The Culinary Trail
New Zealand's taste for varied cuisine continues to develop and Doubtless Bay is no exception. As more and more city-folk move into the area, and more international traveller's visit, the demand for a variety of culinary options has grown.
Fortunately we are able to present a selection of the traditional; i.e. freshly- caught kaimoana (seafood) which is what we’re best known for. But these days, the offering is mixed with more cosmopolitan fare. All within the confines of the relatively small area called Doubtless Bay.
Combine this wonderful selection of tastes with an equally high-quality selection of local, national and international wines and you have the makings of an excellent culinary experience.
A Northland platter at Karikari Estate Winery
Mangonui Waterfront Village –
from the Northern End
Mangonui Fish Shop
Fish & Chips are on most people’s minds when visiting Mangonui. Due
in no small part to the iconic “world-famous” Mangonui Fish shop. Situated
just metres from the wharf, and on stilts over the harbour, you can enjoy
your freshly caught meal in the indoor/outdoor restaurant with a relaxing
drink from the bar. Takeaways are also available.
ph: 09 406 0478 | email: mangonui.fish@xtra.co.nz
Mangonui Markets (Saturdays only)
Held in the Mangonui Memorial Hall, directly opposite the wharf, the market
offers a selection of locally-grown produce and hand crafts. You can also
purchase the award-winning, export-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil which
is pressed and bottled locally by the Hihi
Olive Estate.
ph: 09 406 0061 | email: lyne.col@xtra.co.nz
Harbourside Restaurant & Takeaways
As you would expect of one of NZ's premiere fishing ports, you can also
buy Fish & Chips from almost directly opposite the wharf where the
boats tie up. The Harbourside Restaurant also enjoys a reputation for
beautifully prepared fresh fish meals. Other takeaways are offered too
and may be eaten on site in the dining area. ph: 09 406 0995 | email:
j-t.wallis@xtra.co.nz
The Baker Man and Mangos Bistro
On the bend opposite the Four Square Grocery Superette, stands the historic
Mangonui Post Office Building. Steeped in history, this colonial-style
weatherboard building now houses the popular Baker Man restaurant offering
light meals and freshly prepared takeaways throughout the day. With a
large al fresco area, one can sit and watch the world go by (slowly in
these parts). Mangos Bistro is open Friday - Sunday evenings.
ph: 09 406 1233 | email: kaitaiapete@yahoo.co.nz
Mangonui Four Square and Post Centre
If you are preparing your own meals for the motel or camper, then you
will find all you need along with a fine selection of wines and beers
right here. You can also enjoy the novelty of knowing you are standing
out over the harbour because this building is also famous for being the
only grocery/post office in NZ on stilts.
ph: 09 406 0007
Fresh & Tasty Takeaways
Adjoining the Mangonui Hotel (see below). ph: 09 406 0082
Mangonui Hotel, Bistro & Bar
Every town has a pub and Mangonui is no exception. And it is hard to miss.
An imposing two-storey full-fronted edifice with a continuous veranda
this is a traditional colonial-style Kiwi hotel. Here you can enjoy a
beer in one of the bars or gaming-rooms and rub shoulders with some of
the fisherman and Doubtless Bay residents who patronize their “local”.
Meals also available in the Bistro.
ph: 09 406 0003 | email: mangonuihotel@xtra.co.nz
Waterfront Café & Bar
Walking south less than 100 metres from the pub, along the picturesque
Mangonui waterfront, you will arrive at the Waterfront Café & Bar
offering indoor/outdoor dining facilities. Maybe it’s a double-shot espresso
or just a simple flat white, or perhaps a hearty breakfast or an evening
pizza, or how about a hearty steak. Whatever your choice, you can enjoy
your selection with a refreshing drink. ph: 09 406 0850
Thai
Chef's Restaurant
Just a few more metres along, set right alongside the pavement stands
the Thai Chef's Restaurant, with bi-fold doors opening out onto the harbour
view. Here you can order genuine Thai cuisine for dine-in or takeaway
consumption. This is one of very few Asian-inspired restaurants in the
district. Fully licensed and with a very extensive menu covering every
conceivable option, there is a taste for every palate. ph: 09 406 1220
| email: rosanddavid@xtra.co.nz
Acorn
Bar & Bistro
Heading south out of Mangonui towards SH10, less than 1 km from the village
centre is one more culinary delight. The Acorn Bar & Bistro stands
nestled up to the recently refurbished “Old Oak Inn” boutique hotel. Housed
in this delightful colonial-style building and gardens, the Acorn sits
beyond a pleasant outdoor area with views of the inner harbour. Offering
fine dining and an internationally-inspired menu and wine list, the Acorn
is yet another testament to the expanding portfolio of excellent yet diverse
dining opportunities in Mangonui.
ph: 09 406 0896 | email: terrywarin@hotmail.com
Far North Wine Centre
This shop next door to the Acorn Bistro is a must visit for all wine and
food lovers. Jen Bound has been a winemaker of a number of award winning
Far North wines. The Wine centre specialises in tastings and sales of
their own wine labels. ph: 09 406 2485 | email: shop@manaiawines.com
Coopers Beach to Taipa
Back on SH10 and heading west out of Mangonui towards Cape Reinga, the next settlement is Coopers Beach. Once existing mainly as a holiday destination boasting a fabulous pohutukawa-fringed beach, Coopers Beach now has a growing permanent population along with a bustling little shopping centre providing all the basic necessities
Out of the Blue Takeaways
Situated in the Coopers Beach Shopping Centre (also containing, a butchery,
pharmacy, medical clinic) and grocery store, Out of the Blue, has plenty
of off-street parking and offers yet more fine takeaway fare along with
Doubtless Bay’s best fresh-caught seafood. ph: 09 406 0002
Coopers Beach Four Square and Lotto
If you are preparing your own meals for the motel or camper, then you
will again find all you need along with a fine selection of wines and
beers right here in the Coopers Beach Shopping Centre.
ph: 09 406 0577 | email: coopersbeach.foursquare@foodstuffs.co.nz
Apatu Aqua Enterprises Ltd
In operation for 5 years and situated at 284 Cable Bay Block Road, Apatu
Aqua provides fresh and smoked seafood to restaurants, cafes, delicatessens,
New World Supermarkets and sells fish at the door.
ph: 09 406 2015 | email: apatuaqua@xtra.co.nz
Taipa Bay Resort
Just a few kilometres further west along SH10, you will cross over the
one-way bridge which spans the Taipa Estuary. Turn right just after the
bridge and you will find yourself at the Taipa Bay Resort. As the name
implies, The Resort is situated right on the beach with luxury chalets
all having open views to Doubtless Bay and beyond. The resort also caters
for casual diners in the restaurant which offers a full a la carte menu
and a selection of fine wines.
ph: 09 406 0656 | email: taipa@taipabay.co.nz
Karikari Peninsula
SH10 continues west through Taipa and soon you reach the Karikari Peninsula turn-off (Inland Road). Turn right and drive past wide-open farmland with access to the wide open Tokerau Beach (vehicle access allowed) and on through the small settlement of Whatuwhiwhi and you will arrive at the Carrington Estate.
Carrington
Resort - a Heritage Hotel and Karikari
Estate Vineyard & Winery
This complex includes a challenging first-rate golf course, luxury accommodation
and restaurant at Carrington Resort and the top-rated Karikari Estate
Vineyard & Winery. ph: 09 408 7222
email: info@carrington.co.nz
or karikariestate@carrington.co.nz
