About The Island
The Island is a lively brewpub and bar-restaurant on Domain Road in Papamoa Beach – the only dedicated brewery taproom in the Papamoa/Tauranga area . Housed in the former Papamoa Beach Tavern (a local institution for decades ), it has been transformed into a relaxed “beachside” venue with a huge outdoor beer garden (claimed to be the largest in the Bay of Plenty ) and a family-friendly vibe. The pub brands itself as the “Home of Easy (Lager)”, serving freshly brewed local beers on tap alongside wood-fired pizzas, epic burgers, BBQ ribs and other hearty pub fare . Its menu and décor mix surfy, laid-back coastal style (even a lifeboat from the MV Rena wreck and a treehouse in the courtyard ) with classic pub comfort. In short, The Island is notable for being Papamoa’s neighborhood gathering spot: a brewpub where the community comes to relax, enjoy good food and live entertainment in a vibrant indoor-outdoor setting .
Events and Programming
The Island hosts live music and entertainment on a regular basis. Local term guides note that “live music sessions add an enjoyable soundtrack” to the venue , and the calendar often includes bands, solo acts or DJs playing rock, reggae, pop or country. While there’s no fixed schedule published, expect weekend and holiday events – for example, a New Year’s Eve concert (“Mako Road + Friends”) was held at the venue in Dec 2020 www.ticketfairy.com . Many shows are free entry or low-cover; for larger ticketed concerts (often advertised on social media or flyers), patrons usually buy tickets from the venue or local ticket outlets. Regular programming can include acoustic Sunday sessions, pub bands on Friday/Saturday nights and occasional themed parties. Overall, The Island’s calendar is eclectic – from rock and roots gigs to family-friendly events – all leveraging the pub’s indoor stage and spacious outdoor area. In addition to scheduled concerts, The Island is known for special events during holidays and Bay of Plenty festivals. (Check their announcements early, as popular shows may sell out quickly.)
Tickets and Booking
For everyday visits and live music nights, The Island operates like a regular pub – no advance tickets are needed unless a special concert is advertised. Walk-in guests simply pay as they go. For larger shows or private functions, tickets (or table reservations) are typically arranged through the venue itself or local ticket agents. The Island’s own contact page explicitly notes that you can “give us a call, or book online” for bookings . In practice, you can reserve a table or function space by phoning (07) 282 8180 or using the online booking system. When big bands or festival promoters put on shows at The Island, tickets may be sold through local ticketing brands (check local listings) – in those cases prices vary by act (typically modest, e.g. in the $10–$30 range). Popular shows often sell out early, so for headline events it’s best to grab tickets as soon as they’re announced. However for the majority of nights (especially midweek gigs or weekend pub music), there is no official “box office” and guests just arrive and pay cover (if any) at the door.
Seating and Layout
Inside, The Island has a classic brewpub layout: a covered bar area with tables and seating, plus its brewery tanks visible as part of the décor. Out the back is a massive open-air courtyard lined with picnic tables and garden seating. The beer garden features lawn space, casual benches and string lights, creating a festival-like atmosphere on sunny days. In line with its family-friendly orientation, the outdoor area even contains a small playground and treehouse for kids, blending play space with picnic-style benches . The bar area has a mix of high-top tables and lounge seating; during live shows you’ll find a stage at one end of the courtyard or inside the main room, depending on the event. Because events are generally unreserved, seating is first-come, so arriving early helps you snag the best spot. If you’re there to watch a band, seats near the stage (or on the lively courtyard lawn) provide the best views, while the back corner tables or indoor lounge are better for quiet conversation. (Obviously, on busy nights it can get loud under the band lights – so those seeking a calm dinner might avoid the most active areas.)
Getting There and Parking
The Island’s address is **20 Domain Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118** . It sits on the main strip leading to the beach, between the Papamoa Plaza shopping center and a Pak’nSave supermarket . By car, Domain Road is easily accessible from the nearby highway exits (State Highway 2) and suburban Papamoa streets. There is a free car park at the venue itself, and additional metered street parking on the adjacent roads . Motorists should allow extra time on weekend evenings, as the strip can fill up and walk-ups may crowd the entry. If you’re not driving, several Baybus routes run to Papamoa Beach (with stops near Papamoa Plaza on Domain Road). A short walk (5–10 minutes) from the bus stop will get you to the pub. Ride-share or taxis can also drop you off right at the entrance on Domain Road. In summary: it’s easy to get to by car (ample parking is available ); public buses serve the general area; and the beachside setting makes it a quick ride from Tauranga or Mt. Maunganui.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering, guests will find a spacious bar and dining area with an open-kitchen feel (wood-fired pizza oven visible) and plenty of seating. The decor is casual and colourful – think timber floors, surf-themed murals and party lights – reflecting the relaxed beach mood. The Island yields a friendly, welcoming atmosphere; staff are known to be outgoing and attentive, ensuring a “pleasant and welcoming experience” for visitors . Upon arrival, you’ll usually order at the bar or counter and then find a seat. Drinks include a full menu of the venue’s own beers (on tap and by the can) which you can also find in local stores, as well as a selection of wines, cocktails and juices. (Yes, they even have their low-alcohol and non-alcoholic brews on tap, like Easy Lager 4.5% and a ginger beer .) Food is served all afternoon/evening; highlights include the signature wood-fired pizzas (especially popular are seafood and meat toppings), “epic” chicken wings, ribs and gourmet burgers . There’s even a kids’ menu with simpler items. After seating, expect casual pub service – servers will bring food and drinks to your table. Restrooms and a baby-change station are located on-site, and credit cards are accepted for payment . Overall, inside The Island you can expect the buzz of a busy pub, the smells of grilled meat and pizza ovens, friendly bartenders, and easy listening (often rock or pop) music wafting through. It’s not a quiet fine-dining spot – it’s a social, fun environment geared toward groups and families.
