Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pier Hotel
( 03-319 5037;
www.thepierhotel.co.nz
;
1 Avoca St; lunch $15-23, dinner $27-38; 11am-late)
Situated in
the town's primo seaside spot, with panoramic views, the historic Pier Hotel is a friendly
and inviting place for a drink or a meal, whether outside or inside the character-filled pub-
lic bar or dining rooms. Upstairs lodgings are worn and creaky, but good value (double
room, including breakfast, from $90).
PUB
$$
Green Dolphin
( 03-319 6666;
www.greendolphinkaikoura.com
;
12 Avoca St; mains $25-39; 5-11pm)
Kaikoura's con-
sistent top-ender continues to dish up high-quality produce including seafood, beef, lamb
and venison, as well as seasonal flavours such as fresh tomato soup. There are lovely
homemade pasta dishes, too. The hefty drinks list demands attention, featuring exciting
aperitifs, craft beer, interesting wines and more. Booking ahead is advisable, especially if
you want to secure a table by the window and watch the daylight fade.
MODERN NZ
$$$
Information
Kaikoura i-SITE
( 03-319 5641;
www.kaikoura.co.nz
; West End; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 4pm Sat & Sun, ex-
tended hours Dec-Mar)
Helpful staff make tour, accommodation and transport bookings, and
help with DOC-related matters.
03-319 6808; 41 West End)
Postal agent.
Paperplus/Post Office
(
Getting There & Away
BUS
Atomic Shuttles
( 0508 108 359, 03-349 0697;
www.atomictravel.co.nz
)
Also services Kaikoura on its
Christchurch to Picton run, which links with destinations as far afield as Nelson, Queen-
stown and Invercargill.
InterCity
( 03-365 1113;
www.intercity.co.nz
)
Buses run between Kaikoura and Nelson (3½
hours), Picton (2¼ hours) and Christchurch (2¾ hours). The bus stop is at the car park
next to the i-SITE (tickets and info inside).
Naked Bus
( 0900 625 33;
www.nakedbus.com
)
Tickets bargain seats on its own buses on major
routes, and on other services dependent on capacity.
