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.
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.
A Bold New Vision
A major turning point came in 2012, when the pub was purchased by Duncan and Hannah Anderson along with a group of like-minded couples. Together, they envisioned a warm, family-friendly village pub that reflected the charm of Matakana, while meeting the quality of its vibrant village across the road. They brought in award-winning architect Peter Were to lead a major restoration.
A New Era (Since 2016)
Today, under the stewardship of a new group of passionate owners since April 2016, 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.
🏆 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.
WE ARE HIRING
