The Pier Hotel
A historic waterfront hotel in Kaikoura, renowned for its exceptional seafood, especially crayfish, and stunning ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Pier Hotel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic waterfront hotel in Kaikoura, renowned for its exceptional seafood, especially crayfish, and stunning ocean views.
Book Ahead
Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, to secure your spot due to high demand.
Seating for Views
Book near a front window or opt for outdoor seating to maximize your enjoyment of the magnificent sea views.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pub Fare, Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Kaikoura Crayfish
Savor the freshest, locally caught Kaikoura crayfish, a must-try delicacy renowned for its exquisite taste and value.
Breathtaking Ocean Views
Dine with stunning panoramic views of the sea and surrounding mountains, creating an unforgettable dining ambiance.
Historic Waterfront Charm
Experience a relaxed, country-style atmosphere in a historic 1800s hotel, enriched with local memorabilia.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, to secure your spot due to high demand.
Seating for Views
Book near a front window or opt for outdoor seating to maximize your enjoyment of the magnificent sea views.
Try the Beef
While seafood is king, the beef dish has received positive mentions and is worth considering.
Beware of Seagulls
Diners enjoying outdoor seating should be mindful of opportunistic seagulls.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, to secure your spot due to high demand.
Seating for Views
Book near a front window or opt for outdoor seating to maximize your enjoyment of the magnificent sea views.
Try the Beef
While seafood is king, the beef dish has received positive mentions and is worth considering.
Beware of Seagulls
Diners enjoying outdoor seating should be mindful of opportunistic seagulls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Pier Hotel is celebrated for its exceptional seafood, particularly the value-for-money crayfish, and its stunning ocean views. Diners frequently praise the friendly service, generous portions, and the renovated, beautifully decorated interior. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, some minor critiques mention overly bright lighting and a need for careful bill review.
"Really impressed by this place - looks like it's just undergone a renovation and they've really nailed it. Beautifully decorated inside, wine selection really good and the local Hazy on tap was delicious. Meals were outstanding, super fresh and well cooked, and the service was superb. Amazing views right out the window. Will definitely be back next time we pass through. Would recommend!"
John Malkin
"One of the best seafood restaurants in a pub atmosphere. The crayfish was great value at NZ$56 for 500g, 1000g for $101. I ordered with chips and coleslaw, or you can order with rice and coleslaw or chips and green salad. The chowder looked great, as did the seafood platter and the green-lipped mussels. The cocktails have been recommended. I would have expected more local wines by the glass, but plenty by the bottle.
Best to book near the front window or easily grab a table outside, but beware the brazen seagulls!"
Zsuzsika
"Great food, large portions at good value. Had the pork roll, was top notch. Finished with a superb apple crumble. Two young staff managed very well to handle a table of plonkers like us..well done
Only negative is the incredibly bright lighting, rather off putting"
Andy Mcleod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pier Hotel is most famous for its incredibly fresh, locally caught Kaikoura crayfish, as well as its spectacular oceanfront views.
Yes, it is highly recommended to reserve a table in advance, particularly on weekends, as the restaurant can be very busy.
To best enjoy the views, it's advised to book near a front window or opt for outdoor seating.
Yes, while seafood is a specialty, other options like a highly-rated beef dish are available.
Yes, The Pier Hotel offers Bed & Breakfast style accommodation in addition to its dining facilities.
The atmosphere is described as friendly, relaxed, and country-style, with historical photographs adorning the bar area.
Some diners have noted the lighting can be very bright, and it's advisable to carefully check your bill for any accidental additions.
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The 10 Best Bars And Restaurants In Kaikoura, New Zealand
Locals and visitors alike love to pop into The Pier Hotel’s restaurant for a casual meal and drinks. Seafood is where the restaurant thrives — if you want to try some of Kaikoura’s famous crayfish, this would be the place to do it. To top it all off, local wines are always on the drinks menu and the venue’s friendly, country-style ambiance is enhanced by the historical photographs dotted around the bar area.
Restaurants in Kaikoura
In a two-story Victorian waterfront hotel overlooking Ingles Bay, one of Kaikōura's most dependable eateries serves traditional (albeit updated) New Zealand pub fare with an extensive local wine list and craft beer. The bar serves cheaper lunches and pub snacks if you're just looking to graze. Courtesy coach to and from Town Centre by arrangement.
THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Kaikoura (Updated May … WebBest Kid Friendly Restaurants in Kaikoura, Canterbury Region: Find Tripadvisor traveler reviews of THE BEST Kaikoura Kid Friendly Restaurants and search by price, location, … iguana in afrikaans Web13 Nov 2022 · Kaikoura Restaurants Nin's Bin Nin's Bin Unclaimed Review Save Share 359 reviews #7 of 16 Quick Bites in Kaikoura $$ - $$$ Quick Bites Seafood New … WebBest Dining in Kaikoura, Canterbury Region: See 9,276 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 44 Kaikoura restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. iguana idade media Web8 hours ago · The New Zealand SailGP team won 16 races during their second season in the competition. Photo: Bob Martin / SailGP. What a difference a year can make. Web1. Black Rabbit Pizza 524 reviews Open Now Pizza $$ - $$$ Menu “Great Pizza” “Cracking pizza” 2022 2. The Pier Hotel Restaurant 1,394 reviews Open Now Bar, Seafood $$ - … The 10 Best Bars and Restaurants in Kaikoura, New … The Kaikoura Seafood Bbq Kaikoura - Facebook WebWelcome to The Pier Hotel, situated on the waterfront in picturesque Kaikoura. Bed & Breakfast accommodation with magnificent views. Rooms DINE Enjoy a delicious meal in our cosy, character filled seaside restaurant - famous for the freshest seafood and locally caught Kaikoura crayfish. … The Jailhouse Kaikoura - Restaurant Reviews, … Web8 hours ago · Shirley Jarden (right) thanks Steven Brown and Vanessa Bond, watched on by Riaan De Bruyn, for funding a defibrillator for the Kāpiti Community Patrol. iguana husbandry WebKaikoura Food Company 106 reviews Cafe, New Zealand $$ - $$$ “Cozy Cafe” “Excellent” 18. Bean Me Up 65 reviews Closed Now Coffee & Tea, Bar $ “great coffee” “Good coffee … iguana iguana size Web6 Apr 2021 · Groper Garage Bar & Restaurant, Kaikoura: See 290 unbiased reviews of Groper Garage Bar & Restaurant, rated 3.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #24 of … iguana hurt humans Sky TV viewers report technical issues - NZ Herald Web20 Jul 2022 · Kaikoura Restaurants Beach House Cafe Beach House Cafe Claimed Review Save Share 334 reviews #3 of 16 Quick Bites in Kaikoura $$ - $$$ Quick Bites Cafe … iguana iguana sanctae luciae WebContemporary New Zealand cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, great wine list, great service - a stylish, modern restaurant in Kaikoura's downtown.
15 Best Places To Eat In Kaikoura
An oldie but a goodie, The Pier Hotel provides consistently good food and service with the added bonus of the historic hotel setting. Situated on the waterfront, this hotel is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area and offers a good selection of fresh seafood, including mussels, paua, fish of the day, whitebait and crayfish as well as the usual non-seafood-based options. You will find the Pier Hotel on Avoca Street serving lunch and dinner – keep in mind they also provide lovely Bed and Breakfast style accommodation too.
Top 10 best restaurants in Kaikoura ,New Zealand
If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience, look no further than The Pier Hotel Restaurant. Located on the waterfront of Melbourne, Australia, this elegant eatery offers stunning views of the bay, a contemporary atmosphere, and some of the most tantalizing seafood dishes in the city. Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, The Pier Hotel Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s also a destination for conversation, relaxation, and live entertainment.
Where to Eat in Kaikoura – Best Cafes, Restaurants & Local Eats (2025 Guide
A Kaikoura classic, The Pier Hotel is best known for its spectacular oceanfront views and fresh local seafood—especially the famous Kaikoura crayfish. Set in a charming historic building, this spot offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a long dinner with drinks. 📍 Avoca Street, KaikouraMust-try: Crayfish platter, seafood chowder, locally sourced wines
Food & Drink - Kaikōura, Top of the South, New Zealand
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.
Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park, Kaikoura
Now, if you want a killer view, head over to the pier hotel. It’s a historic building with the best view in the whole of Kaikoura. It’s located right out on the peninsula, overlooking the Kaikoura Ranges and is the ideal setting to enjoy the sunshine or watch the waves as they crash on to the rocks just across the road.
Kaikoura Seafood | Seafood In Kaikoura
The Pier Hotel has served local fisherman since 1885, so their restaurant knows a thing or two on how to cook Kaikōura’s kaimoana to perfection. The bar is full of historical photographs and memorabilia of the past whaling era. With an extensive seafood menu, we recommend the crayfish chowder and seafood platter.
Kaikoura Attractions and Activities
Sited on the waterfront at Kaikoura, in New Zealand’s South Island. Come and visit Kaikoura’s classic ‘Kiwi’ pub, iconic nineteenth century character hotel guesthouse and restaurant - famous for the freshest seafood and Kaikoura crayfish. 0.9km from Anchor Inn (short walking distance).
How to spend 48 hours in Kaikoura
The Pier Hotel, is probably the best place to have one, especially on a sunny day. Grab a drink, cross the road (the quietest of all roads) and sit on the wooden tables overlooking the water. It’s the perfect place to chill, chat and admire the view.
The best restaurants in Kaikoura with menus (updated in May 2025)
58 restaurant menus in Kaikoura, (the ranking and the list of restaurants are based on the number of recommendations received from users in the last month, currently updated to December 2024)
Our Insider’s Guide to Kaikoura
Located on the waterfront, this historic gem offers excellent food alongside a rich history. Indulge in their delectable seafood dishes or explore their equally delicious non-seafood options.
Restaurants in Kaikoura, Christchurch
The Pier Hotel Kaikoura is a working hotel, restaurant and bar, in the old, traditional Victorian style. The Pier's restaurant specialises in local seafood, especially cr...
Zephyr, Kaikōura, NZ - Neat Places
Hiku sits directly at the water's edge in the heart of Kaikōura. The restaurant, along with the Sudima Hotel it shares the space with, opened its doors in September 2022.
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