Road Trip to Yum.

Crayfish, Coastlines & Classic Kiwi Summers

There’s nothing quite like a classic Kiwi summer road trip. It’s not just about where you’re going, it’s about the salty air whipping through the windows, the winding coastal roads, and the promise of that first bite of something ridiculously fresh. And if we’re talking fresh, there’s one legendary place. Nin’s Bin.

Nestled along Kaikōura’s rugged coastline, this no-frills blue-and-white caravan has been serving up the freshest crayfish (kōura) for decades. It’s not just a pit stop it’s a pilgrimage.

Scenery That Steals the Show

Heading north from Christchurch, the road hugs the coastline, delivering those can’t-help-but-pull-over views—the Pacific Ocean on one side, towering mountain ranges on the other. Gone are the days of crawling behind a sheep truck through the Hundalees; the post-quake rebuild means the drive flows smoother than ever, with new scenic spots begging you to stop, stretch your legs, and just soak it all in.

But let’s be real a proper Kiwi road trip isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about the rituals.

First stop? Used to be a towering ice cream at Amberley. Hokey Pokey if we were feeling nostalgic, or something new and risky if we were feeling brave. These days, I swap that for a coffee from The Little Vintage Espresso. The Cheviot tea rooms, where a proper road trip meant a cup of tea, a slice of something homemade. I remember one memorable occasion, Dad emptying the boot in the rain to find the spare tyre while we stayed warm inside with hot chocolates and toasted sandwiches.

Seals, Sun & That First Bite of Crayfish

There’s a rhythm to this drive. Stop for the view. Spot a lazy seal sunning itself on the rocks. Feel the air turn warmer as you get closer to Kaikōura. And then, finally the main event.

Nin’s Bin in its aged and much loved blue and white caravan, doesn’t do fancy. It doesn’t need to. Crayfish, fresh from the sea, cooked simply, served with a wedge of lemon. That’s it. No distractions, just the pure taste of summer on a plate.

Sitting at a picnic table, staring out at that endless blue, it hits you—this isn’t just a meal. It’s a moment. One of those perfect Kiwi summer flavours, layered with nostalgia, sea air, and the promise of future road trips still to come.

Oh, I do like a bit of kiwi butter and garlic with mine.

So, where’s your go-to road trip food stop? Let’s swap stories—best bites of summer, go!