Hapuku Kitchen

Hapuku Kitchen is the realisation of a long-term dream of owner-operators Fiona Read and Chris Sturgeon.

The pair moved to Kaikōura in 2006, having purchased an original 1930s cottage with a vision of turning it into their dream home and a cooking school. Years later, and after a lot of work, Hapuku Kitchen is a food and nature lover’s wonderland. 

The property produces just about all of the ingredients used in the kitchen. There’s a herb garden which grows over 20 varieties of herbs, a citrus orchard, walnut, hazelnut and almond trees, apple, pear and quince trees, an amazing vegetable garden, ducks, chickens, saddle back pigs and Galloway cows – the fluffiest cows you’ve ever seen. 

Just wandering around this beautiful property is enough to take your breath away, and to experience the bespoke cooking classes that connect you with the land and sea is a treat. A true Kaikōura experience, a class with Fiona and Chris can have you foraging in the local area, visiting nearby farmers and growers and feeding the pigs and cows, as well as learning some special skills in the kitchen.

Hapuku Kitchen is all about reconnecting people with where their food comes from. Fiona and Chris are passionate about sustainability and appreciating food in all its forms. They want people that come along to a class to have an authentic experience, and take away with them the joy of gathering with friends around food prepared with love.