Eating and Drinking Well in Kaikōura

Whenever you're visiting a new place, the café scene plays an important role in your overall enjoyment and experience. Kaikōura does not disappoint on this front and packs a punch for a town of its size. Sime’s Kitchen stands out with its notable seasonal menu and enticing deck perfect for lingering over a latte or indulging in a spot of  brunch. A few doors down, Beach House Cafe is a reliable local go-to with on-point coffee and a tempting cabinet of house-made treats, while Bee Box delights as a hidden gem serving excellent espresso alongside local honey products. On the main street, Flo & Co. keeps caffeine lovers happy with great coffee and a relaxed spot to refuel between exploring town.

Kaikōura’s best drinks are shaped by passion, place and small-scale craftsmanship, from coffee in the morning to spirits and wine later on in the day. On the foothills of Mt Fyffe, My Fyffe Distillery produces award-winning gin that captures Kaikōura in a bottle, thanks to founder Justine Schroder’s hands-on approach. Check out their website for details on booking a visit to the family’s garage distillery.

Wine lovers should seek out Esses Wine Company, the region’s only vineyard, where Mel and Aaron Skinner craft elegant, limited-release wines and refined Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling from their hillside chardonnay and pinot noir vines. A wine tasting here is a must-do, so make sure you book one in. For something non-alcoholic and to meet your caffeine needs, Star Roast Coffee rounds things out with organic, fair trade Arabica beans roasted in small batches and poured at a handful of much-loved local cafés including SlamClub (more on this to come!).

No Kaikōura trip would be complete without a seafood fix, and there's no place better than this iconic caravan restaurant that sits oceanside along State Highway 1. Nin's Bin first opened some 40 years ago and the process hasn't changed much. Crays are caught early in the morning using sustainable fishing methods, cooked across the road in a cookery and served with fresh lemon and garlic butter direct from the caravan, simple and delicious.

When it comes to restaurants in Kaikōura, the offering is as diverse as the landscape that surrounds it. We're talking a mix of refined flavours and stunning settings that showcase the very best of local produce. Zephyr offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine with French influences in a relaxed yet stylish downtown setting, where seasonal dishes pair beautifully with an all-Aotearoa wine list.

Hiku sits right on the water’s edge, serving modern fare that highlights fresh seafood, with ever-changing ocean views from its dining room and outdoor deck. For a more elevated farm-to-table experience, the restaurant at Hapuku Lodge delivers one of the region’s finest dining experiences with a menu rooted in produce from its own gardens and local sources, all set against the backdrop of rolling hills and coastal vistas. 

Famous for its toasted sandwiches (which are so much more than the humble name suggests), coffee thanks to Star Roast and funky interiors, Slam Club is definitely a must pop-in when in town. It's an all day affair at this eatery, from that first sip of your flat white in the morning, right through to relaxing with a glass of wine or craft beer in the evenings.

Kaikōura’s vibrant bar scene serves up scenic pints, local brews and friendly vibes after a day of exploring the town and its beautful surroundings. The Pier Hotel is a classic Kiwi pub right on the waterfront, where you can enjoy cocktails, local beers and wines with panoramic ocean views in a relaxed setting.

Emporium Brewing brings Kaikōura’s craft beer culture to life with a rotating lineup of house-brewed beers on tap, a fun on-site bar and plenty of outdoor seating. And what could be better than one Irish pub in town but two! Strawberry Tree is known for its cosy interiors, beer garden and live music alongside hearty pub fare, while Donegal House offers that warm, traditional Irish pub atmosphere and a well-stocked bar perfect for a pint, wine or glass of spirits with friends.