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Parua Bay Tavern
Review
About
Parua Bay Tavern is nestled on the waterfront of the beautiful Whangarei Heads harbour under the majestic Mt. Aubrey and Whangarei Headland.With its own jetty and picturesque outlook the tavern is a favourite for lunch and dinners, groups and large functions whether downstairs on the covered dining deck, on the lovely lawn or upstairs in the function area.
Features
CUISINES
Bar, Pizza, Seafood, Gastropub, New Zealand
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free off-street parking
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Takeout
Television
Visa
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available, Street Parking
Is this restaurant on the water, or waterfront?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
Sunday
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Friday
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
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4.3
480 reviews
Excellent
223
Very good
202
Average
35
Poor
14
Terrible
6
Nikki
Wellington2 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Visited the Tavern today for a family lunch and we knew it would be busy being NY Eve but managed to find a table quickly. There were queues at the bar to order but the staff were smiling the entire time providing awesome service. Our meals took a little bit longer due to it being so busy but the atmosphere was great and bar service flowed well. The food was great as always and we left with everyone being happy - thank you Parua Tavern staff for a great experience during one of the busiest times of the year.
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anglokiwi1
London188 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
We were a bit unlucky that when we went it was a windy evening with the odd shower so we could not sit outside. But inside still had good views out to the Whangarei Heads area.
Staff very friendly and our waitress was very knowledgeable about which meals were gluten free. We very much enjoyed our meals including an Italian pizza on a large gluten free base (at no extra cost). Good range of drinks at the bar.
Written 6 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central7848 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
It was easy to enjoy this venue, the drinks were cold, the food was great and under holiday pressure the team were sensational. Sit inside, on the deck or out on the lawn and get lost in the proximity to the sea and the harbour views. Thank you for a very relaxing afternoon.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Climber01447001399
3 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
nice spot on the water, friendly staff and service was okay.
I had fish and chips which for 32 dollars was a rip off, 2 small Pieces of fish and a hand fill of chips, it not even very nice, this really was a kid meal, salad came with it which was nice.
I know everything gone up, but really to serve this kind of food up for the price, they should be ashamed.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judyasidon@gmail.com
8 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
5 years on I decided to try the Seafood chowder again. A plate of creamy white warm gluggy tasteless mess arrived. I had a glass of white wine so I added a little to break down the thick mixture that did not live up to green lipped mussels, fresh fish pieces and shrimp as promised. Little seafood at all!!!!! More seafood if its a chowder. Also a sprinkle of parsley or dill to lift it. Toasted bread delicious.
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie M
Palmerston North6 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Warned it would be a 30 min wait but it was 1hr. Our meals came out at different times so that I was half way though before his came out. I ordered the fish and chips and the chips were half chip crumbs, not like the little crispy ones, like the ones that have gotten loose in the fryer and scooped up after a couple of rounds. My husband got a burger and fries and had quite a few (not as many) of these too. They were cold as well. The salad was straight from the bag with no extras. For $31 it was a bit of a rip! Also, no acknowledgement from staff that they forgot our order (other tables came and went during our wait).
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cris101
Auckland110 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
So disappointed after hearing good reports. Very limited menu appealing mostly to children, consisting of the usual deep-fried Takeaway stuff. Service casual and disconnected, no care in plating the meal, very noisy and wrongly billed. When there’s nothing else for miles you can get away with anything, but once a year would be enough if you’re desperate.
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jdchoc68
Whangarei4 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Ate here a month ago with guests from Australia and the food was great so keen to return. What a dissapointment. The salt and pepper squid was not fresh and chewy, with very little taste. The pizza was a far cry from what we had a month ago. Don't think we will return.
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane T
12 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
Good service despite being busy at late afternoon,early evening. The vegetarian salad was tasty. The views are beautiful. Very much a family place for dining so be aware there will be families with children. These groups were mostly dining in the grassed outside area. There is also a decked outside area, a covered sheltered area and inside space for dining. The latter three would suit couples and or smaller groups of friends. Decent menu average pricing.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NZGirl69
Wellington139 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
On our travels around Northland this place was recommended a number of times, and we can see why. Despite being far from any town, it was packed with locals and tourists on the Saturday lunch we were there. But there were still lots of tables outside on the waterfront, which despite being the middle of winter was warm and beautiful setting. Service was also warm, friendly and professional, and the food came fast despite being extremely busy. Pretty basic pub fare done well, with our Fish & Chips and Seafood Chowder top notch. Good selection of beers and wine, pool tables, play area for kids, all round a fantastic bar - and will now join the recommenders!
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin D
New Zealand45 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
Impromptu visit at lunch time . Very busy. Found space on table with a view. Service prompt and friendly. Ordered mixed seafood dish and Thai honey chicken salad. Both dishes very disappointing . All seafood tasteless and chicken in salad limp and tasteless.
This has always been a great place to eat with consistently excellent food so very disappointed.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WhangareiTim
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • none
Love the spot and food, but got really shafted by the restaurant when I made a large booking (confirmed) for my international visiting family of about 12 people for lunch. When we arrived at the Parua Bay Tavern, another large family fronted up just in front of us, they hadn’t booked, so instead, they removed our table reserved booking sign and sat themselves down. I actually watched them remove the sign from the table. I told the waiter/owner what had happened, and unbelievably I was told there was nothing they could do about it, and told me to take my family outside to the grass BBQ eating area, and dine out there instead. End of story! Needless to say, I will never ever eat there again, or recommend Parua Bay Tavern to anyone, ever!
Written 15 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angelaannie
Auckland41 contributions
May 2022 • family
As we we’re staying up the road in Pataua, thought we would check it out for dinner as the location looked great right on the water. We had passed earlier in the day and reserved a table for 3 at 6.30pm. When we returned for dinner, place was pretty full already, lots of family groups. Our table was ready with menus. We ordered food and drinks at the bar, then returned to table. Food arrived within 5 minutes, super quick. Very tasty and well presented. We had the Med rare scotch filet with mushroom sauce and chips, salt and pepper squid, med pizza and chips, 3 drinks. Total was $94. Heaps more patrons on large tables arrived after us and were served just as quick. Obviously a well organised kitchen and bar, would recommend.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carlfreimann
Kaitaia38 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We were attending a luncheon get together with the Northland Caravan Club. We all ordered from the menu with a few requiring special dietary restrictions. All meals were served promptly and at the same time. Prices were reasonable and foo was excellent.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgia
Palmerston North136 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Really stunning location. A great venue for larger groups and families. Good casual dining experience. Food was nice - very classic New Zealand dining experience (fish & chips, burgers, pizzas etc). The cocktails were also really nice. Good drinks range,
The only criticism is that the gluten free options were very limited.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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