Sonja Bolger

"Just 10 minutes north of Haast you’ll find the Curly Tree Whitebait Company, and it’s well worth the stop! The family-owned and operated company source whitebait (small juvenile fish around 4-5cm long) from some of the best spots on the West Coast, and make delicious whitebait fritters in a small stall next to the river. Whitebait fritters are a must try food when you’re in New Zealand and why not try them from one of the best!"

Dave Dean

"Some rather incredible whitebait. Seriously, if you do nothing else on that drive, follow the little sign from the main road to the Curly Tree Whitebait Company just outside of Haast and get the owner, Tony, to fire up the BBQ and make you a whitebait patty, coast style."

Joe and Alicia Reaburn

"We stopped to get whitebait patties at Curly Tree Whitebait Patties stand. They were delicious."

Let's Travel

"For a chance to enjoy the riches of the West Coast just follow the ‘Curly Tree & Whitebait Patties’ signs to their stand which serves freshly cooked whitebait patties – a real slice of Kiwiana right on the banks where it’s caught."

The Fishing Paper & NZ Hunting News

"Get yourself over to the Curly Tree Whitebait Hut for a freshly cooked whitebait pattie."

Antipodean Luxury Travel

"One tip - on the way into or out of Franz Josef, you simply must stop at the Curly Tree Whitebait Company on the Haast Highway. One of New Zealand’s delicacies, a whitebait is a tiny fish, usually around 25-50 millimetres in length, that Kiwis love made into whitebait fritters. It's an iconic food here! Best enjoyed fried, then served between two piece of fresh white bread - which is exactly the way Curly Tree do it. Don’t be put off by the dozens of eyes looking up at you as you eat, they're delicious!... Read more

Camila Karam

"During the season, they can be found throughout New Zealand. However, none is better than the Curly Tree Whitebait, on the West Coast of the South Island."

Flying and Travel

"For lunch, I cannot recommend more highly the Curly Tree Whitebait Company. A small sign leads you down a track to their “shack” selling traditional whitebait patties. The whitebait pattie is a combination of fresh whitebait fried with egg and served on a toasted slice of bread. Delicious!"

Jordan Poste

"Definitely worth the stop not only for the unique treat but to hear the history of whitebait fishing in the area from the lovely owner Moana."

Jen Seligmann

"When your on the West Coast whitebait is one food you must try. And the best place to do that is the Curly Tree Whitebait Company on the Haast Hwy just over the bridge that crosses the Waita River."