The Point Café & Bar

There’s no need for directions to The Point as it’s the only shop in town. It’s also the hub of the community, which was even recognised by renowned poet and local resident Hone Tuwhare, who gifted his honorary doctorate to hang on the bar’s wall. With uninterrupted ocean views out the front windows, this is a fine place to have dinner as the sun goes down and the beacon of light from Nugget Point’s lighthouse at the southern end of the bay kicks into action. With all that ocean providing the constant backdrop to travels through the Catlins, this is seaside and seafood heaven with poissons de la mer the big hit on the menu for both locals and travelers.

The restaurant is renowned for its blue cod, seafood chowder and platter dishes, the latter a generous showcase of kai moana sourced from the best spots around the county including mussels with white wine sauce, prawns, clams, calamari and blue cod. The beers from Kaka Point’s Catlins Brewery are available here too and the manuka-smoked Scotch Mist is the recommended accompaniment to any of the seafood dishes. Or grab a takeaway burger and eat it sitting on the beach over the road. 58 Esplanade, Kaka Point. (03) 412 8800, on Facebook.