Food & Wine

Bennets of Mangawhai is our favourite local cafe open 7 days with freshly made pastries, sweets and a seasonal menu showcasing local produce. Bennetts is also a destination with a beautiful Mediterranean courtyard, boutique bakery (opening 2024/25) and a fabulous chocolate shop and factory.

Located at the world famous Te Arai Links golf resort, Ric’s is a casual pizza barn and eatery perfect for family and friend gatherings. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ric’s has a seasonal menu celebrating local producers, a generous selection of beverages and a wood-fired pizza oven at the ready, as well as as something special – a 2.5-acre putting green (The Playground) – for guests to enjoy.

Overlooking their very own organic vegetable gardens and out to the beautiful Omaha estuary, The Farmers Daughter is not to be missed. From the beautifully crafted Espresso Bar to the light filled interiors of the main cafe, their ethos is clear in every detail. All of their offerings stem from the produce grown in their on-site garden, or local growers and artisan producers. Think mindful, sustainable, homely and delicious.

The Sawmill Brewery is an award winning boutique brewery with over 14 beers on tap and a casual restaurant onsite called the Smoko Room. The restaurant menu has been created with sharing in mind and celebrates local and seasonal produce, organic wines and the best New Zealand producers. A favourite for discerning locals and visitors, the Sawmill is a must visit for a true taste of New Zealand.

Rothko at Sculptureum is a celebrated fine dining restaurant. Working with local producers and suppliers, Executive Chef Josh Hazel and his team craft each menu to embody the fresh flavours of the region and the season. Rothko at Sculptureum provides a relaxed dining experience with attentive service in a spacious country setting.

Brick Bay Winery is a must visit with a spectacular floating glass house restaurant, winery and sculpture trail onsite. Cantilevered over a shimmering lake, the glass house restaurant offers relaxed all-day dining showcasing the freshest seasonal produce. Diners also get a discount on sculpture trail tickets, so don’t forget to wear your walking shoes!

Slip into that Saturday morning feeling at the Matakana Farmers’ Market – a true foodie’s heaven with a focus on fresh, sustainable and local artisan goods. Open every Saturday 8am – 1pm all year round, rain or shine! From award-winning coffee, to mouth-watering brunch dishes, there’s plenty to sample and savour. Relax by the riverside to live local music, while the kids explore the rustic playground.

Heron’s Flight Winery, founded over 30 years ago, is Matakana’s original cellar door and one of only a few vineyards in New Zealand to specialise in the Italian varieties Sangiovese and Dolcetto. Their brand new Tasting Room is now open where visitors can enjoy estate grown Italian rosé and red wines and a selection of white wines from New Zealand and Italy. They also offer gourmet platters to be enjoyed amongst the vines and they are a family and dog friendly venue.

The Cove Waipu is located opposite one of Northlands most iconic beaches with beautiful views across to Whangarei Heads and the Hen and Chicken Islands. it is the perfect place to sit with friends to enjoy spectacular food and a refreshing local beer or wine. With a great mix of both indoor and outdoor dining The Cove is a must do dining experience for both locals and tourists alike.

With a well-known reputation for producing some of the best craft beer in the country, a visit to Waipu wouldn’t be complete without a meal at McLeod’s Pizza Barn. The welcoming country atmosphere embraces its Scottish ties and serves up generous tasty meals alongside its award-winning beer. Regularly featuring limited releases, the friendly bar staff will happily provide a taste of what’s on offer.

Drive through the beautiful family-owned vineyard to the cellar door and barrel hall, where you can taste OBV’s elegant wines including their sought-after Rosé and Montepulciano. Stay for a delicious platter and take in the breath taking 360° coastal views over Omaha Beach and Little Barrier Island. The vineyard also has a gallery supporting nearby artists. Enjoy the views, the art works together with a glass of wine.

Matakana Estate is the region’s largest vineyard and cellar door with a diverse range of premium wines. Visit their new cellar door and enjoy a taste of award-winning wines that express the fruit characters and terroir of this landmark estate. If you are here for a weekend trip, book a table for lunch and for the ultimate wine experience try their wine blending experience where you get to create your very own wine.