Events at Matakana Village Pub, Matakana

About Matakana Village Pub

Matakana Village Pub is a historic country-style gastropub nestled in the heart of Matakana, a boutique village north of Auckland. The original weatherboard building dates back to 1903 and was famously built from timber from a single Kauri tree (www.thematakana.co.nz). Over the decades it has served as a workers’ boarding house, a fine-dining restaurant, a Speight’s Ale House and now a vibrant local pub. A major renovation in 2012 by award-winning architect Peter Were restored the vintage charm while adding modern comforts (www.thematakana.co.nz) (www.thematakana.co.nz). Today the pub marries rustic ambience with high-quality cuisine and local craft beers. With flexible seating for up to 200+ guests (www.thematakana.co.nz), it’s far larger than a typical village tavern and is widely recognized as one of Auckland’s top gastro pubs (www.matakanacoast.co.nz). Its signature features include polished Kauri beams, a wraparound veranda, exposed brick and wood inside, and an eye-catching open fireplace. Under new owners since 2016, the venue remains a community hub where Matakana’s farming heritage meets modern hospitality (www.thematakana.co.nz). Generations of locals and visitors have made memories here, so the pub stands as a “living link” to Matakana’s past through times of bushcraft and boutique wineries alike (matakanacoastapp.com).

Events and Programming

Matakana Village Pub puts on lively events most nights. There are weekly fixtures like happy-hour deals and quiz nights, plus bigger one-off shows. On weekdays from late afternoon the pub offers specials (for example, weekday “Tap Beer Jug” deals and $25 “Pie of the Day”) to draw the after-work crowd. Each Wednesday is fun “Pie Day” when a new gourmet pie is featured. Monthly and special events are filled with entertainment: karaoke nights on a passenger dancefloor, high-energy DJs, and live bands often take over on weekends. In particular, Friday nights kick off with a charity meat raffle (in partnership with nearby Matakana Butchery) and then turn into “Night Club Fridays” with DJs spinning ‘til late. Saturday and Sunday evenings feature rotating chef’s specials or acoustic sets. Regular quiz nights challenge teams of locals and visitors. Occasional concerts bring Kiwi acts or touring cover bands to entertain a full house (concert covers are typically modest, around $10–$20, while most pub nights are free entry). The pub also hosts private events and public functions – it is a popular spot for birthday parties, work gatherings and even mini weddings. Check local listings or the pub’s own event calendar on social media for any upcoming gigs or themed nights, as schedules change seasonally.

Tickets and Booking

Most events at Matakana Village Pub are walk-in (no advance ticketing required), but it’s wise to check ahead for special shows. The pub does not have a traditional box office; for most live music or DJ nights you can usually arrive and pay any cover charge at the door. When a performance does require tickets, details are typically announced on the pub’s social media channels or local community sites. For festive or high-demand events (e.g. holiday parties or limited-capacity concerts) tickets might occasionally be sold through Eventfinda or a link provided on the pub’s listings – expect cover charges in the modest range ($0–$20). For dinner service or casual bookings, you can reserve a table online via the pub’s booking portal or by calling ahead, especially on busy weekends and holiday periods. Group bookings and private functions can be arranged through the Pub’s event staff well in advance. In general, popular Friday and Saturday evenings start filling up early, so arriving as doors open or making a prior reservation are wise. Walk-in dining and bar seating are always available (subject to space), and the friendly staff will advise on any cover charge before you enter the music area.

Seating and Layout

The pub’s layout is open and informal, with multiple seating areas suited to different vibes. Inside there is a large main bar room with polished wooden floors, scattered tables and booth seating, and a lounge-like area around a central fireplace. An inner foyer area has high-top tables and the main timber bar counter. Outside is a spacious, partially covered courtyard and terrace – this beer-garden area has communal tables, shady umbrellas and festoon lighting for evening. Patrons often enjoy drinks on the outdoor deck, especially on sunny afternoons. With flexible seating options (tables and chairs can be re-arranged for private functions) the venue feels spacious even when busy. Up to 200 people can be accommodated overall (www.thematakana.co.nz). The best views of any live performers are directly facing the stage or DJ setup, whether that’s in an inside corner or under the courtyard canopy. For a quiet meal choose a table tucked well away from the sound system; for a lively atmosphere grab a seat in the back deck or near the bar. Note that sound carries easily through the open plan, so when a band or DJ is on you may feel the bass throughout the pub. Reviewers note a “cozy ambience” and “great outdoor seating” at the pub (wanderlog.com). There are no formal “VIP” sections – everything aside from private event areas is general admission. Staff can often move tables for larger parties or arrange stools along walls for extra standing-room at concerts. Wheelchair users will find the premises mostly flat and wide, with ramps at the entrance and accessible restrooms. A functional public-address (PA) system and basic stage lighting support live performances (the pub offers a PA system and flat-screen TVs free of charge for events).

