Kai Whakapai

Après-ski at Kai Whakapai has been mandatory for the last 20 years. A much loved local institution with a dedicated following of locals and tourists, Kai has been bursting at the seams for years. When the opportunity came to take over the neighbouring tenancy, Kai’s forward thinking (and all round great guy) owner, Nick, decided to take the plunge and expand into the tenancy. We helped him design a new kitchen and additional dining areas. It’s created a much better experience for staff, increased production capacity and new dining zones for new types of customers. It’s been an immediate success with regulars loving the extension (we also redesigned the existing tenancy to create lot more space at the entry and a more efficient bar layout), plus Kai has seen a significant uptick in sales. All round it’s been a huge success, and will allow this icon to continue being the default after skiing meet up, and just an all year round incredible hangout. Here’s to 20 more years at Kai Whakapai.