Review Waiau Tavern - Waiau

I was with a group of 10 from the Fiat Car Owners Club on an outing. We arrived pretty much together and were welcomed by Michelle and her staff. There was a special menu for us or we could order from the standard menu. I asked what was gluten free. I was told the blue cod butty was gf. They then went on to say there was a gf only frier! My partner ordered the standard blue cod blue cod butty. In both cases the fish was freshly battered in house. The staff double checked with me re having margarine or airline on my gf bread. I opted for the airline. The butty was generous! The large filled had been cut in two to fit between the slices of bread. There was some salad with the fish. An extra serving of airline on the side with a slice of lemon finished off the dish nicely. My partners butty was equally appealing and generous. Another volleague had an open steak sandwich. He said the steak was just as he had requested and much more generous than he had expected. We all enjoyed the excellent food, which we felt was good value. There were 2 elegant black cats who visited us wanting some fish. They had good manners. This was a great place for a group outing. Great food and great service.

I highly recommend this place. the food served to us was delicious and the staff was very friendly and kind especially the manager Michelle Berri, who is a wonderful lady she kept checking on us to make sure we were happy with the food. the atmosphere was very cosy and made us feel like home

We love this pub! The hospitality is brilliant. Michelle and Lindsay are welcoming, friendly and very accommodating. This was our second visit and both times we enjoyed sitting outside for a drink in the sunshine and eating delicious food inside with good music playing. Can recommend nachos and salad or fish of the day, blue cod - big portions, hot and tasty. We camped with friends at the back on the paddock, fantastic. Thanks from Ann and Marty

Beautiful site, (no charge), awesome dinner. Come in and meet the locals. Very enjoyable stay.

My wife and I really enjoyed the small town atmosphere. The owners and patrons are very great people to talk to. We shared our love for our home towns. This is the real New Zealand. The selection of beers and wine are great. As was the spicy chicken with three different dipping sauces.This town was hit hard by the big 2016 quake but even though it needed assistance these people dug deeper than most and welcomed those from Christchurch into this small town. Towns like this should be celebrated. When we re visit this continent we will return here.

What a jem... this shows the resilance of this couple and indead the town of Waiau not to be knocked down by fire but to rise up again to continue to provide a service to the community in the face of adversity. We were looking for a place to get a coffee and an evening meal. Walking into the replacment "hotel" we were met by Michelle with a friendly welcome then asked us what we would like. Asking for two coffees we were told she was making coffees for another order could we wait? Holidays don't understand rushing and time to us so replied no worries. I looked around and took some photos as attached. We ended returning two nights for the evening meal. Friday night steak meal which was ribeye for $20 was just the best. Thank you so much for your hospitality. Sylvia and Ian

Great little pub Michelle a honey Best burgers in the country and drinks good prices thanks for the book about your dad. will be be back thanks. John.

Cycled down from Hanmer Springs for lunch. Had a massive and delicious meal of Blue Cod, fresh made (with some ingredients from the garden) salad and chips. Great chats with locals and lovely staff. Got back to Hanmer Springs in about the same time even though it's uphill! Recommended!

Great place to park up the motorhome for a night. Thanks Michelle & Lindsay for your hospitality. Lindsay introduced my better half to pink gin. Meals spot on. Even caught a couple of fish in th river. Looking forward to a return visit.

This makeshift tavern is making a difference in the community. A place for the locals and travellers to quench their thirst and fill their stomachs. Happy to support the owners who are trying to rebuild the grand old tavern after the earthquake. The biggest Blue Cod meal ever!!