Local cuisine

Local cafés and restaurants

Marina Café, Opua
Great coffee and selection of counter food and menu items. Friendly staff and a great location looking over the Opua marina. Brunch, coffee and lunch open 8:00am-4:00pm. Open for dinner during Summer Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights.

Opua Cruising Club
Although a members’ club, visitors are most welcome. The club offers great value evening bistro meals Wednesday to Sunday and good priced drinks.  Best fish and chips in Opua!

Opua General Store
Beautiful fresh sandwiches and bread for a picnic or casual takeaway lunch for the beach. Good coffee and a variety of hot and cold counter food, sweet items and ice-creams. The store also sells gourmet pizzas which you can order by phone in advance and collect when ready.

Opua Old Store Takeaways
Fresh fish and chips, burgers and a full menu of takeaway food. If you feel like a casual take-out meal, there is seating scattered around the wharf area to enjoy your meal – great spot for boat watching!
Phone ahead to order: 09 945 8398

Charlotte’s Kitchen, Paihia
Charlotte’s Kitchen, established in 2015 brings a fresh approach to dining in the Bay of Islands and features a range of exciting menu options  –  with the best location at the end of the wharf in Paihia, you won’t be disappointed.
Book a table - popular with locals too!

Terra Restaurant, Paihia
A neighbourhood eatery which opened 2019, this restaurant bought another level of dining to the Bay. A creative, modern menu in a superb location with views over the water and first class service. They focus on food sustainability and the unique ingredients of the stunning Far North of New Zealand. Don’t miss this dining experience!
Bookings essential

Tipsy Oyster
A local favourite located right on the Paihia waterfront, Tipsy Oyster is a restaurant with loads of personality and great service. We highly recommend you add this to your dining ‘must do’ list. Big flavours, an extensive menu of delicious tapas, burgers and casual mains, you won’t be disappointed!

Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell
Built in 1827, this hotel has some very interesting and colourful history. A visit to this establishment is worthwhile if only to view the beautiful, ornate interior.  A must stop if in Russell even if just for a coffee.  Fantastic menu, impeccable service and superb location for lunch or dinner.  We recommend that you book in advance – very popular!

Private dining
Your private deck is the perfect location for a private dining experience or pre-prepared meal delivered to your doorstep. If you are planning on a big day out, exploring Northland, we suggest ordering a personalized picnic hamper.
Salt & Seed offers a range of bespoke private dining services and use fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Markets and artisan food

Paihia Farmers Market
Every Thursday 1:00pm – 4:00pm.  A small, artisan market and a nice community vibe.

The Old Packhouse Kerikeri Farmers Market
Saturday 8:00am – 1:30pm & Sunday 9:00am – 1:00pm
Make sure you haven’t eaten too much before visiting this market!  An array of delicious artisan foods, wine tasting, handicrafts and live music.

Makana Chocolates
If you are visiting Kerikeri, a stop at Makana Chocolates (across the road from the Old Packhouse Markets) is essential.  Don’t be surprised if you spend too much time and money here!  They have a nice café next door too serving lunch, coffee and gelato ice-cream.

Vineyard restaurants

Paroa Bay Winery
We highly recommend taking your car on the ferry specially to visit this boutique estate making traditional handmade wines and featuring a new Mediterranean influenced restaurant, Sage.  Or if exploring Russell by car, Paroa Bay is an easy divert just 6km off the main road.  You will see the signage on the road to Russell.  Bookings recommended.

Omata Estate
This boutique winery is located on a sunny peninsular with outstanding ocean and vineyard views and just a short ferry journey from Opua. The Omata Kitchen is a relaxed style eatery serving gourmet platters and wood-fired pizzas. A great choice for a casual long lunch in Summer.

Marsden Estate Winery
For its two-year decade history, Marsden Estate has become known for the quality of its original cuisine. Fresh produce is continually sourced from around the region and the superb local food is served on the terrace, shaded by grapevines, overlooking the lake, gardens and vineyard. It’s the perfect place for a long lunch accompanied by fabulous wines.