Editor Pick
Great Little Pub...
- January 7, 2009
- Rated 3 of 5 by
Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
Though Kaikoura is one of the most beautiful spots in the south island of New Zealand, and there are plenty of ways to spend your time enjoying the wildlife and surrounding scenery in the day time, its nightlife isn't exactly thriving.
However one nice spot to stop in for a drink and a little bit of socializing is 'The Strawberry Tree'
LOcated conveniently right on the main street of the little town, just a few minutes walk from the I-site and just across the street from the hostel 'Adelphi Lodge.' There is also another bar just next to the Adelphi which seems to absorb alot of the backpackers from the hostel - where as the Strawberry Tree has a bit more relaxed and eclectic surrounding.
It's a basic but very nice little Irish bar - which does show sport when the right game is playing. New Zealand rugby is a pretty safe bet - but for other sports you may want to wander in and have a chat with the staff and see what will be on.
But mostly, in a town that can be over run with tourists, the Strawberry Tree seems to be a little more local. ANd yet it still remains friendly with the foreigners who have wandered in for a drink and a bit of a laugh.
It's a small place, though pretty well set up. With two sections of the bar for seating - each with their own television - if you come in with more than two people you can still find a spot. The decor is apropriate and interesting, and a warm fire going in the winter is always a nice touch. Not to mention that they often offer things like warmed spiced cider and mulled wine on winter nights.
And this is just the right time to visit the Strawberry Tree. It's not got a party vibe - but can be extremely cozy and a really nice little relaxed pub to sit and enjoy a drink and mellow company.
The beer is - however - very very pricey (though this is as standard throughout pubs and bars in New Zealand) at around $7 - $8NZ a pint, and of pretty poor quality. If it's good beer that you are after another pub just down the road does serve Montheiths brews, which is one of the nicest beers you will find on the planet.
They also offer a pretty interesting selection of foods, and though I didn't try them myself, I did see that the portions were ample. But for my part it was also a bit pricey for pub food. (it should be mentioned here, though, that all food is very costly in Kaikoura, and unless you want simple fish and chips - then the food prices at the Strawberry Tree are on the cheaper end of the scale.)
While on our trip around Kaikoura, we enjoyed a really pleasant evening in the warm comfort of The Strawberry Tree watching New Zealand rugby amid some local banter.
From journal Whales, Seals, and the Stunning Purple Mountains of Kaikoura