Welcome to

The Why Not Café

With a delicious selection of homemade foods and quick service, The Why Not Cafe has been a favoured stopover for many years. 

About us

The Why Not Cafe has been an institution in Kaikoura for over 30 years, a meeting place for travellers heading North or South and a favourite amongst local residents who just keep coming back.

We offer delicious cafe prepared food, with our Seafood Chowder considered to be "one of the best", along with our kiwiana cheese and onion rolls, hot toasted sammies and classic fish 'n' chips.

Come in and relax in our secluded courtyard that basks with sunshine on those warm Kaikoura days. Just remember not to feed the seagulls!

Our dedicated kitchen staff, many of whom have worked in the cafe for years, through to the staff serving at the counter, are on hand to ensure your dining experience is a happy and memorable one.

Pop in, relax, enjoy great coffee and yummy classic kiwi cuisine! We look forward to seeing you!

Our Cafe

Our Favourites

The Big Breakfast
Seafood Chowder
Fish & Chips
BLT

Our Location

Book a Table

Recent News

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