Events at Rusty Pelican Sports Bar, Warkworth

About Rusty Pelican Sports Bar

Rusty Pelican Sports Bar is a casual Kiwi pub and pizzeria located in the village of Matakana, just north of Warkworth in Auckland, New Zealand. Housed in a converted 1950s service station building, it opened in 1998 as Matakana’s first pizzeria. The family-owned venue (now run by founder Daniel Baturic’s family and partners) quickly became a local institution. Today its rustic, laid-back vibe – complete with wooden beams and vintage decor – makes it a cornerstone of the Matakana area. The restaurant side serves hearty Kiwi comfort food (famous pizzas, burgers, steaks and seafood) in a relaxed setting, while the adjoining sports bar (the former Tui bar) offers a kid-friendly pub atmosphere with big-screen TVs. Rusty Pelican’s signature draw is its world-class pizza menu and generous portions; many visitors rave that its pizzas are “the perfect way to top off a day at the beach.” The venue also boasts a full bar with local craft beers on tap, New Zealand wines, cocktails and a TAB betting terminal. Over the years Rusty Pelican has earned local love for good food, friendly service and community spirit – it’s known for supporting nearby schools and sports clubs (rugby, surf life saving, hockey, etc.) and hosting fundraisers. Open seven days a week since 1998, it remains one of the busiest social hubs in the Matakana coast region.

Events and Programming

Rather than being a concert venue, Rusty Pelican is primarily a sports pub and casual eatery. Its calendar centers on live sports broadcasts (All Blacks rugby, netball, Super Rugby, cricket, horse racing, AFL, etc.) shown on ten large flat-screen TVs. Fans of major games flock here to watch weekend matches, State of Origin, racing and other live action. The pub also hosts occasional trivia quizzes, pool competitions and local band nights, especially on weekends or holidays, though these are usually one-off or announced on the pub’s social media. There are no fixed touring gigs or heavy metal shows – any live music tends to be local acoustic or rock bands rather than national tours. The emphasis is on community events: for example, they often broadcast local rugby finals or charity matches and have hosted viewing parties for big sporting events.

• Weekly Food & Drink Specials: Rusty Pelican is famous for its regular deals. For example, Monday is Schnitzel Night (beef or chicken schnitzel with mash, peas & gravy for about $16.50), Tuesday and Thursday are 2-for-1 Pizza nights (buy one pizza, get the second free, dine-in or takeaway), Wednesday features a Fish & Chips special (around $19.50), and on Fridays the Sports Bar runs the “500g Steak-Out” – a 500g rump steak with salad and fries for ~$20. These specials change occasionally, so check with the pub for current deals.

On event nights like New Year’s Eve or Christmas Day, Rusty Pelican often has special menus (e.g. a barbecue or seafood feast) and may open longer. They also hold festive events (e.g. Boxing Day sports screenings). Because it’s a passionate sports bar, national holidays like ANZAC Day or Grand Final Day see the pub crowded for commemorations or big games. Generally, events at Rusty Pelican are free-admission – you just buy food and drinks. It’s casual entry rather than ticketed shows, so there’s no formal box office; for any special occasion (like a booked tribute band or tasting night) they’d advertise on local listings or the pub’s Facebook page.

Tickets and Booking

Rusty Pelican operates more as a walk-in pub than a ticketed theatre. There is no online box office or third-party tickets. For dining or large group bookings, you simply call or email ahead. The restaurant tables (especially on Friday/Saturday night) and the covered outdoor deck can fill up, so it’s wise to book (“reserve a table”) by phone (09 422 9122) for parties. The sports bar seating is mostly first-come. For special events (like a planned music night or private function) the pub might take a nominal booking fee or ticket, but typically events are free entry with cover only for major occasions. To attend, visitors usually just walk in or book a table; there’s no digital ticket platform used for this venue.

When you do attend an event or game here, drinks and food are paid at the bar. Pricing follows an easy tiered menu: beers on tap might range from about NZ$8–12, wines by the glass around $8–10, pizzas around $18–26 depending on size and toppings, and main meals like steaks or burgers ~$20–30. The Friday 500g steak special ($20) is a famous bargain. No advance ticket purchase is needed or available; you order on the night. For peak nights (big games or public holidays), arriving 15–30 minutes early or booking a table guarantees a spot, since standing-room areas can fill up fast.

Seating and Layout

The venue is split into two connected areas. The Rusty Pelican Restaurant is a spacious dining room with wooden floors and an adjacent covered patio (vinyl canopy area) that seats dozens around tables and a large bar counter. The Rusty Pelican Sports Bar is a more casual lounge area next door, with high-top tables, booths, lounge seating and a pool table. It has a TV in every corner (10 screens in total), plus a smaller corner bar. Together, the whole pub can accommodate roughly a hundred people seated (indoors plus covered deck), plus standing room. There is an outdoor courtyard area with picnic tables which can also host overflow crowds or family events.

