Dining Guide
Kaikoura, being an important fishing port, is a Mecca for seafood lovers with ample fresh delicacies for all.
Local specialties include Groper, Cod, Mussels, Paua and of course, the town’s namesake, Crayfish. Other delights such as Oysters, Scallops and Whitebait are available in season.
For those that are unable to catch their own or just don’t want to spend time cooking while on holiday there are Takeaway Bars and Food Delivery companies, Restaurants,Cafes, Bars and Hotels offering a wide range of Seafood meals.
Eating places are available to satisfy anyone’s appetite with food to suit all tastes. They range from casual to near formal, from Fast foods to organically grown health foods, from just a “nibble” to “banquets”.
Many of these places are fully licensed for those that enjoy a drink with their meal. Other noteworthy local produce includes Hot Bread, Pies & Cakes, Fudge, Cheese, Honey, Wholemeal flour, Fruit & vegetables, Fresh Seafoods, Meats & Smallgoods
North of Kaikoura the coastline’s iconic crayfish caravans have been an attraction for many years and to sit on the beach eating the delicate meat while watching the abundant wildlife is a true Kaikoura experience.
In town, a range of fish shops also stock the delicacy and supply scallops, fresh fish, mussels, kina, marinated octopus, and smoked fish which is delicious with fresh bread, salad and a local wine.
The region’s restaurants and cafes also have range of seafood meals available, but for the ultimate seafood experience Kaikoura’s annual Seafest is a must-see.
The day long annual festival in October attracts thousands from all over the country to celebrate the ocean’s bounty. During the day delicious local food can be matched with New Zealand made wine and beer and fun-seekers can sit on the sun to enjoy live entertainment.
The region is a haven for keen fishers, however, visitors must be aware of the local fishery’s rules and regulations.
Paua is a highly valued by both noncommercial and commercial sectors and is a particularly valued fishery. Because the shellfish is so commercially valuable and so easy to access, the theft and illegal sales of these shellfish is a big problem and the Government has increased its focus on this issue, limiting the daily catch limit to 10 paua, per person per day.
The Ministry of Fisheries also has a set net ban for all fishermen, as a mechanism to protect the decreasing population of Hector’s dolphins in New Zealand. Another interesting feature of Kaikoura’s fishery is the rahui, which is an area closed temporarily to the taking of marine life in an effort to encourage regeneration of the ecosystem.
The rahui’s establishment was a joint initiative between the local marae, conservation and environmental groups and extends from the old wharf, part of the Fyffe historic precinct, to the new wharf.
The rahui has been in place since September 2002, and has become an important facet in the future of this region’s coastal management.
Beyond the Rahui is Jimmy Armers Beach and the seal colony. Jimmy Armers is home to several mobile food vendors specialising in seafood.
Jimmy Armers Beach is a beautiful location to enjoy a crayfish meal or an espresso coffee, and has a very safe swimming beach for the family.
