The Pier Hotel

We went for a beer and food at lunchtime, sat outside in the sunshine and very pleasant it was too. The restaurant we'd booked in town for dinner that night was closed because of staff shortages, so we we returned for dinner. The food was ok - but pretty basic. Tasty, edible, for sure, but in our three week NZ trip, dinner here was one of the poorer choices we made. I feel bad saying this because the staff are great and we didn't have a 'bad' meal, it's just that reviews are to inform, so may as well be honest.

Terrible. Ordered paua patties, got paua strips. Ordered chicken salad, was drenched in dressing and chicken was 1cm cubes. Yuk. Over priced. 4 very average meals, 2 deserts, 2 beers, 2 wines, 4 ciders Total $266. Ok for a beer and wedges perhaps but that’s it. Service was crap. Had to clear the table myself. Till wasn’t working. Worst dining experience I’ve had in ages.

Great view terrible service food overpriced and underwhelming could serve our table all at once 2 meals came out then waited 20mins for the other 6 meals only to find lasagne stone coldin the middle and other meals lacking in size and presentation and lukewarm..very disappointing and when we raised our concerns there was no interest in the issue, no apology and shear arrogance from the French waiter...not a pleasant experience and definitely won't be returning anytime soon...avoid like the plague...overpriced and small bland portions...alot better places to get value for money and good service in Kaikora...don't waste your time with this place

We dined at The Pier Hotel just recently. Our reservation was set up by our accommodation host, and the hotel arranged a vehicle for us, although we were staying less than 500m away. The location of the hotel is amazing, and we were treated to a visit by a pod of orcas just outside the hotel, which we could view from our table. The food was local seafood and did not disappoint. If we were lucky enough to visit Kaikoura anytime soon, I would not hesitate to return.

Nice place with a nice view. Staff were helpful and friendly, all except the older man that was there. Not sure if he was the owner or just a worker but I think hospitality isn't his thing. I drove all the way up from Christchurch after 3 connecting flights from Australia. I arrived in the dark and walked into a restaurant area (the entrance) Had 2 bags with me and as I came through the swinging entrance doors, one of them didn't shut. He walked over and slammed the door closed with a bang. All of the customers in the restaurant turned to look and then stared at me. He was obviously pissed off that I hadn't closed the door that I didn't know was still opened. He begrudgingly showed me upstairs and then another entry door downstairs. When I asked which was the best entrance to use he grunted at me "I JUST TOLD YOU". Felt like telling him that I had been travelling 24 hrs to get here and that I was buggered so excuse me if I ask a dumb question!!! Stopped there again on my way home and luckily he wasn't there.

We trekked out to the Pier-on a recommendation, having booked a table first (very important). Staff were efficient, good range of food and wine, and reasonably stocked bar. We both enjoyed our meals (Crayfish chowder and the other Steak. No issues for us, other than a constant drizzle on the way back to town (the restaurant does offer a shuttle service, as it happens).