About White Morph Restaurant

The White Morph

The white Morph is a Southern Giant petrel, which displays particular characteristics - ie a wholly white body except for asymmetrical black spots. Less than 10% of the Southern Giant Petrels exhibit these features.

The White Morph averages one metre in length and two metres in wing span.

They breed in the ice-free parts of Antarctica and the Antarctic islands and range widely through the southern oceans.

The White Morph can be sighted on the pelagic bird watching tours based in Kaikoura, although more commonly seen in winter and spring.

The Building

The restaurant is situated within the old Bank of New Zealand chambers. The "Bankhouse" as it was known was built in 1903 for a total cost of $1951.

The strongroom or vault is currently used as the house bar, and the building has been operated as a restaurant since 1991.