Nearby Amenities
The Island is in the heart of Papamoa Beach village, so a variety of amenities are within easy reach. Just a block away is Papamoa Plaza, the local shopping mall – here you’ll find coffee shops, a fish & chip shop, takeaways and a small supermarket for any last-minute needs. A few steps further down Domain Road are casual eateries and cafés (from burger joints to Asian takeouts) for pre- or post-pub dining. The area is home to several accommodation options: for example, Papamoa Beach Resort and Holiday Park, Domain Lakes Motel, and the Papamoa Beach Hotel are all a short drive or even stroll from the pub. If you plan to make an evening of it, arriving 30–60 minutes before doors open is wise (parking and seating fill up quickly on event nights). After-dark transport is available via local taxis or rideshare, as Papamoa remains busy late on weekends. And of course, the beautiful Papamoa Beach coastline is only a 10-minute walk away – so you can combine your pub visit with a day at the beach if arriving earlier in the afternoon.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Island’s unique character comes from blending a neighbourhood tavern feel with a working craft brewery. It proudly touts itself as “Papamoa’s only brewpub” – meaning the beer on tap is brewed on-site in plain view. Fans love that you can taste the pub’s signature Easy Lager or Pony Club Pilsner right from the source, in a lively community hub. The spacious beer garden is a standout feature (often described as the largest in the Bay of Plenty ), making it feel more like an outdoor festival than a cramped bar. Inside, playful décor nods to local lore – for example, a salvaged lifeboat from the MV Rena oil spill (2011) is mounted in the courtyard, cleverly reminding patrons of Papamoa’s history . The Island has also become a cultural fixture by maintaining the friendly spirit of the old Papamoa Beach Tavern; many locals regard it as the town’s community living room. It regularly hosts local bands and events that nurture the Bay’s music scene. In short, The Island is special because it combines: award-winning homebrews (brewed by the owners themselves ), open-air beach vibes (sunny patio and palm trees), tongue-in-cheek surf/bar decor, and a legacy of community hospitality. Both artists and audiences enjoy it – musicians get a fun outdoor stage to play on, and audiences get great beer, food and a laid-back party atmosphere all in one place.
Visitor Tips and Information
Many visitors recommend treating The Island like a relaxed beach bar rather than a formal restaurant. **Arrive early** on popular nights to claim a good spot, as the place fills up fast. The dress code is very casual – beachwear or summer clothes are fine; you may want a light jacket for cooler evenings outdoors. The pub is family- and dog-friendly during the day, thanks to its kids’ playground and open lawn . (After about 9–10pm it becomes an adult venue, and those “R18” bars in the back become adult-only.) Remember to bring ID if you plan to drink alcohol. It’s cashless-friendly (cards are accepted ), but having a little cash on hand can be handy for small purchases or tips. Sun protection and sunscreen are wise in summer if you’re sitting outside; a hat and sunglasses will make the afternoon more comfortable. If you’re in a group, consider joining the venue’s loyalty app (“Easy App”) – it offers rewards like 10% cashback on drinks and early event access. Finally, check the weather: if rain is in the forecast, you’ll likely want to sit under cover inside. In general, come with a friendly attitude and be ready for a festive evening – staff are known to be welcoming and the regulars are usually happy to chat. That said, don’t boardwalk-prowl: it’s a working brewery/pub, so save your questionable humor for the trivia night. Bringing a small token (like a fridge magnet or souvenir beer glass) can be a fun way to remember your visit to this quirky Kiwi venue!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of venue is The Island in Papamoa?
The Island is a brewpub – a bar and restaurant that brews its own beer on site. It was formerly the Papamoa Beach Tavern, now revamped into a relaxed beachside pub with a big outdoor beer garden. It’s known for craft beers, wood-fired pizza, burgers and live music .
