A New Era (Since April 2026)
Today, under the ownership of the new passionate owners since April 2026, The Matakana Village Pub continues to honour its legacy - as a place where history meets hospitality, where the community gathers, and where every pint poured carries a story.
Come raise a glass with us, and become part of the story.
The MVP has been brought to life again with a new look.
2016 - 2026 April
Over the past decade, we have been privileged to continue that legacy. Through changing seasons, busy summer weekends, community celebrations, live music, sporting moments, weddings, birthdays, fundraisers, and countless catch-ups over a pint, the pub has remained a place where people come together.
During this time we celebrated the 120th anniversary of this establishment to honour the heritage of the area. This was held on November 25th.
A Bold New Vision
A major turning point came in 2012, when the pub was purchased and underwent a significant restoration led by award-winning architect Peter Were. The goal was to create a warm, family-friendly village pub that captured the charm of Matakana while matching the vibrancy of the village across the road.
Evolving with the Village
Over the decades, the building saw many lives. In the 1980s, it became a fine dining restaurant led by a French chef, earning its place as a destination spot. Later, it took on a more casual role as a Speight’s Ale House, keeping its doors open to both locals and travelers.
The Story of The Matakana Village Pub
Built in 1903 in the heart of Matakana, The Matakana Village Pub is more than just a local watering hole — it’s a beloved institution with a story deeply rooted in the community's history.
The original structure was crafted by the village postmaster, using the timber from a single kauri tree — a remarkable feat that still speaks through the bones of the building today. After his passing, the building found new life as a boarding house for workers at the nearby Matakana Co-operative Dairy Company, which operated until the early 1960s.
🏆 Recognition & Awards
2013: Winner of New Zealand’s Best New Bar & Restaurant – Hospitality NZ Awards
2015: Winner of Commercial Interior Award – ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards “A bold and authentic vision of what it is to be a pub — for both the local community and as a destination.”
2016: Tripadvisor - Certificate of Excellence 2016 | For the consistent achievement of high ratings from travelers on Tripadvisor
2024: The Matakana Village Pub has been recognized as one of New Zealand’s Top 50 Gastropubs in the 2024 Estrella Damm Awards.avellers.