Must-see restaurants in Bay of Islands & Northland

  • 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…

  • Cafe Bianca

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Beyond the rough wooden exterior is a corrugated-iron-lined speakeasy where staff dressed as flappers deliver cooked breakfasts, gourmet burgers and…

  • Quay

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    At this beautiful riverside villa turned restaurant, grab a table on the wraparound veranda overlooking yachts bobbing in the neighbouring marina. The…

  • 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…

  • The Thai

    The Far North

    Northland's best Thai restaurant serves zingy dishes with intriguing names such as Angry Pig, Kiwi Chick and Mangonui Showtime, and there's also a good…

  • 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…

  • Cove

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    This heritage cottage at Waipu Cove covers all the bases, from coffee and breakfast bagels to pizza, gourmet burgers, a small bar and healthy smoothies…

  • Dune

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Despite the name, Mangawhai's best restaurant is nowhere near the sands. Situated in the heart of the village, Dune is half bar, half cafe – with sunny…

  • Sandbar

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Polished concrete floors and a living wall set a quietly stylish scene for a daytime cafe and a night-time bistro. Evening meals are sophisticated and…

  • No 8

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Asian fusion dishes pack a flavour punch here, but are delicately assembled and delivered by friendly staff. Dishes are light and prices high, so don't…

  • 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…

  • Gecko Cafe

    The Far North

    Morning queues of locals attest to the Gecko having the best coffee in town (it roasts its own), and the food's pretty good, too. Kick off another day on…

  • 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…

  • TopSail

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Located upstairs in the Onerahi Yacht Club, around 10km from central Whangārei, TopSail serves superlative French-style bistro classics and lots of fresh…

  • 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…

  • McLeod's Pizza Barn

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    The flavour combinations may seem almost as odd as a Scots-named pizzeria, but the crispy-based pizzas are delicious. Try the Gumdigger, with smoked…

  • 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…

  • Raan Ahaan Thai Aroi Dee

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Don't be put off by the fluorescent lighting and the lunch-bar feel; this unassuming restaurant is one of Dargaville's best. The flavour-filled Northern…

  • 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…

  • Suk Jai Thai

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    It's well worth a trip to the suburbs to seek out this cheerful and relaxed restaurant, popular with Thai expats for its authentic flavours, gutsy…

  • Landing Cafe

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Stylish Kiwiana decor combines with good coffee at this appealing place attached to the tourist office. Grab a table on the expansive deck and tuck into…

  • Gallery & Cafe

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    This cafe, high above Helena Bay, is one of the main stops on this route. Offering excellent organic fair-trade coffee, scrummy cakes until close, and…

  • North Drift Cafe

    The Far North

    Start the day with a cooked breakfast and Ahipara's best coffee on the sunny front deck of this relaxed little cafe. Come back at lunch for a burger, fish…

  • 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,…

  • Bennetts

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Rural Europe comes to Mangawhai at this atmospheric chocolaterie and its accompanying cafe. Sample handmade chocolates, then fill up on the all-day…

  • Little Kitchen on the Bay

    The Far North

    With a terrace facing the water and a sun-drenched interior, this cute cafe serves Mangonui's best coffee, excellent counter food and good mains. Menu…

  • 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…

  • Fat Camel

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    In a pedestrian laneway among a cluster of small restaurants, this little Israeli cafe stands out for its pitta pockets and platters laden with falafels…