Tucked along the dramatic Kaikōura coastline, Hannah has crafted two breathtaking escapes - Dunluce Coastal Farmstay and The Shearer’s Quarters - where slowing down, reconnecting, and enjoying a slower pace come naturally. With a passion for hospitality and a love for simple, meaningful moments, Hannah has shaped spaces that feel both restorative and unforgettable. Here, she shares the inspiration behind her hosting journey and what makes hosting with Bachcare in the Kaikōura region so special.
What inspired you to become a holiday home host, and what do you love most about it?
I have always had a passion for hospitality and food, so creating a retreat from the busy pace of modern life at Dunluce felt like a natural choice. I wanted to build a place where I could welcome guests into a beautiful environment in a truly spectacular location. It brings me immense joy to have created a space where families and friends can come together, unwind, and make lasting memories.
What makes Dunluce/Shearers special or unique for guests who stay with you?
Dunluce and The Shearer’s Quarters offers a rare chance to step away from the rush of the everyday. It’s designed as a calm, restorative sanctuary where guests can slow down, reconnect, and savour the moment. Our location, set on the Kekerengu coast is a defining feature – dramatic, peaceful, and beautifully framed by nature. Whether you’re watching the sunrise, exploring in the hills, surfcasting on the beach while watching for the jumping dolphins, the sense of peace is unforgettable.
How would you describe the Kaikōura/North Canterbury area to someone visiting for the first time?
What our guests love most about Kaikōura is its mix of natural beauty and simple pleasures. It’s the kind of place that makes you breathe a little deeper, notice a little more, and leave feeling restored. The breathtaking scenic drive to Dunluce along the coast is itself a magic experience.
What do you personally love most about the region? And what are your top must-do activities or hidden gems you always recommend to guests?
For beautiful, ocean-fresh crayfish, you can’t go past Karaka Lobster Café. And for an unforgettable family adventure, book a rafting trip with the team at Clarence River Rafting – a chance to experience untouched New Zealand landscapes from a completely different perspective.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering becoming a holiday home host?
Focus on creating a space that feels cared for. Guests remember warmth, thoughtfulness, and the small touches far more than they remember perfection. If you approach hosting with genuine hospitality – thinking about how you want people to feel when they walk through the door – you’ll naturally create an experience that stands out.
Conclusion
From her thoughtful touches to the quiet magic of the Kekerengu coast, Hannah has created more than just places to stay – she’s created spaces that enrich every moment spent there. Whether you’re seeking coastal calm, outdoor adventure, or a chance to truly reset, Dunluce Coastal Farmstay and The Shearers’ Quarters offer an experience shaped with heart.