Getting There and Parking

Matakana Village Pub’s address is **11 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana** (www.eventfinda.co.nz), at the center of the Matakana Village shopping precinct. From Auckland it’s about a 1–1.5 hour drive: head north on SH1, take the exit following signs for Matakana/RD8/Leigh, and continue west on Matakana Valley Rd into the village. (From Warkworth, it’s roughly a 15–20 minute drive south on Matakana Valley Road.) The pub sits just across the road from Matakana’s main roundabout and is easy to spot with its painted signage and veranda. Parking is generally available free on site and alongside Matakana Valley Road (there is a gravel lot behind the pub for overflow). On weekends or market days the village can crowd, so you may need to allow a few extra minutes to find a park. Public transit is limited in rural Matakana; the nearest frequent bus is the Auckland junction at Silverdale or a Warkworth shuttle, and the closest train station is in Warkworth (with no onward service directly to Matakana). Rideshare apps (Uber/Ola) have spotty coverage here, so it’s best to arrange a taxi if needed – local Matakana-Warkworth cabs can be booked in advance for return trips. The village itself is highly walkable, so if you stay at nearby lodgings (see “Nearby Amenities”), you can stroll to the pub. If driving, be mindful of winding country roads and allow time during holiday weekends, when traffic on SH1 and Matakana Rd can back up.

Inside the Venue

Matakana Village Pub offers a warm and friendly entry experience. On arrival, simply walk up to the hostess stand or bar – there’s no formal cloakroom (guests place coats or bags at their table). Security is unobtrusive; on busy nights the pub may have a staff member at the door checking IDs for alcohol service, but it’s a casual affair. NZ liquor law requires photo ID after 8 pm, so bring a driver’s licence or passport if you plan to drink. The decor mixes historic charm with modern art (local artworks adorn the walls). Expect lively chatter and background music on regular evenings, or a strobe-lit dancefloor vibe when DJs spin. The staff are generally noted by visitors as “friendly and attentive”, ready to recommend specials or refill your pint. Drink orders and food orders are placed at the bar, unless it’s extremely busy – the pub accepts cash, cards, and gladly serves non-alcoholic options to designated drivers or families. The kitchen runs a full menu through opening hours: share plates (like loaded fries, tapas), mains (burgers, steaks, salads and seafood), plus daily chefs’ specials reflecting local produce. On Sunday afternoons you might even find a hearty roast special. The pub is renowned for using local ingredients – for example, meats from Matakana butchers and vegetables from nearby markets. Regular dishes include pub classics (fish ‘n’ chips, lamb shanks, chicken wings) along with seasonal twists (like Market fish or grass-fed beef burger). Gluten-free, vegetarian and kids’ options are available. The beer taps feature rotating craft brews (often from Matakana Brewery or other Auckland microbreweries) and classic lager/Ale pours. House wines (around $9 a glass at happy hour (www.matakanacoast.co.nz)) highlight Matakana vineyards like Brick Bay, and the cocktail list often includes a “Matakana Mule” or gin made from local botanicals. There is also a coffee machine for barista-made brews and herbal teas. Inside you’ll find clean, accessible restrooms off the main hall (including at least one wheelchair-accessible toilet). A subtle PA sound and cable network runs throughout, so even the tables far from the bar have good connectivity if an announcement is needed. There’s no formal coat check or locker, but the pub is safe to leave things at your table if busy. The décor details – polished timber floors, high ceilings, leather bar stools – create a cozy pub atmosphere. Consumption of outside food or drinks is not permitted (except for children’s snacks). Cell-phone reception is usually strong for all networks, and most guests report reliable free Wi-Fi to keep phones or laptops connected. You will often hear friendly Kiwi slang as people mingle – first-time visitors can relax and enjoy the laid-back bar culture here.

