Waikiwi Tavern is a quintessential Kiwi pub in Waikiwi, Invercargill, serving an extensive menu of hearty tavern classics and crowd-pleasing meals. From fresh Southland blue cod and hearty steak dishes to loaded baked potatoes, filo pastries, and casual share platters, the kitchen caters to all tastes and ages, with dedicated menus for in-betweens and kids alongside numerous gluten-free options.
Beyond the dining room, the tavern serves as a lively local hub featuring self-service TAB facilities, multiple big-screen TVs tuned to live sports and racing, and regular community entertainment like weekly Jingo (musical bingo). Guests can also take advantage of ample on-site parking and a complimentary local courtesy coach service to ensure an easy, safe visit.
Located on the corner of Gimblett Street and North Road in Invercargill, the Waikiwi Tavern offers an authentic, community-centred Kiwi pub experience. Known for its welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere and bustling schedule of events, the tavern serves as a familiar local hub where patrons gather for hearty comfort food, live sports broadcasts, and community entertainment seven days a week.
Whether you are stopping in for a relaxed lunch, meeting friends after work, or spending the evening catching up over a meal, the tavern is built around straightforward hospitality. The venue caters to a wide spectrum of visitors with extensive dining options, dedicated sports screens, convenient self-service TAB facilities, and entertainment nights like Jingo (musical bingo) held throughout the week.
The kitchen at Waikiwi Tavern turns out an expansive menu packed with pub classics and regional staples. Seafood enthusiasts can enjoy Southland Blue Cod, freshly beer-battered and fried until crisp and served with chips, salad, and tartare sauce, alongside a rich Southland Seafood Chowder made with local catch and accompanied by garlic bread. Other popular signature mains include the Beef Brisket Sammie—featuring Wagyu brisket braised in Speights Gold Medal Ale with onions and chilli on a ciabatta panini—and the Kiwi Chicken Schnitty served with salad, chips, a fried egg, and gravy.
Traditional favourites remain central to the menu, with classic Bangers & Mash featuring pork and parsley sausages, creamy mash, gravy, and peas, alongside old-school Lambs Fry & Bacon and porterhouse Steak, Eggs & Chips cooked to order. For diners looking to sample a variety of flavours, "The Kiwi Three Way" delivers a trio of house-made sliders: BBQ beef, spicy mayo chicken, and aioli pork, each layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
Sharing is well catered for with extensive platters, such as the Surf 'n' Sky platter, loaded seafood baskets, and options like the Kiwi platter piled with spring rolls, wontons, mini hotdogs, corn nuggets, samosas, and squid rings. To wrap up a meal, the dessert list features indulgent house creations like Banoffee Bread & Butter Pudding, Toffee Apple & Rhubarb Crumble, Eton Mess, and loaded sundae bowls in flavours ranging from Lemon Meringue to Caramel Slice.
Waikiwi Tavern provides dining options across generations, featuring dedicated "In Betweens" meals for ages 16 and under, alongside a specialised kids' menu with playful meal names and $15 options that include burgers, mini pizzas, mac and cheese, nachos, and ribs. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are integrated across the menu, with options like chickpea-stuffed sweet potato and gluten-free substitution choices.
Beyond dining, the tavern offers a lively sports bar atmosphere equipped with multiple television screens broadcasting races and sports matches. Patrons also benefit from practical amenities, including plentiful on-site parking and a dedicated courtesy coach service designed to transport guests safely home to their doorsteps.