Taste Kaikōura
Discover the artisan spirit and bold creativity behind these Kaikōura-based food and beverage heroes. Kaikōura is more than breathtaking landscapes; it’s a place where passionate producers craft unforgettable tastes. From sustainable seafood and slow-cooked lamb to small-batch spirits and rare wines, these five businesses are redefining local flavour and hospitality with purpose, pride, and care.
SHARED VALUES, FRESH FLAVOURS
Kaikōura Co-Op is a community-driven florist, gift shop, and fresh produce hub, located in the historic nursery north of town. Owner-florist Alanah Conner grows her own blooms for wedding arrangements and everyday bouquets. Inside, you’ll find locally made preserves, honey, candles, pottery, soap, and seasonal fruit and vegetables, celebrating Kaikōura’s artisans and growers in one charming venue.
RARE WINES FROM A RUGGED COASTLINE
Esses Wine specialises in méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, grown and crafted right here in Kaikōura’s cool coastal climate. Their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling Rosé reflect both elegance and restraint. A tribute to low-intervention winemaking and the land itself. Founders Aaron and Mel are hands-on in every step, from pruning vines to hand-riddling bottles. Book ahead to enjoy a personal tasting at their cellar door.
SMALL BATCH, WILDLY INSPIRED
At the foot of Mt Fyffe, Justine Schroder distils unique gins that tell a story of place. Using botanicals like wild thyme, rosehip, and tarata (lemonwood), each bottle is a taste of Kaikōura’s mountain-to-sea landscape. The award-winning Woolshed Gin and Shearwater Gin are as beautiful on the shelf as they are on the palate. Tours and tastings are available by appointment.
COOK, FORAGE, FEAST
Hapuku Kitchen offers immersive food experiences rooted in nature and storytelling. Run by chef Fiona Read, this rural kitchen celebrates Kaikōura’s wild pantry with cooking classes, garden walks, and long-table lunches. Expect slow food with soul. Think hand-rolled pasta, backyard harvests, and a genuine sense of welcome. For foodies wanting to reconnect with food, it’s a must-do.
PADDOCK TO PLATE WITH PRIDE
Owned by the Macdonald family, Middlehurst Farm Store brings its premium merino lamb direct from the high country to the Kaikōura coast. The shop and eatery serve up tender lamb pies, slow-cooked dishes, and gourmet groceries, with something for everyone. It’s a stylish, satisfying stop where provenance matters and every bite tells a farming story.