Nearby Amenities

Matakana Village has plenty to offer before or after your pub visit. For a pre-show meal or wine flight, try one of the village’s boutique restaurants or cafes. A few doors down is The Tavern at Matakana Country Hotel (serving meals and pizzas), and across the road in Matakana Country Park are several options: Olivers (woodfired pizza and pasta), Misty Miller (tapas and seafood), and The Wine Bar (gourmet platters). Matakana Market runs on Saturdays (8 am–1 pm) with artisan food stalls – it’s a great spot for brunch ahead of an afternoon show. If you prefer international cuisine, the Thai Rose Café and a Japanese sushi bar are a short walk away. For coffee or light bites, the Matakana Village Butchery offers sandwiches and gourmet pies to take away, and several dessert shops (like the famous Strawberry Fare kitchen) are just across the small park. A block from the pub you’ll find the Matakana Butchery (for special local cuts), the Matakana General Store (groceries and deli), and local wine shops stocking Matakana vintages. If your evening runs late, Warkworth (12 km north on State Hwy 1) is the closest town with 24-hour convenience stores and late-night eateries. Hotels: Right next door, Matakana Country Hotel provides rooms and a garden – an easy walk if you want to stay safe and drink at the pub. Other nearby lodging includes Matakana Marlborough Motel (in the village) and a handful of romantic B&Bs scattered in the hills. For a splurge, consider cabins at Brick Bay or winepark retreats. Public transport leaves the village early, so if you’re staying late plan on taxis: local taxi services connect Matakana to Warkworth and Point Wells. Rideshare drivers do sometimes travel this way, but bookings are more reliable if made in advance. In the village itself you can easily walk between pub, eateries and your car. Under Matakana’s starry sky, many visitors close the evening at the pub before heading back to their nearby lodgings on foot.

What Makes This Venue Special

Matakana Village Pub’s charm comes from its blend of authenticity and hospitality. Architecturally it is nearly 120 years old (www.thematakana.co.nz), making it one of the oldest remaining country pubs in Auckland. The fact that the entire original pub was crafted by a postmaster from one kauri log gives the building character and historical weight you won’t find in modern bars (www.thematakana.co.nz). Inside, award-winning design elements seamlessly meld with vintage Kauri floors and cozy nooks (www.thematakana.co.nz) (www.thematakana.co.nz). In 2015 the renovation even won national design awards, highlighting how effectively the pub preserves its past while feeling fresh. Many locals have memories of dances, community gatherings and quiet afternoons here, so the pub is intertwined with Matakana’s identity. Its programming also ties into community spirit: the weekly Matakana Butchery meat raffle (with proceeds to charity) and local DJs underline how the venue supports regional causes and talent. Visitors often remark that both neighbors and artists love it – bands enjoy the attentive crowd and intimate stage setting, while audiences appreciate hearing music surrounded by warm wooden interiors. Matakana’s broader history as an agricultural village turned hip artisan destination is embodied in this pub. It has witnessed Matakana’s evolution from a rural stopover to a culinary-tourism hotspot (matakanacoastapp.com), acting as a “cornerstone of the community” through generations. While Auckland’s big-city scene has fancy clubs, Matakana Village Pub offers a down-to-earth authenticity – it still feels like a farmer’s local on Sundays and a dance party on school holidays. The pub’s courtyard with hanging lanterns, relaxed vibe and communal tables are often highlighted by reviewers as uniquely welcoming (wanderlog.com). To locals it’s known as the best spot to raise a glass after the Saturday market or before a winery tour. For visitors, it’s a slice of Kiwi pub culture – heritage building, hearty food and craft drinks, and a friendly “see you next time” atmosphere. Little details make it special too: the Matakana-themed murals, the rotating community noticeboard, and the warm greeting from staff are all part of its personality. In short, Matakana Village Pub is beloved not for glitz but for genuine character – an architectural landmark that still feels like the village’s living room.

Visitor Tips and Information

Matakana Village Pub is generally family- and dog-friendly early in the day. Children are welcome with adults (no children-only areas), and high chairs are available. ID checks for alcohol start at 8 pm, so bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink. The dress code is casual – think daytime comfort (jeans, sundress, smart shorts) rather than formal attire. On colder nights bring a light jacket, since the courtyard can be chilly after dark; the interior is heated and cozy. Smoking is not allowed indoors (NZ law), but there is a ventilated smoking patio. The pub does not have a coat check or cloakroom; valuables should be kept at your table. Free Wi-Fi is available (ask staff for the password), and phone reception is usually strong. If you are sensitive to loud music, note that weekends can get very boisterous – the best diners-on-date seats are those tucked away from the main bar area. Accessibility: the front entrance has a small ramp, and there is an accessible restroom. Service animals are permitted. Bathrooms are close to the bar area and clearly signed. Mid-week evenings and early afternoons are usually quieter, while Friday–Sunday after 7 pm is peak party time. As a tip, if you’re coming for food during a busy pub quiz or gig, arrive earlier than dining hours to secure a table. Tipping is not expected (staff do not rely on tips in New Zealand). Lastly, treat it like a relaxed local pub – friendly conversation is the norm, but avoid bringing your own alcohol or large backpacks. If you have specific needs (wheelchair access, large group, dietary restrictions), calling ahead usually helps. The pub’s phone is (09) 422 7518 if you need clarification.