Nin's Bin

Nin's Bin is a nice stop by the side of the road, especially if you are heading South along the highway (easier to pull over). There are also public restrooms available, which makes it a nice break if you need to use the restroom before Kaikoura. My family visited in December 2025. It is a bit hot in the summer, so be warned that the seating is all outside with no umbrellas. The view is incredible though. We got the Paua & chips and a small crayfish (there were two sizes). The crayfish was a bit pricey, but that was in part due to the 15% surcharge because it was Boxing Day. We paid over $300 NZ for one Paua and two crayfish. It also costed $8 for extra butter, which we did not end up purchasing. The Paua (New Zealand abalone) was very good, and the crayfish were very meaty for their size. I would suggest going here if you are willing to splurge a little for the experience.

We ordered one crayfish and one fish’n chips. The crayfish were cooked well but did not taste as good as I expected. The crayfish cost $110 for the one we chose plus $8 for garlic butter but the garlic butter flavour was not that strong. The Price was too expensive. Thre 3 stars because the Fish and chips were alright. Service was very friendly and good presented well.

The best fush 'n chups I've had in ages! Huge, succulent, tasty. Served with friendly banter and if you want, some spray-on vinegar (choice invention!). Do not miss, even on a rainy day.

It was such a beautiful place. It took about 15 minutes for the meals to be prepared, which was just enough time to explore the beach in front of the restaurant. Having a meal while staring at the beach was so relaxing. And the crayfish was so delicious, the best I’ve ever had. If you visit Kaikoura, please make sure to stop by here. I guarantee you’ll make great memories🙂💙

Nice cray! Lemon juice is from a bottle... So a bit disappointing. Chips are a small amount for $8. But.... Just to experience a historic meal.... I'll take that.

Nin’s Bin is nothing short of extraordinary—its seafood is impeccably fresh, rich in flavour, and unmistakably refined. Nothing on the menu feels ordinary. The staff were equally impressive: warm, welcoming, and wonderfully attentive. Adding to the experience is the natural setting, complete with the charm (and occasional mischief) of the local seagulls. I even made a feathered friend—one that remained in close proximity while the rest of its flock came and went, and for whom I secretly fed whenever it was alone. I wholeheartedly recommend Nin’s Bin in Kaikōura. It is well worth both the journey and the indulgence.

Stopped in between Xmas and NY, food and service were awesome. Perfectly cooked F&C, whole crayfish with garlic butter, and the best paua fritter I’ve ever had. Bring a beer, bottle of bubbles or chard. Highly recommend.

Very good meal. Although, just note that it's not technically a crayfish. It's a rock lobster. In New Zealand, they confusingly refer this rock lobster to a crayfish. That said, it was a great experience.

At a rest area in a highway pullout off State Highway 1, this is little more than a food truck. Technically, a trailer and it's permanently installed. Nin's Bin is a seafood shack and you will want to ignore appearances. A selection of fresh seafood is on offer including lobster and crabs and crayfish. It's all available in an iced bin for inspection. I have not had the New Zealand delicacy "White bait" and opted for that. It's also the least expensive thing on the menu and since Nin's Bin i cash only, it's the only thing I had enough cash to afford. A few minutes later, my name was called out and I picked up my sandwich. Tasty, interesting and I am glad to have experienced it. Sitting at a bench overlooking a beautiful bay at the absolute edge of the world may have improved the flavor. I wouldn't miss it. [Review 414 of 2024 - 67 in New Zealand - 21447 overall]

Crayfish! This is a little food van hidden amongst the road works along Highway 1 just north of Kaikoura - blink and you'll miss it! The menu was limited to crayfish and chips on the day that we stopped - but the crayfish was amazing. It was fresh and delicious and tasted even better for eating it outside with the beautiful views. Nicey but pricey - we paid $96 for the largest crayfish she had!!

Can't believe Nin's Bin is not on yelp yet. This place is a single reason to fly to NZ from the other end of the world. An old camping trailer, directly at the beach in the nowhere north of kaikoura. If you don't know what's coming you will drive by before you realize it. Big mistake. Turn around. Here's the place to stop. Crayfish, lobster, mussels. Fresh and served with lemon outside in the sun watching the waves come in from the ocean. Life can't get any better than this, trust me.

Fantastic,Delicious,Superb,Freshest Crayfish...EVER!Cash Only A HUGE HUG with compassion to the many construction workers that are working to re-connect the travelers,since the very destructive 7.8 earthquake Nov.15th, 2016... It's an emotional route to actually get here...

A must on your South Island road trip if you have the cash to spare. Simplicity at it's best as fresh seafood speaks for itself! We enjoyed the crayfish and also the juicy mussels. Weather was getting a bit dark so was worried about the outdoor seating but it cleared in time, phew. There is just something about sitting next to the beach, with the gulls and digging into fresh seafood.

Delicious but expensive, ~$50 for a small crayfish, ~$65-70 for medium size and over $100 for a really big one. I'd expect these to be cheap here. People say the small are more tasty but on the other hand, it's easier to eat and there's more 'meat' in the big one, so next time I'm considering buying one big ($100+) and eat half. Nin's Bin says that they catch and cook crayfish on their own, see their responses at https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Restaurant_Review-g255374-d1978588-Reviews-Nin_s_Bin-Kaikoura_Canterbury_Region_South_Island.html