The courtyard set for a wedding
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Careys Bay Historic Hotel

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A historic Victorian pub serving abundant, fresh seafood with stunning views of Otago Harbour. A beloved local spot since 1874.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The courtyard set for a wedding

Careys Bay Historic Hotel

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Victorian pub serving abundant, fresh seafood with stunning views of Otago Harbour. A beloved local spot since 1874.

"Want seafood, come here! Marinated fish, fish pie and oysters were delicious!"

TIP

Book Ahead for Weekends

Reservations are recommended, especially for Friday nights, as this popular spot often gets crowded.

Embrace Outdoor Seating

On pleasant days, opt for the patio overlooking the water for a truly scenic dining experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Seafood

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+64 3 472 8022

Address

17 Macandrew Rd, Careys Bay, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Generous Seafood Platters

Generous Seafood Platters

Indulge in abundant, fresh seafood platters featuring local catches like clams and mussels, perfect for sharing.

Google Review
Historic Victorian Ambiance

Historic Victorian Ambiance

Step back in time in this charming 1874 Victorian pub with cozy nooks and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

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Scenic Waterfront Dining

Scenic Waterfront Dining

Enjoy breathtaking views of Otago Harbour from the beautiful outdoor dining area, especially on a nice day.

The Best Outdoor Bars In Dunedin, New ZealandGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Careys Bay Hotel, Dunedin #seafood #fyp #dunedin #food
@cookinwithchaos_
75 likes • 3.6K views

Book Ahead for Weekends

Reservations are recommended, especially for Friday nights, as this popular spot often gets crowded.

Embrace Outdoor Seating

On pleasant days, opt for the patio overlooking the water for a truly scenic dining experience.

Things Kiwis do better than Aussies Part 4. #lamb #lambpie #lambshank #cafesantosha #southisland #nz #careysbayhistoricalhotel #newzealand #aussie #placestoeat #portchalmers #dunedinnz #dunedin #portchalmersnz #foodie
@free_range_aussie
211 likes • 4.6K views

Meet the Resident Cat

Look for Boo, the friendly Himalayan-like cat, often found in the bar area during the evenings.

Vegetarian Options

While seafood is the star, vegetarian choices are limited, but other options are available.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead for Weekends

Reservations are recommended, especially for Friday nights, as this popular spot often gets crowded.

Embrace Outdoor Seating

On pleasant days, opt for the patio overlooking the water for a truly scenic dining experience.

Meet the Resident Cat

Look for Boo, the friendly Himalayan-like cat, often found in the bar area during the evenings.

Vegetarian Options

While seafood is the star, vegetarian choices are limited, but other options are available.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners consistently praise Careys Bay Historic Hotel for its excellent, fresh seafood and generous portions, often highlighting the friendly and efficient service. The historic Victorian ambiance and scenic waterfront views are frequently cited as major draws. While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor service inconsistencies, like occasional forgotten side orders, have been noted.

"This place has lots of character with various dining areas both inside and outside. The food was great - plenty of seafood choices"

Robyn Mullen

"Want seafood, come here! Marinated fish, fish pie and oysters were delicious! Lovely staff and a number of different rooms you can dine in. Highly recommend."

Chynal Prior

"What a fantastic find, I had the daily market fish which was "Monkfish" grilled with seasonal vegetables and a beautiful cream sauce. It was so soft and flaky and cooked to perfection. My mum had the seafood chowder which also was fresh and seasoned perfectly.

I order the rhubarb ginger jam mocktail which I highly recommend!

A great stop for a well cooked and quality meal. Definitely worth the time out to try."

Aleks Petrovic

What People Like

Fresh, delicious seafood
Generous portion sizes
Historic and cozy atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional minor service oversights

Frequently Asked Questions

They offer a variety of fresh seafood, including platters, fish and chips, seafood chowder, and daily market fish.

Yes, while the menu is seafood-focused, there are limited vegetarian options available.

Yes, the hotel features a beautiful outdoor dining area overlooking the water, perfect for enjoying the scenic views.

Yes, it's a great spot for families, with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. The outdoor courtyard can delight children.

Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend evenings, as the restaurant is very popular with locals.

Yes, Careys Bay Historic Hotel has a resident cat named Boo, often found in the bar area during evenings.

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Carey’s Bay Historic Hotel was originally established in 1894 as a hotel with its own public bar and restaurant. The accommodation side of operations has long been abandoned, but the Victorian-style pub experience has stood the test of time. This venue enjoys a picturesque seaside location that’s ideal for an alfresco seafood meal or some casual drinks as the sun goes down.

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Just a stone's throw from Port Chalmers, Carey's Bay Hotel is a local haunt steeped in Victorian charm that has been warming the hearts and bellies of Dunedin locals since 1874. Known for a seafood spread that'll have you hooked, they reel in the freshest catches from Otago Harbour's doorstep. Inside, you'll find cosy nooks, fires roaring and a prime spot called 'The Snug' for private gatherings.

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Established in 1874, the Carey's Bay Historic Hotel has stood the test of time. Situated next to the township of Port Chalmers on the banks of the beautiful Otago Harbour, 15 minutes easy drive from the centre of the city, this truly Victorian pub has an excellent reputation for fresh seafood meals and friendly old fashioned hospitality. 17 Macandrew Rd, Carey's Bay

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Just outside the hustle and bustle of Dunedin, in the tranquil harbor area of Careys Bay, lies one of the city’s most iconic venues—the Careys Bay Historic Hotel. Established in 1874, this hotel is a living museum, where every meal is a step back in time. The menu is a love letter to traditional New Zealand fare, with seafood taking the spotlight.

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Situated next to Otago Harbour, a short drive from Port Chalmers, Careys Bay Hotel is a historic restaurant offering a good range of seafood dishes. If you’re after some fresh seafood with gorgeous views of the water, check out Carey’s Bay Hotel. Apart from fish or seafood platter and chips, their seafood chowder is a definite must-try.

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A bit of a destination restaurant, Carey’s Bay Hotel is a beautiful historic hotel in Carey’s Bay, just down the road from Port Chalmers. The old fashioned hospitality and Victorian pub feel is a truly welcoming setting. The menu is heavily seafood-focused, with fresh fish and other seafood caught locally.

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Part local pub, part seafood destination extraordinaire, the Carey’s Bay Hotel nails this combo with a relaxed harbourside vibe, great banter, and simple but delicious food done well. Dine in the cosy indoor spaces or watch the ships and wildlife go by from the outside patio.

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The Hotel A truly Victorian Hotel, the Carey’s Bay Hotel is steeped in history. The hotel was built on gold money by Port Chalmers Mayor, Henry Dench designed by renowned Dunedin…

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Another spot I love is the Careys Bay Hotel in Port Chalmers. They serve delicious seafood and have beautiful bay views.

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Careys Bay Historic Hotel (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide