Must-see restaurants in Bay of Islands

  • Terra

    Bay of Islands

    Muted colours give way to sea views at this new upstairs seafood restaurant across from Paihia pier. The seasonal menu is largely seafood focused (who can…

  • Charlotte's Kitchen

    Bay of Islands

    Named after an escaped Australian convict who was NZ's first white female settler, this hip restaurant-bar occupies a cheeky perch on the main pier. Bits…

  • The Gables

    Bay of Islands

    Serving Kiwi classics (lamb, beef, seafood), the Gables occupies an 1847 building (formerly a colonial brothel) on the waterfront built using whale…

  • Plough & Feather

    Bay of Islands

    Kerikeri's best located and most upmarket restaurant occupies an old homestead right on the basin (book ahead for a table on the veranda). Mains run the…

  • Ake Ake

    Bay of Islands

    At this upmarket winery restaurant, the rural setting is complemented by hearty but sophisticated country fare, such as lamb shanks, wild game pie, confit…

  • Rusty Tractor

    Bay of Islands

    As decadent breakfasts go, Rusty Tractor's doughnuts with crème fraiche and berries take some beating. There are healthier options, too, and the coffee's…

  • Hōne's Garden

    Bay of Islands

    Head out to Hōne's shaded lantern-lit courtyard for wood-fired pizza (gluten-free available), cold craft beer on tap and a thoroughly easy-going vibe. An…

  • Duke of Marlborough Hotel

    Bay of Islands

    There's no better spot in Russell to while away a few hours, glass in hand, than the Duke's sunny deck. Thankfully the upmarket bistro food matches the…

  • Māha

    Bay of Islands

    With one foot in Europe, the other in Japan and its head in the lush vegetation of Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens, this is Kerikeri's most unusual and…

  • Glasshouse Kitchen & Bar

    Bay of Islands

    A concise seasonal menu of main dishes showcasing regional NZ produce and local seafood underpinned by subtle Asian influences and one of Northland's best…

  • Sage @ Paroa Bay

    Bay of Islands

    With hilltop views over the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands, this winery restaurant overlooking manicured lawns is worth the drive. A limited mains…

  • Zane Grey's

    Bay of Islands

    Named after a local fishing legend, and with possibly the biggest deck in all of Northland, Zane Grey's has you covered all day, from traditional…

  • Whare Waka Cafe

    Bay of Islands

    Located beside a pond studded with ducks, backed by bush and overlooking the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Whare Waka (Boathouse) is a top spot for good…

  • Legends

    Bay of Islands

    When locals are after a substantial, old-fashioned, good-value meal (think burgers, fish and chips, fried seafood platters and a roast of the day), they…

  • Bayside Restaurant & Bar

    Bay of Islands

    This waterfront bistro is mostly popular for its location right on the water's edge. The menu ranges from breakfast to burgers, plus wines and craft beers…

  • Black Olive

    Bay of Islands

    This unassumingly looking family-friendly restaurant delivers when it comes to delicious pizzas (gluten-free available) topped fresh produce and free…

  • Marsden Estate

    Bay of Islands

    The interior of this winery restaurant is large and featureless so opt for the covered terrace at the rear, which has wonderful views over the vines and a…

  • El Cafe

    Bay of Islands

    This excellent Chilean-owned cafe has the best coffee in town and terrific breakfast burritos, tacos and baked-egg dishes, such as spicy huevos rancheros…

  • Hell Hole

    Bay of Islands

    Bagels, baguettes and croissants all feature with the best coffee in town at this compact spot one block back from the waterfront. Beans are locally…

  • Cafe Jerusalem

    Bay of Islands

    Northland’s best falafels, lamb shawarma (kebab) and meze platters, all served with a smile and a social vibe. Most mains come with rice, pitta bread,…

  • Newport Chocolates

    Bay of Islands

    The sumptuous artisan chocolates are all handmade on-site, with flavours including raspberry, lime and chilli, and, our favourite, caramel and sea salt…

  • Old Packhouse Market

    Bay of Islands

    Local artisans, winemakers and farmers sell their goodies at this market in an old fruit-packing shed on the outskirts of town. It's the spot for a…

  • Village Cafe

    Bay of Islands

    This cute little cafe is popular with locals for good coffee, freshly prepared counter food, and a relaxed menu of brunch and lunch dishes. Grab a table…

  • Bay of Islands Farmers Market

    Bay of Islands

    On a Sunday morning the car park behind the post office is lined with tents selling everything from gourmet sausages to oversized carrots. Grab a coffee…

  • CC's Cafe Cinema

    Bay of Islands

    Excellent coffee, meals and snacks are served in this cool cafe beside the local cinema. A Movie Meal Deal including one main dish and a cinema ticket is …

  • Greens

    Bay of Islands

    Thai and Indian cuisine feature at this tucked-away diner set back from the street in an old wooden house. With two separate menus (and apparently with…

  • Cafe Zest & the Waffle Room

    Bay of Islands

    If sugar is your weakness, the Waffle Room may well be your undoing. You're best to avoid temptation by grabbing a table in the cafe side of Zest and…

  • Spice Route

    Bay of Islands

    Set back from the street in an old wooden house, this dependable restaurant offers a massive list of subcontinental favourites, including lots of…

  • Alfresco's

    Bay of Islands

    Locals flock to this casual cafe-restaurant-bar for good food – including lots of local seafood – and live music from 3pm to 6pm every Sunday afternoon…

  • Delish

    Bay of Islands

    In summer it does a steady trade in ice-cream cones, smoothies and milkshakes. In the depths of winter, this humble coffee counter is the prime local…

  • Bay of Islands Farmers Market

    Bay of Islands

    Stock up on local fruit, vegetables, pickles, preserves, honey, fish, smallgoods (small meat products), eggs, cheese, bread, wine and oil, straight from…

  • Fishbone

    Bay of Islands

    After 20 years, Fishbone is no longer the coolest kid in town but they're still a reliable coffee and brunch spot. Grab a shady table out the front for a…

  • Tuk Tuk Bangkok

    Bay of Islands

    Thai fabrics adorn the tables and Thai favourites fill the menu of this casual, bar-like place. You won't miss it, a tuk-tuk on the front deck gives the…

  • Countdown

    Bay of Islands

    The main place to stock up on provisions. There's a smaller branch on Williams Rd in the town centre.

  • Four Square

    Bay of Islands

    The town's main grocery store occupies a prominent 19th-century trading store on the waterfront.

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