Our Story
Kevin and Ann fell in love when Ann was doing practical experience for her Agriculture degree, and Kevin worked as a shepherd. They married and then went traveling as most Kiwis do. Their six-week holiday to the Uk turned into a six-year multi-country adventure. What an eye-opener.
Work and travel became their life. They worked in a range of hospitality venues ranging from high-end country clubs to pubs and traveled with a focus on the outdoors. Canoes, motorbikes, and campervans transported them to places of beauty across Europe, America, and Africa.
Following their permanent return to NZ, they started their family but continued to work in hospitality.
Work history expanded to include careers in education and the NZ police. Ultimately, this led them to NZ’s South Island, where Kaikoura became home.
They remained in hospitality in Kaikoura, operating The Craypot cafe until 2020. Now semi-retired, they love meeting new people.
If not being the best hosts they can be, you can find them fishing or foraging local game for their table.
Our Values
Awatea Country B&B accommodation is built on the foundations of care – care for our guests, our people and our land. We invite you to join us in our journey.
Care for our guests
We go above and beyond to provide a level of care for our guests that is more than simple accommodation.
Care for our people
We care (manaaki) for our people (tāngata) and try to provide support wherever we can through support and engagement.
Care for our land
We are proud of our home, our communities, and our environments and are committed to the sustainability journey.