Kaikoura Crayfish Company

Perched right on State Highway 1, the Kaikoura Crayfish Company is an unmissable pit stop for seafood lovers. This no-fuss seafood shack serves up the freshest crayfish (lobster) straight from the Pacific Ocean, with stunning coastal views as your backdrop. The scent of sizzling butter and garlic drifts from the outdoor cooking station, drawing you in for a messy, memorable feast.

Highlights & What to See

• Feast on fresh crayfish: Choose your own live crayfish from the tanks, then watch it grilled to perfection. The garlic butter version is legendary, served with lemon and a side of chips.
• Try the seafood platter: If you can't decide, the mixed platter includes crayfish, green-lipped mussels, scallops, and calamari — all locally sourced.
• Pair with local wine: Grab a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from the small but well-chosen drinks menu to complement the sweet shellfish.
• Soak up the scenery: Sit at the outdoor picnic tables overlooking the Kaikoura Peninsula and the Seaward Kaikoura Range. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on the rocks below.
• Whale watching combo: Time your visit with a whale-watching tour — the company is a short drive from the main wharf where tours depart.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour if you're just stopping for a meal, though the relaxed vibe might tempt you to linger. It's best as a lunch stop en route between Christchurch and Picton, or as a reward after a morning whale-watching tour. Arrive early (just before noon) to avoid the peak crowds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Whale Watching Kaikoura: Just a 5-minute drive north, this is the town's star attraction — sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and fur seals are almost guaranteed.
• Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: A stunning 2–3 hour coastal walk with seal colonies, seabirds, and panoramic views. Start from the town centre, a short drive south.
• Fyffe House: Kaikoura's oldest surviving building, a historic whaler's cottage with fascinating stories — 10 minutes south.
• Ohau Point Seal Colony: A quick stop 15 minutes north to see hundreds of newborn seal pups in winter.

Please check official sources for current details.