Food and wine are very much part of a Bay of Islands holiday. Whether you’re enjoying a vineyard lunch, discovering local produce at a market, lingering over a waterfront dinner or simply finding a great coffee stop while exploring, the region offers a surprisingly diverse range of experiences.
From boutique wineries and cellar doors to artisan producers, cafés, restaurants and craft breweries, there are plenty of opportunities to savour the flavours of Northland during your stay.
Vineyard Dining & Wine Experiences
The Bay of Islands is home to a growing collection of vineyards and wine estates, many offering tastings, long lunches and beautiful settings in which to relax and unwind.
The region’s vineyards include Marsden Estate, Sovrano Estate, The Bay of Islands Vineyard, Omata Estate, Paroa Bay Winery, The Landing, Dancing Petrel Vineyard and Kainui Vineyard, each offering its own distinctive setting and experience. Some focus on cellar door tastings, while others combine wine with seasonal menus, vineyard dining and spectacular views across the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely lunch, an afternoon tasting or a special occasion experience, the region’s vineyards offer a wonderful way to slow down and savour the Far North.
Dining Experiences Worth Discovering
Food lovers will find a range of restaurants throughout Kerikeri and the wider Bay of Islands showcasing local produce, fresh seafood and Northland flavours.
From long lunches in garden settings to refined dining overlooking vineyards, native bush and coastal landscapes, there are options to suit everything from relaxed meals to special celebrations.
Popular dining destinations include Kai Māta, Plough & Feather, Maha and Sage at Paroa Bay, alongside many other excellent restaurants throughout the region.
Cafés, Casual Dining & Local Favourites
Part of the pleasure of exploring the Far North is discovering local cafés and relaxed dining spots along the way.
Kerikeri and the wider Bay of Islands have developed a strong café culture, with popular local favourites including Village Café, Café Cinema, Café Jerusalem, The Black Olive, Pipsqueak Café, The Black Cat, Rusty Tractor, Redwoods Café and Super Bowl Café.
Further afield, guests exploring the wider Far North will discover a variety of local gems, from waterfront cafés such as The Boatshed Café in Rawene and Jesse’s on the Mangonui waterfront to destinations like Kā Ora Café at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. Relaxed country cafés, roadside stops and local eateries can be found throughout the region.
Mangonui is also well known for its waterfront dining and famously fresh fish and chips, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring Doubtless Bay and the Karikari Peninsula.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast before a day exploring, a relaxed lunch or simply a good coffee, there are plenty of options to discover throughout the Bay of Islands and Far North.
Waterfront Dining
One of the pleasures of visiting the Bay of Islands is dining beside the water.
Paihia, Russell and other coastal locations offer restaurants where the views are every bit as memorable as the food. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed lunch overlooking the harbour or a sunset dinner by the waterfront, there are many opportunities to experience the region’s maritime character.
Popular choices include Charlotte’s Kitchen in Paihia, the Duke of Marlborough and The Gables in historic Russell, along with a number of other waterfront restaurants throughout the Bay of Islands.
Craft Beer & Local Brews
Wine is not the region’s only specialty.
The Bay of Islands and Far North also have a growing craft beer scene, offering another way to experience local flavours. Visitors interested in craft beer may enjoy stopping at PhatHouse Brewing Co. in Kerikeri, known for its range of small-batch beers, relaxed atmosphere and regular events.
Markets & Artisan Producers
Northland’s warm climate and fertile soils support a rich variety of produce, from citrus, berries and avocados to olives, seafood, artisan foods and locally produced wines. The region’s food culture reflects both the quality of its produce and the relaxed lifestyle for which the Far North is known.
Guests can discover everything from seasonal produce and freshly baked goods to handmade chocolates, olive oils, preserves and specialty foods. The Old Packhouse Market and Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market in Kerikeri are popular places to experience local flavours, meet producers and browse regional products.
Markets can also be found throughout the wider Far North, including Paihia, Kaitaia, Doubtless Bay and other local communities, offering visitors the opportunity to discover fresh produce, artisan products and the character of the region.
Many visitors also enjoy stopping at artisan food destinations such as Makana Confections and KeriBerries, along with the many farm stalls, specialty food stores and local producers found throughout Northland.
Enjoying Food & Wine During Your Stay
Some guests plan entire days around food and wine experiences. Others simply discover a favourite café, enjoy a vineyard lunch or linger over dinner after a day exploring the Bay of Islands.
Whatever your style, food and wine are an enjoyable part of the experience here, and we’re always happy to suggest options based on your interests and the type of stay you’re looking for.
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