Does The Island brew its own beer?
Yes – The Island is Papamoa’s only brewpub, brewing a range of beers on the premises. Their flagship “Easy Lager” and other ales are made in the on-site brewery and served fresh at the bar . The venue often promotes that fresh-brewed beer is a highlight of any visit.
What types of events and music happen at The Island?
The Island regularly hosts live music and entertainment. You’ll find local bands, solo acts, and DJs playing most weekends. The style ranges from rock and reggae to country or acoustic sets. Special events (like holiday parties or one-off concerts) are also common. For example, a New Year’s Eve concert featuring the band Mako Road took place there in 2020 www.ticketfairy.com . Check their schedule or social media to see what’s on!
How do I get tickets or make a reservation?
For regular pub nights and informal gigs, no ticket is needed – just walk in and pay cover if required. To reserve a table, call the venue or use their online booking tool (contact is on their website) . For larger concerts at The Island, tickets (if any) are usually sold via local promoters or the venue’s ticketing partners, so buy early for popular acts. There’s no onsite ticket office; major event tickets would be purchased off-site before the show.
Where is The Island and what’s the address?
The Island is located at 20 Domain Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga (postcode 3118) . It’s between the Papamoa Plaza shopping center and a Pak’nSave supermarket. If you’re coming by car, look for the palm-tree signage. By bus, take any Tauranga-to-Papamoa Beach route and get off at the Papamoa Plaza stop – Domain Road is just a short walk from there.
Is there parking available at The Island?
Yes. The Island provides free parking on-site for patrons . There is a dedicated lot behind the venue, plus some street parking along Domain Road. On busy nights, the lot can fill up, but overflow street parking is usually available nearby. Parking is free (no meters) for customers of the pub.
Are children and families welcome at The Island?
Absolutely – The Island is very family-friendly. In fact, it has a large outdoor patio with tables and even a small playground and treehouse for kids . During daytime and early evening, families come for meals and playground time. (Note that after about 9pm it becomes mainly an adult venue, and some areas are R18-only.) But overall there are plenty of seating options suitable for kids, as the venue emphasizes a relaxed, inclusive vibe .
What kind of food and drinks does The Island serve?
The Island’s menu is “gastro-pub” style. Signature items are wood-fired pizzas, on par with some of the best in Tauranga , along with ribs, chicken wings, and gourmet burgers . They also do steaks, salads and sides. For drinks, they pour their own craft beers (lagers, pale ales, etc. brewed on site), as well as non-alcoholic “Nimble” beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails. They even have a cider on tap. If you have special diets, there are often gluten-free pizza bases and veggie options available, as expected in modern NZ pubs.
What are the opening hours of The Island?
The Island is open every day from noon until late (closing around 10pm–midnight, depending on the night) . In other words, it opens at 12pm and does not close until late in the evening. It “opens 7 days, 12PM – late” .
Do they have a dress code or any policies?
The dress code is very casual – think shorts and t-shirts or summer wear. There’s no formal attire needed (or expected). The main policies are standard pub rules: you must be 18+ to stay after hours, and ID checks may be required for drinks. The Island is a licensed venue, so no outside alcohol or smoking indoors (smoking is restricted to outdoor areas). Bags may be subject to search on busy event nights. Otherwise, just bring your good manners and casual beach style – the staff are friendly and the atmosphere laid-back .
Does The Island offer any special facilities or accessibility features?
The venue is mostly flat and single-level, making it wheelchair-accessible in the main areas (though patrons should note the outdoor beer garden is on grass). The presence of large open spaces and picnic tables also means ample room for mobility-aids. There is a family bathroom with baby-change facilities. Menus can be provided in text form, and service staff are generally accommodating of accessibility needs. (It’s always a good idea to call ahead if you have specific access requirements.)
How busy does The Island get and when is the best time to visit?
Kiwis know this spot gets quite lively on Friday and Saturday evenings, and during summer. The best strategy is to arrive early (around opening time or early afternoon) if you want a table, or at least to get in line. Weeknights are generally quieter. If you’re coming for a popular live show, expect crowds; in those cases, it’s worth booking ahead or arriving early. For a more relaxed experience (and to avoid sticker shock at the busy bar), the afternoon or early evening mid-week is ideal.
Does The Island provide Wi-Fi or any tech amenities?
Yes, The Island offers free Wi-Fi to guests in the main bar areas. This is handy if you need to look up information or use the Easy App to order online. Cell reception is generally good. Power outlets are not abundant at each table (to encourage socializing and drinking!), but staff can usually plug in a laptop or device for you at the bar if needed. Digital payments are accepted, and they even take online beer orders for delivery nationwide .
Excellent – any final tips or things to avoid?
A couple of insider tips:
