About The Pier Hotel
The Pier Hotel dates from about 1885, when J.W. Goodall built it near Kaikōura's old wharf to serve ship passengers, whalers and fishermen. When a new wharf was needed, the hotel was cut into sections, rolled to its present site behind a traction engine and put back together. Wilson Rutledge, a former ship's steward, took over the lease in 1914 and became its best-remembered host. A renovation finished in June 2024 restored much of its period character.
It stands on the corner of Avoca Street, across from the beach, about 2.5 km from the town center along The Esplanade. The hotel, bar and restaurant open seven days a week from 8am until late for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant leans on Kaikōura's crayfish and other local seafood, the bar pours local wines and craft beer, and dinner reservations are essential.
It works well for families: there is a kids' menu with coloring pencils and an outdoor playground with a wooden fort, slide, climbing wall, swings and a fenced trampoline. Premium rooms have private balconies and views, and the hotel takes group bookings and functions. Parking is plentiful.
Lavendyl Lavender Farm on Postmans Road, about 7 km north of town, is roughly 15 minutes from the Pier. Spend the morning in the lavender, then drive out to the peninsula for a seafood lunch with sea views.
What to do
- Have a seafood lunch or dinner with sea views
- Try local crayfish, the town's signature catch
- Let kids play on the fort, slide and trampoline outside
- Stay in a room with a private balcony
- Read up on the hotel's move from the old wharf
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round
- Hours
- Daily 8am–late (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Good to know
- Reservations
- Required
Tips for your visit
- Dinner reservations are essential; call (03) 319 5037.
- To get there, turn off the highway into West End and follow The Esplanade about 2.5 km to Avoca Street.
- Plan a designated driver if you are heading on after a drink.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Lavendyl Lavender Farm · about 15 minutes away
Lavendyl Lavender Farm is about 15 minutes north; visit the lavender in the morning and come to the Pier for a seafood lunch.
Getting there
Questions
How old is The Pier Hotel?
It was built around 1885 and moved to its current site when a new wharf was needed.
Do I need to book for dinner?
Yes, dinner reservations are essential.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, there is a kids' menu and an outdoor playground with a fort, slide, swings and fenced trampoline.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Kaikōura, New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
