Where to Eat in Poor Knights, New Zealand

On New Zealand’s wild east coast, the Poor Knights Islands are a mecca for divers. In partnership with Corona, our #ThisIsLiving guide takes you from mesmerising dive spots to sustainably built, rustic-yet-refined lodges scattered throughout the native bush. Plus, we let you in on where to find the best fish and chips and the most idyllic blonde-beer beaches. Time to reconnect and rediscover.

03 August, 2021

In partnership with

Words by
Fleur Rollet-Manus

restaurant

Coastal Kitchen

Surfing fanatic and local chef (read “legend”) Shaun “Chook” Johnson serves up beach vibes, thirst-quenching beers and bao buns from his bright pink food truck perched on the water’s edge in Ngunguru. After taking on the day’s swell, recharge with his stacked pulled pork bao buns or his riff on the classic BLT – this one comes with red pepper salsa and houmous and sits on a pillowy Lebanese flatbread. Finish off with his booze-laced tiramisu.

Address

1892 Ngunguru Road, Ngunguru 0173

+64 27 202 7774 Go to website

restaurant

Schnappa Rock

A fusion of rustic and refined, this neighbourhood eatery on the marina serves up a menu on which everything is locally sourced or homegrown. Fish is line-caught, local and straight-from-the-boat fresh, with kaimoana (shellfish) being a speciality. Annika’s picks include the mussel and clam chowder and the flavourful lime-laced ceviche.

Address

Marina Road, Whangarei 0173

+64 09 434 3774 Go to website

restaurant

Ngunguru Takeaways

Thought a fish and chip supper was exclusive to Brighton day trips and UK staycations? Think again. Swapping our cod and haddock for more exotic catches – regular picks include elephant fish, blue warehou, snapper and red cod – the Ngunguru Takeaways menu is a definite upgrade on your classic Friday-night fish and chips. Chill out on your picnic blanket and clink beers in satisfaction over a night well spent.

Address

Ngunguru Road, Ngunguru 0173

+64 09 434 3343