Eat

For seafood lovers, Mōkau is a hot spot, and is proudly home to the whitebait fritter. A must-try if you are driving past. The popular whitebait season runs from around mid-August until the end of November. The area is brimming with people, and the stories and yarns are flowing, be sure to check it out.

There are several foody shacks along the riverside town where you can savour freshly caught fish and chips, crispy calamari, and of course a freshly fried whitebait dish.

Try out the Whitebait Inn first on your right as you drive into town from the south, dine-in food, coffee, fish and chips, gourmet burgers, ice creams, groceries, and the post shop is here too! The Mōkau Butcher’s Food Truck conveniently parked up in the middle of the town, River Run Cafe for hot coffee and dine-in food. If you’re after a traditional pub experience, the historic Awakino Pub has a great selection of seafood, including the best fish and chips on the west coast! 

In the summer try out the cool Three Sisters Burger Bar in Tongaparutu, located in a wonderful setting and near the famous Three Sisters and Elephant Rock.