My wife and I were looking for a place to stay on our way to the west coast. After looking through Trip Advisor we settled on The Owen River Tavern. If you’re looking for The Ritz this isn’t the place. If you’re looking for a clean comfortable place to stay this will fill the bill. The tavern itself is a... More

I had read that there were powered sites for campervans behind the tavern and it was located conveniently for our travels. $20 was a great price, but in the end, not worth it. The sandflies were horrific. It's not enough to be covered in repellant, they still swarm around you and are a nuisance. We dared not to go out... More

I have a small bach near the tavern and go there for meals when not out catching monster trout or chasing pigs. Wonderful cozy atmosphere, great hosts, Tui on tap, and the best lamb chop dinner in NZ. I really shoudn't be writing this review because I don't want this place to be discovered by too many tourits.

If you are travelling north from Christchurch to Nelson, stopping at The Tavern is a must, Apart from the excellent fly fishing locally, the Tavern is a haven for the weary traveller. Kim and John are great hosts and make you feel very welcome. The food is not to be missed either, a fantastic mix of Kiwi and Chineese cuisine.... More

2012 Waitiangi weekend was a "need to get away" time. But where to go to fish and blob out. Well Owen River Tavern and Motels was just the place. Kim Sui welcomed us and directed us to our motel. She was certainly very engaging via her emails. The king-sized bed dominated the room but it was a verycomfortable one. Perhaps... More

We stay a little week, arriving without booking for flyfishing. good chineese an NZ meals. kim and his wife are so friendly and alaways looking at your confort. We have a very good memory at this place.

On a very tiring trip from Nelson stopped in at the Owen River Tavern and Motels to have a Christmasm meal with a friend. Host was fantastic, very friendly. Wide range of food on the menu at a reasonable price and recommend the Chinese. Fantastic. A+ to anyone wanting a traditional Chinese meal. Leeanne Sneddon from Cobden, Greymouth.

This is a 'must stop' on your way from the West Coast to Nelson. Beautiful views of the Buller River and Mount Owen. The food is superb, with John Sui cooking the Chinese dishes and Kim Sui cooking the New Zealand fare. These two will make you very welcome and their motel units are very comfortable too