Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CRAY CRAZY
Among all of Kaikoura's munificent marine life, the one species you just can't avoid
is the crayfish, whose delicate flesh dominates local menus. Unfortunately (some
say unnecessarily), it's pricey - at a restaurant, you'll (pardon the pun) shell out
around $55 for half a cray or over $100 for the whole beast. You can also buy fresh,
(81 Beach Rd; 8am-6pm)
and iconic
Nins Bin
(SH1; 8am-6pm)
, a surf-side caravan
23km north of town. Upwards of $50 should get you a decent specimen. Alternat-
ively, go out on a fishing tour, or simply head to the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ road-
side stall near the peninsula seal colony where cooked crays can be gobbled in the
sunshine, by the sea.
Eating & Drinking
Kaikoura has a few swell cafes and restaurants, and many that plumb the depths.
Kaikoura Seafood BBQ
SEAFOOD $
(Fyffe Quay; $5-9; 10.30am-7pm)
Conveniently located on the way to the Point Kean seal
colony, this long-standing roadside barbecue is a great spot to sample local seafood, in-
cluding crayfish and scallops, at an affordable price.
Reserve Hutt
CAFE $
(72 West End; meals $10-20; 9am-3pm)
The best coffee in the town centre, roasted on site
and espressed by dedicated baristas in Kaikoura's grooviest cafe. Puttin' out that rootsy
retro-Kiwiana vibe we love so much, this is a neat place to linger over a couple of flatties
and down a muffin, delicious ham croissant or the full eggy brunch.
Cafe Encounter
CAFE $
(96 Esplanade; meals $8-23; 7am-5pm; )
This cafe in the Encounter Kaikoura com-
plex is more than just somewhere to wait for your trip. The cabinet houses respectable
sandwiches, pastries and cakes, plus there's a tasteful range of daily specials such as pork
schnitzel and fennel slaw. A sunny patio provides sea views.
