Cruising on the open road and discovering memorable roadside food stops along the way is a recipe for the ultimate road trip experience. New Zealand is dotted with unassuming gems tucked away in remote bays and on the roadside of small towns. These are just some of the best places to stop for a bite to eat on any New Zealand road trip. Fresh crayfish, plant-based creations and plenty of local seafood favourites – it’s all at your fingertips on top road trip routes. Enjoy some of the food that New Zealand is known for, straight from the source, to level up your next holiday.
1. Nins Bin, Kaikoura
Worthy of a title such as ‘one of the most breathtaking outdoor cafes in the world’. Nins Bin has created a name for itself as a must-visit when road-tripping along State Highway 1. Venture 20 minutes north from Kaikoura and you’ll come across this humble shack on the side of the road. This unbeatable location, right on the edge of the ocean, somehow makes the food taste even better. Delicious seafood like crayfish and mussels are caught fresh and served to hungry customers who are travelling to this remarkable part of New Zealand. Fresh crayfish with lashings of garlic butter is best enjoyed on the picnic tables at Nins Bin, looking out to the South Pacific Ocean. Travelling between Kaikoura and Blenheim is incredibly scenic, so hiring a camper from Camplify is the way to go. Cruise along this breathtaking stretch of road and enjoy one of the best places to eat while you’re at it.
2. The Craypot, Jackson Bay
As if you needed more convincing to explore the West Coast, there’s a magical little bay off the beaten track with an equally special little seafood restaurant. The Craypot is perfectly placed on The Esplanade at Jackson Bay, 15 minutes’ drive from the main highway. This funky cafe/restaurant looks out over the bay, making for one of the most peaceful places to enjoy some New Zealand seafood. Enjoy the drive along the Haast-Jackson Bay road to get to this secluded fishing port. Quintessential West Coast greenery envelops the road as you head away from the small town of Haast. A picturesque drive and incredible crayfish; what’s not to love? Whether you start your adventure up in Nelson, or down in Queenstown, the drive through the West Coast is an absolute must. Campervans for hire on Camplify come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose the right one for your West Coast adventure.
3. Zen’s Kitchen, Murchison
Small town New Zealand has a unique and charming appeal. Nothing fancy, yet a whole lot of character sums up the cosy corners of rural New Zealand. Murchison is a tiny town in the Tasman Region, between the West Coast and Nelson. This road trip route from the wild West Coast to coastal and sunny Nelson is a must. Detours to Maruia and St Arnaud, plus the well-known Lake Rotoiti, are worth considering when in this neck of the woods. When passing through Murchison, you’ll find the quirky caravan kitchen that is Zen’s Kitchen. Plant-based goodies, made with organic ingredients and served in environmentally-friendly packaging; it’s a true gem. Check out the campervans you could hire on Camplify here to start planning this dreamy South Island road trip route!
4. Food for the People, Wellington
When on a New Zealand road trip, you are guaranteed to pass through the capital city of Wellington. Buzzing with great people, food and culture, Wellington is a place to spend at least a few days in. Food for the People is just the food truck you want to stumble across here, serving up seafood burgers, oysters and amazing fritters. It’s a piece of Wellington that is well-loved by locals and visitors. Stock up on some oyster fritters for a slice of classic kiwi food, before continuing on your New Zealand road trip. FFTP is on the waterfront, just a 3-minute walk from Te Papa museum. If your road trip is beginning in Wellington, check out some amazing campers for hire on Camplify here.
5. The Wharf Cafe, Thames
The seafood theme continues with The Wharf Cafe in Thames. Enjoy some fresh fish and chips on the outdoor tables overlooking the marina, or grab some smoked fish (smoked in-house that is) to take with you to your next campground for the night. After driving through hours of stunning scenery, this is the ideal stop to make. The Coromandel is home to a cornucopia of incredible road trip routes and Thames is somewhat of a hub. It’s an ideal place to refresh, restock, and try some beloved kumara chips. It’s a key to the classic New Zealand road trip!
To browse the campervans available for hire in this region from fellow New Zealanders, check out Camplify!
Cover image credit: Nins Bin
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