Where to Eat in Waipū, Northland, New Zealand
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Having grown up in Waipū, New Zealand, I’ve seen it grow from a sleepy farm village into a vibrant seaside holiday destination, packed with great activities to do. One of the best aspects of this is the emergence of fantastic eateries in town. Here’s my breakdown of the best places to go, especially as a vegetarian, and what to expect.
McLeod's Pizza Barn and Brewery
This place is a local institution. The brothers who launched McLeod’s grew this place into a fantastic pizzeria, then they expanded to create a successful microbrewery alongside it. They’ve nailed it on both fronts.
The menu has a few options for vegetarians. My go-to is the Highlander Pizza (swap the red onions for caramelised onions). The pizza breads are a great option if you’re just grabbing a few beers and want a snack.
If you’re into craft beer, you’re in for a treat too. They have their staples, which are often award winners. On top of that, they also have a selection of seasonal taps available.
It’s a vibey place, so give yourself time for a few drinks before dinner if you can.
The Cove
I have mixed feelings about this restaurant. The location (910 Cove Road, right across from the boat ramp) is fantastic. You can come in from the beach and sit down with a drink or a coffee without having to put on your shoes. Or grab a takeaway and take it down to eat on the sand.
However, in my experience, the service at this Waipū Cove restaurant can be inconsistent. It has improved from what it was a year ago, but it’s still not as great as I would expect for the price point of the food.
When we were here for the summer, a takeaway coffee and a raspberry slice taken across to the beach so we could watch the surfers for a bit was our go-to.
Waipū Cove General Store
This place has changed hands a few times, so if you haven’t been recently, it’s worth giving it another try. You may know it as Waipū Cove Fish and Chips, it’s tucked inside the general store.
The chips are delightful, they have an excellent vegetarian burger and I’m told the fish is well done. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a casual meal to have on the beach or back at the bach.
The general store itself now offers an excellent variety of supplies, making it a great option if you’re staying at a bach and have forgotten something at home.
They also do an excellent rolled ice cream (and have vegan Magnums!).
OceanView Cafe
This place is a hidden gem in Waipū! It’s inside the golf club, but open to the public. To get there, head north on SH1 from Waipū. Before you get to Uretiti Campground, you’ll see the golf course on your left.
The best part about this place is the view. You’re perched above the dunes, so you look across the golf course, out to the white sandy beach and bay beyond. Glorious to see the whole of Bream Bay from this angle.
We came for coffee in the morning, and it was quiet. We had a delicious quiche, and the coffee was great too. By the time we left, golfers were starting to fill the place as they came in from their round. I’d recommend coming early enough that you’re out of there before it gets too busy.
Waipū Eatery Indian Cuisine
Looking for something a little different from pizza and fish? You have to check out this excellent Indian restaurant. It’s right in the centre of Waipū, with its own parking, making it convenient no matter where you’re staying.
I have a few go-to options here: Began Masala (eggplant curry), Saag Paneer (spinach curry with paneer), and Chana Masala (chickpeas in a tomato-based sauce). My Dad always loved the Lamb Korma from here and said it was well-cooked.
They also offer pizzas and pastas, in case there are some in your group who aren’t into Indian cuisine. Your one-stop shop.
Zippy’s
There is a rule that no businesses can be built at Langs Beach. However, lucky for us, Zippy’s Cafe brings its truck down to provide ice cream and coffee during the summertime.
You can’t miss Zippy’s. You’ll see the large truck parked just on the Waipū side of the one-way bridge. There’ll most likely be a queue of people waiting to order or sitting to eat their treats.
They make your order just as you’d like - you pick the fruit, and if you’d like ice cream or yoghurt (for a sour kick!). The fruit is seasonal, so check what they have available.
This is the perfect treat after you’ve completed the Waipū Coastal Walkway.
Little ‘Lato
An exciting recent addition to Waipū is Little ‘Lato gelato shop. Only open in the summer (smart move), this little gem is just across the road from McLeod’s, so you can stop by for a sweet treat.
Their servings are generous, and of course, you can try a few before you commit to your flavours. They have a good selection of vegan sorbets available too. I recommend getting something fresh, like a mango or lemon alongside a rich dark chocolate.
Feoh
This locally famous spot is just outside of the centre of town, but is a must visit spot for a morning coffee. The coffee is so good, the began packaging and selling the beans. Their staff includes a barista champion. And they have cheese rolls!
For the adventurous (with a sweet tooth), you can also try a Vietnamese coffee (drawing on the owner's Vietnamese heritage).
