Do I need prior fishing experience?

No prior experience is necessary. Local guides provide full instruction suitable for beginners.

Is seafood from this experience safe to eat on-site?

Yes, the catch is cleaned and prepared immediately, then cooked fresh under hygienic conditions.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated in the cooking class?

Yes, please inform the operator of any allergies or dietary needs in advance.

What types of seafood can I expect to catch?

Common catches include snapper, blue cod, and crayfish, depending on season and conditions.

Is transportation provided to and from the fishing site?

Participants usually meet at Hapuku Kitchen in Kaikōura; transport details will be provided upon booking.

What should I bring for this experience?

Wear layered clothing, non-slip shoes, and bring sun protection along with a water bottle.

Catch & Cook Kai Moana Experience: Fresh Seafood Fishing and Cooking on Kaikōura’s Coast | Cooking Class

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikōura is a rugged coastal town where the Pacific Ocean meets towering mountains, creating an outdoor playground for marine and food lovers alike. The Catch & Cook – Kai Moana Experience offers an immersive 6.5-hour journey that blends hands-on fishing with expert culinary instruction at the renowned Hapuku Kitchen. This trip uniquely connects visitors to the region’s abundant seafood, natural beauty, and rich maritime culture.

Your adventure begins on the Kaikōura coastline, famous for its deep-sea feeding grounds and vibrant marine ecosystem influenced by the nearby Hikurangi Trench. For two hours, you’ll cast lines and haul in a variety of fresh seafood—snapper, blue cod, crayfish, and more—learning sustainable fishing techniques under the guidance of local experts. This personalized experience not only offers the thrill of the catch but also highlights the importance of responsible harvesting in maintaining the area’s marine biodiversity.

After fishing, the scene shifts to Hapuku Kitchen, where culinary artists demystify preparing and cooking your freshly caught kai moana (seafood). The kitchen overlooks the ocean, providing a spectacular setting that inspires creativity and appreciation for local ingredients. Participants receive step-by-step guidance on traditional and contemporary cooking methods, from filleting delicate fish to seasoning and grilling. Paired with carefully selected local wines or craft beers, the tastings that follow turn your day’s effort into a vibrant, flavorsome feast.

Kaikōura’s coastal environment is home to unique geological formations and thriving wildlife, including the famous sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and albatross sightings close offshore. This experience offers intimate insight into the local culture, rooted in Māori fishing traditions and the town’s ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.

Whether you’re an aspiring angler or a food lover eager to expand your cooking repertoire, this Catch & Cook adventure offers an authentic taste of Kaikōura’s marine bounty. It’s a standout option for travelers seeking an active, educational, and deeply memorable day out on New Zealand’s South Island coast.

About The Hapuku Kitchen Limited

The Hapuku Kitchen Limited is a Kaikōura-based culinary studio delivering seasonal cooking classes, dining events, and private gatherings rooted in local, ethical food practices. Located in rural Kaikōura, Canterbury, the business focuses on hands-on learning: guests forage herbs and vegetables from the kitchen garden, participate in half-day and full-day classes, and learn techniques from chef Fiona. The Hapuku Kitchen offers public experiences such as The Hapuku Kitchen Experience – Full-Day Class and the Hapuku Kitchen Taste of the Farm – Half-Day Class, alongside private full-day and half-day classes for personalized instruction and dietary customization.

Dining events include The Supper Club at Hapuku Kitchen, regular private lunch or dinner services that can accommodate up to 24 guests, and curated private events for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings. The Catch & Cook – Kai Moana Experience combines coastal fishing with in-kitchen preparation so guests can catch seafood and then learn to cook it on-site. Wine pairings and homemade, locally sourced beverages frequently accompany meals to highlight Kaikōura producers.

The Hapuku Kitchen emphasizes sustainability, seasonality, and a connection between landscape and plate. Food preparation centers on fresh, foraged, and locally farmed ingredients, and menus change with the seasons. Classes and events are designed for small groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere and focused instruction. Booking details, availability, and dietary accommodations are managed directly through The Hapuku Kitchen Limited. Reservations, pricing, and seasonal menus are available on request; the business offers tailored experiences for families, couples, food tourists, and corporate groups throughout the year.