• Best seats: For a big game, grab a table in the sports bar facing one of the large TVs. Close tables near the bar counter are also good for a view and easy drink orders. The restaurant section has high windows – tables by those windows get sun in the afternoon. If you want fresh air, the outdoor deck (covered patio) provides a relaxed open-air setting.
• VIP/sections: There isn’t a formal VIP section. Groups can reserve part of the dining room or pubs sets in advance, but otherwise seating is general. The bar stools at the counter are great for a quick drink, while booths around the sides offer more comfort. Keep in mind that on big sports weekends, noise levels rise and it can feel lively.
• Acoustics and sightlines: The space has a lively pub echo – when sports are on, expect a cheerful din. The layout is open so sound carries, but each seating area has a screen within view. Staff sometimes move side tables in the sports bar to accommodate cheering crowds during major matches. The restaurant dining area is a bit quieter, since it’s more about meals than game-watching.
• Avoiding crowds: If you prefer a quieter meal, visit on a weekday evening or arriving early on game-night weekends. Midday weekday light lunches are often peaceful. The main “action” zone is the sports bar on Friday/Saturday nights, so solos or small families may choose a restaurant table in the day.

Getting There and Parking

Location: The Rusty Pelican is at 1001 Matakana Road, Matakana (postal code 0985), about 15 minutes north of Warkworth town center. It sits on State Highway 1/Matakana Road surrounded by farmland, at the edge of Matakana Village. Landmarks: it’s the old BP petrol station building (look for the large wooden Pelican logo) next door to The Matakana Pub. The parking lot is on-site.

By car: Driving is the easiest way. From Auckland, take State Highway 1 north and exit at Warkworth, then head north on Matakana Road. From Warkworth center it’s ~9 km (about 10–15 minutes). The venue offers a free off-street car park with plenty of spaces (even for trailers or minibuses). There’s also street parking along Matakana Road. On busy weekends (farmers’ markets, race day, holidays), public parking can fill up, so arriving early ensures a spot. The road is well signposted, and Matakana Road is flat and wide (though be mindful of local cyclists and occasional farm vehicles).

Public transport: Public transit is limited but possible. Auckland’s AT Metro buses (Ritchies Transport) run a regional service (Route 997) between Warkworth and Point Wells via Matakana Village. The Matakana stops (such as on Waimanu Place or Meiklejohn Way) are about a 5–10 minute walk from the pub. Check the current bus timetable – there are typically a few weekday and weekend buses a day (no late-night service). The nearest train station is in Macleans Park, Auckland, so for most public transport you’d bus or shuttle to Warkworth first. Southern Cross Airporter coaches and intercity buses also stop in Warkworth (not directly at the pub).

Rideshare and taxis: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is available in the area, though cars may need to come from Warkworth or Orewa. Taxis can be called from nearby towns. For a drop-off, it’s best to instruct the driver to use the Matakana Road entrance – there is a wide paved drive next to the building. (Some taxi drivers know this landmark already.)

Walking/bicycles: Matakana is fairly village-sized. If you’re staying in Matakana, you can walk along the roadside (bring sturdy shoes, as parts of the shoulder can be gravel). There is a sidewalk past the village shops leading toward the pub. Bicycle parking is available at the front (numerous railings outside). In summary: drive if possible, but if not the 997 bus or Uber from Warkworth are your best bets. Plan ahead for return transport on late evenings since buses stop early.

Inside the Venue

On entering Rusty Pelican, you’ll step into a warm, rustic-meets-sports environment. The atmosphere is laid-back: expect the hum of conversation, sports commentary, and clinking glasses. The interior decor is Kiwi-pub style with wooden floors and walls decorated with surfboards, old signs and vintage sports memorabilia (a nod to the building’s service-station past). Near the entry is the main bar counter, tossing round stools; from there you can watch the bartender pour local craft beers (Matakana’s own brewery kegs often on tap), or pour yourself a wine from the Hawke’s Bay or Marlborough list. Alongside beer and wine, the bar serves a selection of spirits and signature cocktails.

