Coopers Catch

There’s nothing more quintessentially Kiwi than enjoying fish and chips by the seaside, especially at Coopers Catch in Kaikōura.

Situated just a couple of minutes walk from the beach (follow the footbridge across the river and the sound of crashing waves), Coopers Catch is the ideal spot to grab your kaimoana from – so close to the beach, you may still burn your tongue on those cheeky chips once that paper package is unravelled in front of the ocean.

While Coopers Catch offers all your classic fish n’ chip options, it also functions as a restaurant, not just as a take out. There are tables for 80 outside with views of the mountains, and seating inside for those dreary winter days. On the menu on top of the expected, you’ll find culinary delights like homemade seafood chowder, paua fritters, mussels and, of course, crayfish. Catch of the day is usually blue cod, which is well worth a try.

All of the seafood served at Coopers Catch is fresh each day and cooked to order. The restaurant is owner-operated, supports local fishermen where possible and is working towards supplying its own lettuce and lemons grown on the owner’s land. The restaurant has its own app and delivery service as well.