The most famous Crayfish Caravan in the world Caravan in the world

What do a porn site in China and a crayfish caravan in Kaikōura have in common?

Well – nothing actually, but naming his business Nin’s Bin has caused Johnny Clark more than a few headaches. Johnny’s just had a new website set up to get around the problems caused by the name similarities - www.ninsbin.co.nz.

Nin was actually the woman who ran the crayfish caravan when business started back in 1977.

Famous on Instagram and beyond

Anyone who’s travelled through Kaikōura will know the iconic old caravan which sits on the stony beach about 20 minutes north of the town. It’s famous on Instagram and beyond, for serving the mouthwatering kaimoana straight out of the pot, ready to be eaten right there beside the Pacific Ocean.

“I’ve been in the business since pre-school”

Johnny’s been at the caravan window for 12 years but the business was started by his Grandad 46 years ago. “I’ve been in the business since pre-school,”Johnny says. “I used to lie to go fishing. Dad would then take me out of pre-school and I’d bait bags for 50 cents each.”

These days Johnny catches the crays, weather permitting, works the caravan and makes sure customers have the best Nin’s Bin experience they can have.

How do you like your Crayfish?

At Nins they’re warm from the pot and served with a side of garlic butter, split down the middle and broken open ready to devour. There’s even a quick lesson on how to break it open yourself if you want to.

It’ll cost you $65 to $70 for a Kaikōura crayfish that according to Johnny tastes like no other.

“Yeah, $65 to $70 – even I find it a bit rude,” he laughs.