As a visitor, here’s what to expect indoors:

• Security and entry: There is no metal detector or ticket gate. You may see a door person only on extremely busy or late-night shifts, mainly to check ID. New Zealand law requires any drinkers to be 18+, so be prepared to show photo ID if you order alcohol. (Young teens and children are allowed under parental supervision until around 9pm in NZ pubs.) The climate is typically controlled – the building has heating in winter and fans in summer (the doors may open to the patio on hot days) but it’s still drafty like a barn, so wrap up in winter.
• Food & drink: The kitchen serves until late according the hours above. You order at the table and the food is waiter-served in the restaurant side (table service). In the sports bar side, you usually order at the bar. The menu is extensive: aside from pizza, look for salads, pasta, nachos, burgers, fresh fish dishes and hearty Kiwi mains (steaks, schnitzels, etc.). There’s also a specials board with daily chef’s specials. If you have dietary needs, note they offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options (just ask for the special menu). For drinks, staff will offer a $30 take-home wine bottle option with pizza orders (common in NZ pubs). They might also run happy-hour specials on weekdays (inquire locally).
• Restrooms and facilities: Restrooms are located down a short hall off the dining room. There are separate men's and women's facilities, plus at least one accessible/unisex toilet with wider door and grab rails. Change tables and wheelchair access are present. You’ll find free self-service water jugs and cups near the restrooms. There’s no formal coat check; you’ll see coats hung on the backs of chairs or on pegs by the door, which works fine in a casual setting.
• Coat/phone check: Nothing special – just hang items near your table. Cellphone coverage is generally good here (Vodafone, Spark all work); plus free Wi-Fi (ask staff for the password) means you can browse or stream live scores on your device.
• Atmosphere: Expect a friendly, communal vibe. The mix of locals (farmers, winemakers), Auckland weekenders, families and sports fans means a down-to-earth crowd. Many regulars might call it “Rusty” or “The Pelican.” The bartenders and waitstaff are known to be very laid-back and chatty, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. It’s not a quiet fine-dining spot – but rather a sociable place where kids might play a quick pool game or draw on provided paper menus, and people at neighboring tables might strike up a conversation.
• Smoking: Note that New Zealand law bans indoor smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping. There is typically an outdoor smoking area or just outside where it’s allowed. If smoking, ask staff where you can step out.
• Merch & extras: The pub itself doesn’t sell a lot of merchandise besides gift cards. There’s a small fridge near the bar with bottled beers and groceries. You can order any meal or pizza as a takeaway (the kitchen will box it up). Also, if you enjoy a beer, they often sell a limited selection of their beers in growlers to take home.

Nearby Amenities

Rusty Pelican sits in the heart of Matakana Village, so a variety of shops and eateries are just a short stroll away. It’s a great launching point for a day on the Matakana Coast or Warkworth to avoid. Here are some local spots:

• Restaurants & cafes: If you arrive early or make a day of it, Matakana Village has a bakery/café (fresh pies, quiches, coffee) just across the road. A short walk down Matakana Road brings you to the Matakana Pizzeria (weekend pizza delivery), a brewery (Matakana Estate, serving meals and craft beer on tap), and an ice cream shop. The very walkable village (100–200m radius) features an olive oil store, an artisan cheese shop, the famous Brick Bay sculpture trail entrance, and several tasting rooms for local vineyards. On weekends, the Matakana Farmers Market (8am–1pm every Saturday) is a 5-minute drive north – it’s a top spot for gourmet food stalls and live music before heading back to Rusty Pelican.
• Bars & nightlife: Besides Rusty Pelican itself, the Matakana Pub (next door) has a bistro and its own sports screens. After your night at Rusty, late-night pies can be found at the pub or bakeries. If you want more nightlife, Warkworth (15 min drive south) has a few pubs (Whitehouse Hotel, Marakura Lodge) that stay open into the early morning. Note that public transport late at night is scarce, so plan a taxi if heading back from Matakana late.
• Hotels & lodgings: There are a few nearby accommodations. Matakana Motel (just up the road) offers motel rooms and a pool (open 7 days). A few charming B&Bs and guesthouses dot Matakana countryside (e.g. Bohemian Lodge, Gifford Lodge). In Warkworth, a larger town 10 km south, bigger hotels and motels are available, as well as campgrounds in summer. If you’re planning to spend the night after dinner, booking a local inn during high season is wise. Many visitors simply have a drink, then drive home or share a taxi after sunset.
• When to arrive: For dinner or games nights, it’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before kick-off or reservation. The pub can get busy on Friday-Saturday after 7pm, and on Sunday afternoons during rugby season. If driving from Auckland, note that dusk traffic on SH1 can be slow – leave early on weekends if you have an 8pm start. Conversely, morning brunch at Rusty Pelican’s café-style weekend menu (brunch starts 10am Saturday-Sunday) is pretty relaxed. Also, nearby Matakana Market on Saturday mornings can make the village roads busier, so give extra travel time if you’re market-shopping first before lunch at Rusty Pelican.

What Makes This Venue Special

Rusty Pelican Sports Bar is special because it captures the spirit of rural New Zealand in a fun, friendly package. Its unique charm lies in its history and community roots. The main building still feels a bit like the service station workshop it once was – you might spot an old petrol pump or industrial tin walls that nod to its past. This conversion gives the pub an “out in the country” authenticity you won’t find in city bars. The wooden beams, local art and quirky signs all create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. People often say it feels like a large, inviting backyard hangout rather than a corporate chain.

