely new roadways being designed and built.

Work on the road will not be fully completed and there will be still be some stop-go delays along the worst-affected section between Waipapa Bay and Rakautara, about 20 minutes from the Lodge. The highway will be subject to continued overnight closures for safety reasons, but this will not normally affect guests making their way to us. But at least the road will be open to traffic, and will be safe to drive.

Guests due to stay with us and who might have concerns about their travel planning are welcome to get in touch for the latest updates. Drive carefully, take your time, and enjoy the new post-earthquake scenery!