Kaikōura
Fresh crayfish
Kaikōura, whose name means 'to eat crayfish' in te reo Māori, is famous for its fresh crayfish, often served simply from roadside caravans.
About this place
The town's name (kai = food/eat, kōura = crayfish) reflects its long history as a rich source of this local delicacy. Crayfish, a type of spiny lobster, is caught daily by local fishers in the bountiful waters off the coast. You can find it on the menu at many local restaurants and cafés throughout the town.
For a classic Kaikōura experience, look for the food caravans and shacks set up along the coast, particularly on the road north of the town centre. Here, you can enjoy freshly cooked crayfish, often grilled with garlic butter, at a picnic table with a stunning ocean view. It's a simple, rustic, and quintessential New Zealand meal.
Time needed
1-2 hours
Best time
Crayfish is generally available year-round, though availability can fluctuate with fishing conditions.
Practical tips
- The availability and price of crayfish can depend on the daily catch, the season, and the weather.
- While many places now accept cards, it can be useful to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller roadside stalls.
- Besides crayfish, these eateries often serve other local seafood like mussels and blue cod, or whitebait when in season.