We often get asked what the connection is between Karaka and our crayfish. Karaka, is named after the native Karaka tree with its distinctive red berries. Karaka trees are plentiful in Okiwi Bay, and were introduced by early Maori. They were often used to mark a place of significance. This area is rich in history, and still to this day, the people residing here are what make it so special.

We are a New Zealand family business located on State Highway 1, 30 minutes north of Kaikoura, along the East Coast of the South Island. For over a century, we have provided locals and visitors with the freshest crayfish in New Zealand. Our family started cray fishing off the coast of Kaikoura in 1980, and since then, we have been dedicated to bringing these delicacies directly from the sea to people’s plates. From a small shop at the local campground to our current store, Karaka Lobster, our reputation for the freshest crays remains unchanged. Ash Reader and Liese Belgrave now lead Karaka Lobster as the second generation on the coast.