The Whaler Bar and Restaurant
A lively Kaikoura pub offering delicious food, great beer, and stunning waterfront views, famous for its value steak special.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Whaler Bar and Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively Kaikoura pub offering delicious food, great beer, and stunning waterfront views, famous for its value steak special.
Visit during off-peak hours
Go during quieter times to avoid long waits for your food.
Don't miss the steak or ribs
Try the legendary porterhouse steak special or the sticky BBQ ribs for a true treat.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Porterhouse Steak Special
Savor generous portions of a hearty porterhouse steak at an unbeatable price, a true pub value.
Cozy Atmosphere & Waterfront Views
Enjoy a cozy pub vibe with stunning waterfront views, especially magical at sunset.
Fresh Fish & Chips
Indulge in delicious, fresh fish dishes and classic fish & chips, a local favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Go during quieter times to avoid long waits for your food.
Don't miss the steak or ribs
Try the legendary porterhouse steak special or the sticky BBQ ribs for a true treat.
Self-service with friendly staff
Expect a self-service system, but enjoy attentive and friendly service.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Go during quieter times to avoid long waits for your food.
Don't miss the steak or ribs
Try the legendary porterhouse steak special or the sticky BBQ ribs for a true treat.
Self-service with friendly staff
Expect a self-service system, but enjoy attentive and friendly service.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Whaler Bar and Restaurant is celebrated for its fantastic value, particularly its affordable steak special and generous portions. Diners love the cozy pub atmosphere, stunning waterfront views, and friendly service. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some find certain items, like desserts, to be a bit pricey, and one review mentioned mediocre food quality despite a great view.
"Delicious food and dessert. Place was packed cos of rugby games but staff were onto it and meals came in amount of time advised. The steak special was great value for money. Overall happy."
Giselle Sigglekow
"Came here because the other restaurants I was looking at lacked good vegetarian options. Dinner was pretty good. Got the veggie burger and it was decent. The chutney on it was good but a little overpowering because of how sweet it was. The fries that came with the burger were also good. Overall it was a fine meal but nothing to rave about. Pretty average bar type food."
Astrid Hughes
"My wife & I came here for a nightcap on a random weeknight (mid-March 2025). Stayed for a drink or two. It was late and near closing, so not too many people at that time.
Place was really nice…good draft selection/cocktails, rugby tournament on TV, friendly staff/atmosphere. Roof terrace was closed (not sure if it was due to the time of year or night?).
Overall, a fun experience, which I’m sure is more vibrant on a Friday/Saturday night. Would highly recommend stopping in, making your way through the main Kaikoura strip 🍻"
Mike de Gruchy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's famous for its legendary porterhouse steak special, known for its generous portions and affordable price, as well as its fresh fish dishes and sticky BBQ ribs.
Yes, the restaurant offers fantastic views of the Kaikoura ranges and the coastal environment, especially from its spacious sun deck or roof terrace.
The Whaler operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's recommended to arrive early, especially before sunset, to secure a good spot.
While the restaurant does have vegetarian options like a veggie burger, they may not be highlighted on the menu, which could make ordering choices less straightforward.
Gluten-free options are available, but they are not explicitly marked on the menu, which may require asking staff for clarification.
It offers a fun, lively pub atmosphere with a good range of drinks, often with rugby on TV and a friendly vibe.
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The Whaler is the place to down a range of tap beers, eat a generously sized meal and listen to some cool jukebox tunes while you’re revelling in the fun pub atmosphere. The porterhouse steak special is its most famous meal offering — not just because of its accessible price, but also because of its hearty portions. This is also a good place to try some traditional New Zealand fish and chips as well as other delicacies like seafood chowder.
- NZ Herald Kaikoura Restaurants Eat And Drink In Kaikoura - Kaikōura The Whaler, Kaikoura - Restaurant Reviews, … The key behind New Zealand SailGP team’s big improvements in … Web20 May 2022 · Kaikoura Restaurants Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses Unclaimed Review Save Share 15 reviews #13 of 22 Restaurants in Kaikoura $$$$ … iguana imira w The key behind New Zealand SailGP team’s big … 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.
15 Best Places To Eat In Kaikoura
Famous for its legendary porterhouse steak and sticky BBQ ribs, The Whaler bar and restaurant is located very centrally and offers fantastic views of the snow-capped Kaikoura ranges and surrounding coastal environment from its spacious sun deck. The Whaler is open from 3 pm until late, providing you with a good option for an evening out on the town in Kaikoura.
Bella Vista Travel Blog | Blog
Another great place to eat right in the middle of town, 5 minutes’ walk from the Bella Vista motel. The Whaler is famous for its steaks and ribs, with a huge fire roaring in the winter and the amazing views of the snow-capped Kaikoura ranges as a backdrop from the deck who could think of a better way to spend the afternoon or evening.
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The Whaler Bar and Restaurant is a well-loved pub in Kaikoura with a great atmosphere and plenty of space. Guests can enjoy a range of Monteiths beers, as well as a selection of delicious pub food. The fish dishes are particularly popular, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
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We had some delicious pub food at The Whaler on the main street and I’m usually not a fan of pub food. The place to be for breakfast is definitely Hislops Wholefoods Cafe right near the Alpine Pacific Holiday Park.
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After all, the whaling industry was central to the development of the town. In recent years, New Zealand has become famous for its wines. However, its beers are just as noteworthy.
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