I'm sorry but there seems to be a mistake in your request. Hapuku is actually located in New Zealand, not in Cook Islands. However, since you mentioned museums, I can suggest that you visit the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, which is about 2 hours and 45 minutes away by car from Hapuku. The museum features exhibits on New Zealand's natural history, Maori culture, and European settlement. In case you're looking for similar attractions closer to Hapuku, you may consider visiting the Marlborough Museum or the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, both of which are approximately an hour's drive away.
I apologize for the confusion in my previous response, but Hapuku is actually a small village located in New Zealand, and not in Cook Islands. Unfortunately, as a language model, I do not have information on local dishes specific to Hapuku. However, I can suggest some popular traditional New Zealand dishes that you might find in the area, such as:
1. Fish and chips - battered and fried fish with hot crispy fries
2. Pavlova - a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits
3. Kiwi burger - a beef burger with beetroot, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato
4. Hangi - a traditional Maori feast cooked in an earth oven with meat, vegetables, and potatoes
5. Pies - savoury pies filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese.
Please note that these are just a few examples of popular New Zealand dishes and may not be specific to the Hapuku region.
I apologize for the confusion earlier, but just to clarify, Hapuku is actually located in New Zealand, not Cook Islands.
As for some fun activities that local people like in Hapuku, here are a few suggestions:
1. Whale Watching - Kaikoura, which is about 30 minutes away from Hapuku, is known for its whale watching tours where you can see whales, dolphins, seals and other marine life up close.
2. Surfing - With its long coastline and consistent waves, surfing is a popular activity in the region. There are many great surf spots within a short drive from Hapuku, including Mangamanu and Oaro.
3. Wine Tasting - Marlborough, which is about an hour's drive from Hapuku, is one of New Zealand's most famous wine regions. You can take a wine tour and visit some of the many vineyards in the area.
4. Hiking - The region around Hapuku offers many great hiking trails with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. One popular trail is the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which takes you along the coast and up into the hills.
5. Golfing - For those who enjoy golf, there are several courses in the area, including the Kaikoura Golf Club and the Marlborough Golf Club.