Local Food & Drink

Kaikōura is a mecca for seafood lovers, with oceans of fresh delicacies to try. Local specialties include groper, cod, mussels and of course the town’s namesake – Koura/Crayfish (Lobster). Other delights such as oysters, scallops and whitebait are available in season.

For those looking for a culinary adventure, why not try your hand at a farm to table cooking school. Here you will use the very best ingredients, foraged, fished and harvested from around the region and depart with a deeper understanding of the food on your plate.

Kaikōura has quality dining choices to suit all tastes, whether you prefer to eat in or dine out. From takeaway and cafes to upmarket restaurants there’s something to satisfy everyone.

Kaikōura Heli Gin Experience

Enjoy a scenic flight around the Peninsula & Kaikōura before landing on majestic Mt Fyffe. Take in the stunning views while sipping on award winning Mt Fyffe Distillery Gin, hearing the story behind it all from the distiller herself.

Kaikōura Heli Gin Experience

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Hapuku Kitchen

Tap into the rich food story of Kaikōura with a culinary adventure or dining experience at Hapuku Kitchen. Created by passionate foodies Fiona Read and Chris Sturgeon, their private cooking classes and culinary tours provide a tasty and tangible way to connect with the land and sea.

Hapuku Kitchen

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Nin’s Bin

Sought after by chefs and foodies around the world, Kaikōura crayfish is a true delicacy and nowhere does it better than Nin’s Bin. This iconic family business has been running for 50 years - one taste and you’ll understand why. Fresh, quality ingredients cooked simply - utterly delicious!

Nin’s Bin

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Feast on Kaikōura's famous crayfish

Enjoy a meal of crayfish in Kaikōura at one of the many restaurants or roadside stores. A town well known for their seafood offering, the name Kaikōura translates into "to eat crafish".

Famous Crayfish

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Sudima Kaikōura

Located right on the edge of the stunning Kaikōura coastline, Sudima Kaikōura is a brand new 4.5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea. It’s just a short walk from the township’s retail centre and main activity and attraction booking centres, making it the ideal place to stay.

Sudima Kaikōura

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Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses

Treat yourself to a little luxury and stunning ocean views at the Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses. Set on Kaikōura’s rugged coastline, Hapuku Lodge is also one of the best places in the region to experience the stunning produce that is grown, caught and foraged right here in Kaikōura.

Hapuku Lodge

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Emporium Brewing

Located in the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura, Emporium Brewing is far more than just a brewery. With an 18 hole mini golf course, two Escape Rooms and a new on-site bar, Emporium provides a range of activities for all ages. Sample their local brews and enjoy some lunch at their on-site bar.

Emporium Brewing

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Fish and chips on the beach

Looking for some freedom and fun? Grab a feed at the local fish and chip shop and head to the beach! View the wildlife, explore the rocks, search the flotsam and jetsam and feast on some locally caught fish and chips - there’s no better way to end the day!

Fish & Chips

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The Pier Hotel

Situated on the Kaikōura waterfront, The Pier Hotel is a classic Kiwi pub set in an iconic nineteenth century character hotel guesthouse and restaurant. Sip a beer outdoors while soaking up the magnificent sea and mountain views, or enjoy a delicious meal in the cosy restaurant, famous for the freshest seafood and locally caught crayfish.

The Pier Hotel

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Learn more about Kaikōura

at the official tourism website

Visit Kaikōura

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Explore more of the Top of the South

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

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Marlborough

Dreamy sunsets, calm reflections and star-filled nights - you couldn’t ask for a more inspiring backdrop to create un-filled holiday memories with your loved ones. Explore the four valleys that create Marlborough, meet the passionate people who live, work and play there and learn about their connection with the land.

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Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.

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West Coast

From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and the ideal spot for a getaway. Whether the hills are calling your name, or you prefer a more laid-back approach to taking some time out, there is no better place to re-set, recharge and reconnect.

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