Best Places to Eat in Northland

Food in Te Tai Tokerau – Northland is shaped by the sea, the soil, and the people who call this region home. From vineyard restaurants and waterside cafés to legendary fish and chip shops, eating here is as much about the setting as it is the flavour. Fresh seafood shines, café culture is strong and for us, nothing sums up Northland better than classic fish and chips by the water. Here are five of our favourite places to eat across the Far North.

1. Mangonui Fish Shop – Mangonui

An icon of the Far North, the Mangonui Fish Shop has been serving locals and travellers for decades. Famous nationwide for offering some of the freshest fish and chips in Aotearoa – New Zealand, this wharfside eatery has become a must-stop for anyone heading north.

The experience is simple but unbeatable — fish straight from the boat to the fryer, served in generous portions with golden chips. Sitting on the deck over the water, you can watch the harbour life go by as you eat, from fishing boats unloading their catch to kids leaping off the jetty.

Need to Know – Mangonui Fish Shop

🕒 Best time: Lunchtime or early evening — it gets busy in peak season, but the views are always worth it

📍 Location: Waterfront, Mangonui village, Doubtless Bay

🐟 What to try: Classic fish and chips, plus daily specials like snapper, hoki, or tarakihi depending on the catch

🍴 Style: Order-at-the-counter, casual seating inside or outside over the water

💲 Price range: Mid-range for takeaway fish and chips, but worth it for the quality and location

2. The Boatshed Café – Rawene

Set right on the harbour’s edge, the Boatshed Café in Rawene is all about rustic charm and warm hospitality. This quirky spot is housed in a historic building that seems to float over the water, giving diners front-row views of the Hokianga Harbour.

The menu focuses on delicious home-cooked meals — hearty breakfasts, fresh baking and generous plates of local fare. It’s the kind of café where time slows down: you can sip a coffee on the deck, watch the tide roll in, and chat with locals who make this a daily stop. For travellers, it’s the perfect place to pause and refuel while road-tripping the Hokianga coast.

Need to Know – The Boatshed Café

🌊 Vibe: Relaxed, friendly and a little bit quirky — the views are as memorable as the food

📍 Location: Rawene waterfront, Hokianga Harbour

🍴 What to try: Fresh baking, hearty breakfasts, seafood specials (depending on the catch of the day)

💲 Price range: Affordable to mid-range café dining

🕒 Best time: Mid-morning or lunchtime stop, especially if you’re catching the Rawene to Kohukohu ferry nearby

3. Opo Takeaways – Ōpononi

In the heart of Ōpononi, Opo Takeaways is a classic Kiwi fish and chip shop with a name that carries a story. It’s named after Opo the Dolphin, a friendly dolphin who captured the hearts of locals and visitors in the 1950s by playing with children in the harbour.

The shop keeps that spirit alive with simple, tasty fare — hot chips, fresh fish, and all the Kiwi takeaway staples. The best part? Grab your parcel of fish and chips, cross the road to the beach, and enjoy them with one of the finest sunset views in Northland as the sky turns golden over the Hokianga Harbour.

Need to Know – Opo Takeaways

🏖️ Vibe: Unpretentious, friendly, and perfect for enjoying barefoot on the sand

📍 Location: Main road, Ōpononi township, opposite the beach

🐟 What to try: Fish and chips are the favourite — but burgers and other takeaway classics are on the menu too

💲 Price range: Budget-friendly, great value for families and travellers on the go

🌅 Best time: Evening, to pair your meal with a harbour sunset

4. Charlotte’s Kitchen – Paihia

Right on the Paihia wharf, Charlotte’s Kitchen brings a modern twist to Northland dining. With a lively atmosphere and stunning harbour views, it’s a step up from casual takeaway fare, while still keeping a relaxed, coastal vibe.

The menu celebrates bold flavours and shared plates — think wood-fired pizzas, generous seafood platters and dishes designed for groups of friends or families to enjoy together. Add in a cocktail list that highlights local ingredients and you’ve got one of Paihia’s most popular dining spots. Whether its lunch overlooking the bay or dinner watching the boats return, Charlotte’s Kitchen always feels like a special occasion.

Need to Know – Charlotte’s Kitchen

🌊 Vibe: Modern, bustling, and social — perfect for couples, groups, or anyone looking to upgrade from takeaways

📍 Location: End of the Paihia wharf, Bay of Islands

🍴 What to try: Wood-fired pizzas, seafood platters and craft cocktails

💲 Price range: Mid-range to higher-end — worth it for the location and atmosphere

🕒 Best time: Lunch for light and views, dinner for ambience and lively energy

5. Marsden Estate Winery – Kerikeri

For a change of pace, head inland to Marsden Estate Winery in Kerikeri. Set among rolling vines, this winery-restaurant combines a beautiful vineyard setting with a menu that makes the most of seasonal, locally sourced produce. Every dish is crafted to pair perfectly with Marsden’s award-winning wines, giving you a true taste of Northland’s land and climate.

It’s the kind of place where you can slow down for an afternoon, sip wine on the terrace and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a long lunch with friends or a wine tasting before hitting the road again, Marsden Estate offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience.

Need to Know – Marsden Estate Winery

• 📍 Location: Kerikeri, just a few minutes from the town centre
• 🍷 What to try: Wine tastings paired with vineyard platters or a full lunch menu featuring local produce
• 💲 Price range: Mid to high but excellent value given the quality and setting
• 🕒 Best time: Afternoon, to linger over a long lunch or tasting session
• 🌿 Vibe: Relaxed, elegant and a little indulgent — a must for wine lovers visiting Northland