Kaikoura Bakery — Restaurant in Kaikōura

I came into this shop with two of my friends, myself and one other friend being vegetarian and were hankering for a vegetarian pie. We saw one pie labelled “Mountain top veg” and my friend in front of me in the line asked the blonde older woman working at the counter what was in it. She rolled her eyes at him, clearly annoyed that she had to go get the ingredients list and rattled off what was in it. I didn’t manage to hear all of this so when I got to the counter I just asked her if there was any meat in it, and in response she replied in a very snarky tone that “obviously there was no meat as it’s a veg pie” and grumbled a few more things about me asking the question. I decided not to even get anything because I was so taken aback by her attitude. I don’t know if this lady just got up on the wrong side of bed this morning, but she was still grumbling about me asking that question when even my other friend approached the counter. So all in all due to the customer service I’ve given one star. Rumour has it she’s still grumbling about me asking if there was meat in the pie...

Kaikoura Bakery, conveniently plopped in a prime spot, lures you in with the promise of fresh selections that seem to be replenished as often as you blink. The display, packed with an array of baked goods, gives you hope—hope that’s quickly dashed when you take that first bite.

Let’s get one thing straight: the food isn’t bad. It’s just... there. It’s the kind of stuff you’d eat because you’re hungry, not because you’re craving it. Flavors that play it safe, textures that don’t surprise, and an overall experience that leaves you wondering, “Is this really the best they can do?” Hopefully visitors to NZ get to taste better pie offerings than this bakery.

Prices? Well, they’re exactly what you’d expect for the area—nothing shocking, nothing budget-friendly, just standard fare. You’re paying for convenience, not culinary excellence.

In short, Kaikoura Bakery is like that one friend who always shows up to the party but never really makes it more fun. It’s there when you need it, but don’t expect...

My partner and I came here for a wee break while driving to Nelson. I got the potato top pie with a chicken and avocado sandwich. They both were absolutely Divine! I loved it so much. The potato was so creamy and so lush tasting. The mince inside was a beautiful mixture!! The sandwich was fantastic! It was a very nice avocado tasted freshly made! The chicken was nicely put in not to big bit a bite able size. Was very enjoyable to eat. My partner got a steak and cheese pie and a ginger crunch. The pie was a fantastic amount of cheese to steak so delicious! The ginger crunch was very well made! Not sickly tasting! It was exactly how I would expect a ginger crunch to taste but better it was. Thank you for our enjoyable experience! We will definitely be coming...