Organic Restaurant Wholefoods Cafe in Kaikoura • EnezGreen

Perpetuating the WWOOF philosophy

In return for the work done, the would-be farmers were offered lodging and food, including the famous organic house bread and fruit and vegetables from the organic garden. After several years of WWOOF practice, as this universal concept of sharing of knowledge and labour is commonly called, Paul Hislops had the idea of opening his own restaurant in order to perpetuate the family’s values and continue to promote organic food. Seventy-seven years after the mill opened, its organic flour is still used to prepare good bread and pastries that are enjoyed by international tourists visiting Kaikoura.

A must for vegetarians and consumers of organic food

The establishment was extended and renovated in 2007 and offers a pleasant and healthy setting to enjoy good food in a proper place. A large window display near the counter offers a tantalising glimpse of pastries, sandwiches and some house specials that are also available to takeaways. The bread and cakes are daily oven-baked and made out with organic flour mill bleached Hislops family. It takes a lot of willpower to resist to pastries and cakes because of the variety, quality and presentation of these delicious home-made products…

Promoting local producers

Most of the herbs, fruit and vegetables come from the family garden or are supplied by neighbouring organic farmers.

Originated from the region for several generations, the owners make it a point of honor to promote local producers even if they have to practise higher rates. The beef and lamb, fish and seafood are all local, as well as for wine, beer, fruit juice and coffee, olive oil and honey.

The restaurant offers a wide choice for vegetarians, vegans or those following a gluten-free diet. Far from the classic dishes without any flavors that are generally available, customers finally find a carte matching not only their diet but their taste. Once is not custom, they can enjoy fine dishes concocted by local chefs or chefs coming from countries as far away as Brazil. A nice exotic touch with a carte highlighting world cuisine quality.

Restaurant, catering & organic shop, key-features

A strategic location in Kaikoura ★

The location of the restaurant along the main road running north is not outstanding, but it is strategically well situated on the outskirts of Kaikoura, close to major attractions and service providers in the region.

A 17-year commitment to organic food ★★

Opened in 1995, the Hislops Café was developed in the spirit of WWOOF and to celebrate the organic flour produced by the family. Sophisticated and original, the map gives pride of place to local beef and lamb meat, fish and local seafood, to delicious wines, beers, juices and coffees locally sourced.

A pioneer in the field of organic catering, the hotel has been awarded many national and international certifications: BIOGRO New Zealand, NZ agriquality Certification Authority, NZ Demeter Certification Authority and Certification Authority OrganicFarmNZ. The refined and original menu features local beef, sheep, fish and seafood and the delicious wines, beers, fruit juices and coffee come from the surrounding region. A vast choice is available for vegetarians or people on a gluten-free diet. The establishment is a pioneer in the field of organic food and received a number of prizes as well as certification by BioGro, the leading certification agency for organic produce in New Zealand, AgriQuality NZ Certification Authority, Demeter NZ Certification Authority and OrganicFarmNZ Certification Authority. It is also recommended by the main guides for sustainable tourism and organic restaurants.

Quality of food and service ★

The establishment is open 7/7 for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. It also serves as a wine bar to taste an excellent selection of local wine coming mainly from the Marlborough region. The Hislops Wholefoods Café also offers takeaway pastries and organic flour and has set up a small boutique to promote local organic produce.

The restaurant offers good value for money for organic cuisine, which is generally considered expensive. Allow for between NZ$ 10 and NZ$ 20 for breakfast and between NZ$ 20 and NZ$ 33 for lunch.