Careys Bay Historic Hotel

About Careys Bay Historic Hotel

Careys Bay Historic Hotel is a truly Victorian pub perched on the banks of the Otago Harbour, with an active fishing port visible from the dining room. Standing the test of time, the hotel no longer offers accommodation but remains a beloved restaurant and bar with an excellent reputation for fresh seafood and old-fashioned hospitality. The kitchen is inspired by the daily catch landed nearby—they work with locally sourced species including sole, brill, monkfish, blue cod, Otago Queen scallops, and Littleneck clams, supplemented by NZ oysters, mussels, and salmon. The kitchen has held an "A" grade hygiene certification since 2006 and specialises in a blend of premium seafood and traditional pub fare.

Careys Bay Historic Hotel: Victorian Waterfront Dining with Fresh Otago Seafood

Careys Bay Historic Hotel sits on the banks of the Otago Harbour in Port Chalmers, a truly Victorian pub with a view that's impossible to forget. On one side, the sprawling harbour; on the other, an active fishing port where boats land their daily catch within sight of the kitchen. It's not just atmospheric—it's the reason the kitchen can deliver what it does: seafood so fresh it doesn't need to travel far from water to plate.

The Seafood Story

The hotel's reputation for fresh seafood is earned, not claimed. The kitchen works with locally landed species including sole, brill, monkfish, blue cod, and the Otago Queen scallops that made the region famous. They supplement with oysters, mussels, and salmon from other NZ centres when local supply allows. Since 2006, the kitchen has held an "A" grade hygiene certification—a mark of how seriously they take their craft.

Menu Philosophy

The cuisine blends fresh seafood with traditional pub fare. The signature dishes—Beer Battered Fish and Chips, Creamy Seafood Chowder, Salmon & Monkfish Pie, and the Seafood Platter—are straightforward and letting the ingredient quality do the talking. But there's also creative reach: Ika Mata with coconut and ginger, Seafood Thai Red Curry, and Mussel Bowl in white wine cream. The bar menu runs all day and includes Fisherman's Basket and nachos.

Beyond Seafood

While seafood is the story, the menu also serves Prime Ribeye Steak, Braised Lamb Shank, and Crispy Chicken Salad for those seeking variety. There's a full vegan menu—Battered Banana Blossom Fish and Chips, Jackfruit Roti, Thai Vegetable Curry—and a thoughtful kids menu. Desserts include classics like Sticky Ginger Pudding, Baklava Cheesecake, and Crème Brûlée.

Signature items

• Battered Fish & Chips
• Creamy Seafood Chowder
• Homemade Fish Pie
• Seafood Platter
• Mussel Bowl
• Prime Ribeye Steak

Menu

Bar Food

• Chunky Fries — Tomato sauce & garlic aioli
• Wedges — Sour cream & sweet chilli sauce
• Fisherman's Basket — Fish bites, squid rings, prawn twisters & fries
• Nachos — Beef & bean or veggie bean & tomato, spiced or non-spiced
• Bar Platter — Mini hotdogs, chicken nuggets, samosas, spring rolls & fries

Desserts

• Sticky Ginger Pudding — Brandy sauce, whipped cream & vanilla ice-cream
• Baklava Cheesecake — Greek yoghurt & local honey
• Meringue Nest — Berry compote, lemon curd & whipped cream
• Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie — Berry compote & vanilla ice cream
• Crème Brûlée — Spiced poached pears & whipped cream
• Old Fashioned Ice-cream Sundae — Homemade caramel, chocolate or mixed berry

Other Mains

• 250gm Prime Ribeye Steak — Potato gratin, sautéed vegetables, battered onion rings, garlic butter
• Braised Lamb Shank — Creamy mashed potato, seasonal vegetables & onion gravy
• Free-Range Crispy Chicken Salad — Cashews & creamy citrus dressing
• Creamy Chicken Thai Red Curry — Served with rice, mild/medium/hot
• Free farmed Pulled Pork Roti — Spiced pulled pork, slaw, jalapeño mayo in fresh roti
• Big Breakfast — Bacon, sausage, eggs, baked beans, tomato, hash browns, toast

Vegan Dishes

• Battered Banana Blossom 'Fish and Chips' — Salad, fries, vegan tartare, tomato sauce
• Tempura Vegetable Main — Rice and miso soup
• Jackfruit Roti — BBQ jackfruit, hummus, coleslaw, vegan aioli, crispy shallots
• Thai Vegetable Curry — Served with rice
• All Day Vegan Breakfast — Hash browns, tomato, mushrooms, baked beans, toast

Seafood Mains

• Battered Fish & Chips — Fresh fish in crisp batter with salad, tartare, tomato sauce
• Homemade Fish Pie — Salmon & monkfish in creamy base topped with mash, green salad
• Mussel Bowl — NZ green lipped mussels in wine, cream, ginger & coriander
• Fresh Fish of the Day — Served with vegetables and potatoes as requested
• Seafood Thai Red Curry — Cream curry with fish and shellfish, mild/medium/hot

Seafood Entrees

• Seafood Platter — Local shellfish and seafood selection with dipping sauces
• Ika Mata — Raw marinated fish, coconut cream, ginger and chilli
• Golden Spiced Squid — Turmeric & coconut spiced, tartare sauce and lemon
• Careys Bay Creamy Seafood Chowder — Fish, mussels, squid and shrimps served with bread

Frequently asked questions

Do you have accommodation?

No. Careys Bay Historic Hotel is a restaurant and bar only—no rooms available.

What are your opening hours?

Open 7 days a week from 11am. Lunch 11am–3pm, Dinner 5pm–Late (variable). Bar menu available all day. Dinner reservations are recommended.

What makes your seafood special?

We source locally from the active fishing port next to us. Species like sole, brill, monkfish, blue cod, and Otago Queen scallops arrive fresh daily. We've held an "A" grade hygiene certification since 2006.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. We offer full vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Halal can be arranged.

Can you host events or functions?

Yes. We have three function spaces: a cosy lounge, beautiful conservatory, and well-appointed snug. Contact us to arrange.

Do you offer takeaway?

Yes, takeaway is available.

What's your signature dish?

Our Beer Battered Fish and Chips and Creamy Seafood Chowder are menu staples, but the Seafood Platter truly showcases our local catch.

Tips

• {"body":"Dinner operates 5pm–Late with variable closing. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially weekends.","title":"Book ahead for dinner—hours are variable"}
• {"body":"Ask your waiter about the current catch—sourced from the fishing port next door, it's always the freshest option.","title":"Try the fresh fish of the day"}
• {"body":"Lunch menu (11am–3pm) offers a more relaxed experience than variable dinner service.","title":"Come for lunch if you want quieter dining"}
• {"body":"If you're unsure what to order, the Platter showcases the local shellfish and seafood the kitchen is known for.","title":"The Seafood Platter is the signature"}
• {"body":"The setting overlooking Otago Harbour and the fishing port is part of the experience—arrive early to claim a window seat.","title":"Check the harbour views from your table"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Kids menu available; family-friendly; three function spaces for groups","dietary":"Full vegan menu; vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal options available","parking":"Street parking available in Port Chalmers","payments":"Email: info@careysbayhotel.co.nz; Phone: 03-472 8022"}