The Pier Hotel

Nice place with a nice view. Staff were helpful and friendly, all except the older man that was there. Not sure if he was the owner or just a worker but I think hospitality isn't his thing. I drove all the way up from Christchurch after 3 connecting flights from Australia. I arrived in the dark and walked into a restaurant area (the entrance) Had 2 bags with me and as I came through the swinging entrance doors, one of them didn't shut. He walked over and slammed the door closed with a bang. All of the customers in the restaurant turned to look and then stared at me. He was obviously pissed off that I hadn't closed the door that I didn't know was still opened. He begrudgingly showed me upstairs and then another entry door downstairs. When I asked which was the best entrance to use he grunted at me "I JUST TOLD YOU". Felt like telling him that I had been travelling 24 hrs to get here and that I was buggered so excuse me if I ask a dumb question!!! Stopped there again on my way home and luckily he wasn't there.

We trekked out to the Pier-on a recommendation, having booked a table first (very important). Staff were efficient, good range of food and wine, and reasonably stocked bar. We both enjoyed our meals (Crayfish chowder and the other Steak. No issues for us, other than a constant drizzle on the way back to town (the restaurant does offer a shuttle service, as it happens).

Only ate at the Pier. Reserved a table in advance on local recommendation. Ordered our food promptly but had to wait an hour for it to arrive at the table. At least one other table waited an hour and a quarter. Luckily we were patient. The waiting staff were very good but they were let down by whatever was going on behind the scenes. When the food arrived it was average. I personally will not visit again due to the ridiculously long wait for our food to arrive at the table. I would add that the establishment has wonderful views and I hope my experience was not the norm. .

On a clear day, this would be a magic spot with a great view. Unfortunately, the night we stayed it was cloudy and dull but lovely and quiet. The price was right but somehow my normally eagle eyes didn't notice that we'd have to go down the hall in the middle of the night to a shared bathroom. The breakfast setup was okay though one couple hogged the fridge with all their stuff. It's all a bit ragged and tired but the staff are all efficient and friendly. We had a nice meal in the restaurant and ordered fish & chips as we had seen in the room menu it was $29. We knew what we wanted so didn't check and were unpleasantly surprised that the fish, chips and salad were $42 not $29. The sticky date pudding dessert was great. My only real disappointment was that an alarm woke us at 3:30am and we were panicked and wondering what to do, as were several other hotel guests. After surmising that it wasn't a fire or a tsunami, I googled it and found out that it's not uncommon in NZ smallish towns that this is the way they alert all the local fire brigade volunteers for various emergencies. Had we known this (a little notice on the door would have been appreciated) we wouldn't have been so freaked! I know now but I suspect many tourists get caught out by this. I hope nobody has panic (or heart) attacks.

The meal was overpriced and very very disappointing. Fish special was tempura battered but greasy. Served with stir-fry vege which was so bland. $42.00 so expected more than what was dished up.

We recently stopped in here for a drink so as to soak up the view to the snowy mountains across the water. We looked at the menu and decided to eat lunch here. It was just fabulous, well presented and so tasty. We liked the place so much we went back for dinner. Great place, highly recommend.