The Blackball Inn

Classic West Coast Pub

Great food, affordable accommodation, and wonderful atmosphere.

Warm and Welcoming Interior

Our Inn has plenty of the cosy charm of yesteryear.

Delicious Food

Food prepared with love and care.

Affordable West Coast Accommodation

Our rooms are tidy, cosy and affordable.

Paparoa Great Walk Accommodation

We are right on the doorstep of the Paparoa Great Walk.

Live Entertainment

We regularly feature live entertainment.

Community Events

We regularly host community events at our Inn.

Outdoor Seating

We have plenty of outdoor seating for you to enjoy while you visit us.

Good Times with Good People

We are all about having fun and we want you to join us!

About us

Learn more about The Blackball Inn & 08' Cafe's staff.

Pat Kennedy and Jane Wells - Founders

Pat and Jane have been together 43 years now. Jane bought the Blackball General Store from Pat in 1982, and didn't read the fine print. He came with it six months later! Pat's a Coaster and worked in his dad's butchers shop, eventually reinventing himself as one the Blackball Salami Brothers. Jane, a teacher by trade, owned Formerly the Blackball Hilton for 14 years until 2008 when she and Pat sold up and moved up Nelson way. They came back late 2018 and purchased the Club Hotel renaming it The Blackball Inn, and got stuck in yet again, relishing their new roles in Blackball life. As their nephew Samuel said "It's better than sitting around waiting to die." In February 2021 they left the day to day management to their grandson, Nick. But then Nick embarked on a teaching career so the pub went on the market until former employee, Caroline , asked if she could lease it. So she did for eight months, but now Jane and Pat are back. Again! So this time it's on the market for a definite sale this time!

Nick Secker - Managing Director

Nick is a local lad who went to Blackball School, then to Nelson College , and graduated from Otago with a science degree. He's had careers all over the place from conservation, in the dairy industry ( in the lab), hospitality and teaching. He's still involved peripherally.

Hillaire Clements - Bar manager

Hills has worked in hospitality for over 20 years and she's been with us here for the last five. She loves people and has a real knack of making people feel welcome., She's widely read and knowledgable and can converse on most subjects. She's a Coaster born and bred.

Jess Bell-Howard - Generalist (Cook, cleaner, bar maid)

Originally from the other island Jess lived here , there and everywhere as her dad was a shepherd. Together with her partner , Simon. they live on an Atarau farm where Simon is employed. They have two dogs - Jack and Fenton, and two cats ( Surf and Saffy) For 10 years she worked at "Fruitful Woodville and around farms. She is a popular team member with a cheerful disposition and a ready smile.