TIPSY OYSTER

If you are looking for a place with vibrant energy and exquisite flavors, then Tipsy Oyster Tapas & Bar is a must on your itinerary. This modern restaurant and bar is located in the heart of Paihia, near the town of Waitangi, on the picturesque shores of the Bay of Islands. The establishment quickly won over the public by offering a unique fusion cuisine concept in one of the most beautiful regions that New Zealand is famous for.

Tipsy Oyster. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The restaurant specializes in bold culinary experiments, blending Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern traditions in its menu. Tipsy Oyster is not just a place to eat, but a vibrating center of attraction where travelers from all over the world and locals meet. High service standards and a creative approach to detail have earned the venue Travelers' Choice 2025 status on TripAdvisor and the title of Best Bar of the Year.

The interior and ambiance of the bar are steeped in the spirit of a coastal getaway: it’s always lively, fun, and cozy. Special attention is paid to the cocktail list, where each drink is crafted using fresh local ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to feel the modern rhythm of the Northland region while enjoying quality food and great music.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact details for the establishment in the table below. We recommend checking table availability in advance, especially for evening visits.

The main reason to visit Tipsy Oyster is for the gastronomic journey. Be sure to try the fresh oysters, delivered daily directly from the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands. The tapas-style menu is perfect for ordering several different dishes for the table to explore the multifaceted nature of local cuisine.

Visitor favorites include the crispy pork, original burgers, and Afghan chicken in a paratha flatbread. For guests with dietary preferences, there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so no one will leave hungry. Complement your meal with one of the signature cocktails or a glass of craft beer from the extensive bar menu.

Beyond the food, the establishment offers an excellent entertainment program. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, they host live music evenings. On these days, the atmosphere becomes incredibly lively, turning the restaurant into the epicenter of Paihia's nightlife. It’s the best time to enjoy jazz rhythms or acoustic sets while sipping a signature gin in the company of like-minded people.

Finding Tipsy Oyster is easy: the establishment is located at 50 Marsden Road, right in the heart of Paihia's tourist district. This coastal town is situated in the Northland region of the North Island, approximately 240 km north of Auckland. If you are traveling by car, the drive from Auckland takes about three hours along scenic highways.

For those already in Paihia or neighboring Waitangi, the restaurant is within walking distance of most hotels and the main wharves. This makes it an ideal spot to end a day of strolling along the waterfront.

If you are arriving from other towns in the region, you can use the regional bus routes that run regularly to Paihia. The bar is just a few minutes' walk from the central bus stop. Local taxi services are also always available for comfortable travel in the evening.

Despite opening relatively recently, Tipsy Oyster has already become a key fixture on the region's gastronomic map. The establishment is part of the Tipsy Oyster & Co group, known for its professional approach to restaurant management in the Bay of Islands. The main idea behind the project was to create a space where New Zealand's authentic cuisine meets global culinary trends.

Success came quickly to the team: in 2025, the restaurant was honored with the prestigious Travelers' Choice award on TripAdvisor. This recognition places the establishment among the best in the world based on reviews from real travelers. Additionally, the project earned the title of "Best Bar of the Year," confirming its status as the premier spot for evening relaxation in the area.

The concept of the venue is built on bringing people together. The creators aimed to blur the lines between tourists and locals, offering them a shared atmosphere of hospitality and high-quality service. Today, this place is considered a benchmark for the modern approach to the restaurant business in New Zealand, combining the simplicity of a coastal bar with the sophistication of fine dining.

To leisurely enjoy the atmosphere and appreciate the chef's skill, we recommend setting aside about 1.5–2 hours for your visit to Tipsy Oyster. This is ample time for a full lunch or dinner, including a tasting of several types of tapas and signature cocktails.

If your visit falls on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening when the venue features live music, it’s worth budgeting 2–3 hours. The energetic atmosphere and live performances invite a longer stay in the company of friends or loved ones.

When planning your visit, please note that Tipsy Oyster is closed on Mondays. On other days, from Tuesday to Sunday, the doors open at 13:00 and remain open until midnight or even later if the evening is in full swing.

The busiest hours are over the weekend: on Saturdays, the bar stays open until 00:30. On Friday and Sunday, the venue also welcomes guests late into the night. As the schedule may change depending on the season, we recommend checking the official website for the latest information before your visit.

The restaurant's location in the heart of the Bay of Islands makes it easy to combine a delicious dinner with sightseeing at historical and natural landmarks. A stroll through the surrounding area will reveal the region's rich heritage and magnificent landscapes.