The Strawberry Tree Kaikoura is a true institution in Kaikōura, blending the Baxter family's generations of fishing heritage with a quirky Irish bar, gastropub, and live music venue. Step through the rustic timber doors into a cosy, eclectic bar warmed by an open fire, filled with local memorabilia and curiosities that tell stories of the region's coastal history. The wooden timbers lining the walls and beer gardens are sourced from historic places along the coastline, honouring local fishing traditions and the area's rich maritime heritage.
The atmosphere is warm and genuinely inviting, with a relaxed vibe perfect for gathering friends and locals. Two outdoor beer garden areas offer coastal charm—the front garden is excellent for people watching on sunny days. The bar is fully stocked with local and imported beers, craft beers and spirits from the Kaikoura region, alongside Guinness on tap. In winter, the open fire keeps guests toasty; in summer, the outdoor spaces become the place to be.
The Strawberry Tree has earned recognition as the Number One Gastropub in the Upper South Island region by Estrella Damm Top 50 NZ Gastropubs (2024 and 2025). The kitchen delivers high-quality, carefully prepared food—fresh local seafood including crayfish, hearty meals, and well-balanced flavour profiles. Live entertainment runs throughout the week, from jam sessions beloved by locals to relaxing music in the outdoor dining areas, all under OneMusic licensing. Gift cards are available for every occasion.
The Strawberry Tree Kaikoura stands as a true institution in this coastal town, where the Baxter family's generations of fishing expertise have shaped not just a restaurant, but a gathering place steeped in local maritime tradition. The building itself tells stories—rustic timber doors open into an eclectic bar filled with local memorabilia and curiosities, warmed by an open fire that creates genuine cosiness in winter months.
The interior's character comes from authentic detail: wooden timbers lining the walls and featuring throughout the beer gardens are sourced directly from historic places along the coastline, honouring the fishing traditions and rich history that define Kaikoura. This commitment to place and heritage means stepping into the Strawberry Tree is stepping into the region itself.
The kitchen delivers what has earned the venue recognition as the Number One Gastropub in the Upper South Island by Estrella Damm Top 50 NZ Gastropubs (2024 and 2025). Fresh local crayfish features prominently—Kaikoura's most prized catch prepared with the care and quality the rating implies. Hearty meals showcase well-balanced flavour profiles and careful preparation, reflecting a kitchen that respects both ingredients and diners' expectations.
Fully licensed and stocked with intention, the bar features local and imported beers alongside Kaikoura region craft spirits. Guinness on tap anchors an authentically Irish atmosphere. The bar itself, filled with memorabilia and curiosities, invites lingering conversation.
Live entertainment runs throughout the week—jam sessions are a local favourite, and live bands create a relaxed vibe in the outdoor dining areas. The venue holds OneMusic licensing, reflecting its commitment to supporting live music culture.
Two outdoor beer garden areas define summer visits. The front garden is positioned perfectly for people watching along the main street, while both spaces maintain the rustic coastal character that defines the venue. On sunny days, locals and visitors alike gravitate here to enjoy drinks, listen to music, and soak in the laid-back Kaikoura atmosphere.
The Strawberry Tree is more than a restaurant or bar—it's a meeting point where fishing heritage, quality food, live music, and genuine hospitality converge to create something that belongs to the town and reflects what makes Kaikoura special.