Culturally, Rusty Pelican has played host to many local “legendary” moments. High-school sports teams celebrate championships here, holidaymakers toast local wines after a vineyard tour, and old friends gather at the bar for quiz nights. The Friday night $20 steak deal is practically legendary – mates regularly call it the best cheap steak special in the region. During big All Blacks tests, the place erupts into a chorus of haka – reflecting how deeply ingrained school-sport and rugby culture is in the community.

Local patrons love Rusty Pelican’s “no-fuss” hospitality. It’s a place where the owner might buss your table himself, and the waitstaff often know regulars by name (some customers have been coming every weekend for years). Tourists and beach-goers appreciate its laid-back Kiwi charm: families can bring toddlers to cheer along to games, seniors can chat over coffee in the quiet afternoon, and groups of friends can toast with craft beer at the bar until late. All of this makes Rusty Pelican feel like more than just a pub; it’s a beloved community gathering point on Auckland’s North Shore. In short: it’s special because it’s real – a rustic sports bar with heart and soul, deeply rooted in the Matakana area.

Visitor Tips and Information

• Accessibility: The pub is wheelchair-friendly. There’s a ramped entrance (no steps at the main door) and at least one accessible restroom. Most of the indoor flooring is level, and tables have movable chairs to accommodate a wheelchair. Staff are generally helpful if extra assistance is needed. The parking lot also has marked accessible spaces near the entrance.
• What to bring: A happy mood! Rusty Pelican provides table service and casual attire is fine – no jacket or heels needed. Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink, since bars card on occasion. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted (and contactless devices like ApplePay), but it’s always handy to have some cash (NZ$5 splitting $1 coins for one-dollar beer caps or locks, etc). Phones are fine but signal is limited to 3G/4G here; free Wi-Fi means you can post selfies or check sports updates at the table. Wallet, keys, camera – just normal gear. In winter, a sweater or jacket is wise; the covered outdoor area is exposed to the cool night air.
• What not to bring: Outside food or drink is not allowed (food trucks or cocktails from home are a no-no). Also, large backpacks or coolers aren’t needed – they will slow you down at check-in. If you have sports equipment (like footballs or cricket bats), note they only host games on TV, so leave your gear at home.
• Age restrictions: Rusty Pelican is all-ages friendly until late evening. Parents often bring kids early for pizza. However, once the bar gets busy the atmosphere shifts to a 18+ crowd. Children are welcome until about 9pm (NZ law requires minors be accompanied by a guardian and stop buying alcohol by on-licence venues at that time). If you have babies and toddlers, high chairs are available. There is a small kids play area off to the side of the restaurant section.
• Dress code: Totally casual. Shorts or jeans and a t-shirt are perfect. Locals often wear work boots, rural attire or weekend gear. You will fit in whether you’re dressed up for a birthday or in board shorts after the beach. If it’s a themed day (St. Patrick’s Day, rugby jersey day), staff might encourage wearing green or team colours.
• Tips for popular times: On major event days (All Blacks rugby tests, NRL finals, local derby games) the place packs out. Arrive early to claim a good seat. If driving, note that Matakana Road can be slow with tourists on summer weekends – allow extra travel time. In winter, plaster the disclaims: there’s comfortable heating inside, but the occasional summer shower could catch you grabbing pizza outdoors, so maybe carry a light raincoat if a storm is forecast. Also, on public holidays or during the Matakana Market, the kitchen can get very busy – some dishes may take longer to arrive. Patience is rewarded with quality home-style cooking.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t expect fine-dining or a formal night-out. It’s not dress-up fancy and you might even find a TV showing animal planet in one corner on weekdays. Tip staff in NZ is optional – 10% is appreciated for great service but not required. Also, remember NovaScotia parka, not needed – if the weather’s tricky, call ahead to check if the outdoor area is open (usually it is, unless extreme wind). Lastly, if you’re coming to watch sport, know that sports feed is usually on by default, but if you have a special game (like a European football match), you might ask staff to tune the screens, as they’re happy to oblige if it’s airing.
• Local lingo: Feel free to use Kiwi slang; for example, “brekkie” (breakfast), “arvo” (afternoon, as in “arvo beers”), or “bottle store” (liquor shop) if chatting with staff. They usually speak standard New Zealand English with a friendly accent. Key local terms: Matakana (pronounced maa-tah-ka-na), Warkworth (ware-k-worth). Learning a bit of NZ sports lingo might help if cheering with locals during a rugby game. But really, a smile and enjoying the pub quiz questions (if there is one) will make you fit right in!

Frequently Asked Questions