Schnappa Rock Restaurant & Bar

Exquisite Our 'Trust the chef's' menu was mouth wateringly delicious. Six courses of bursting flavour

I had the most amazing food here after a day diving. I'm not sure I've ever had a more perfectly cooked steak. Crunchy potatoes, broccolini with pickled onions, fresh chimichurri, au jus. I thought the food would be good but it was actually world class. Cannot recommend this place highly enough. If I had one recommendation for the owner it would be to add more outdoor seating, especially 2 person tables, as sitting outside by the marina is a great atmosphere. Great place!

Had the most delicious meal there last night. I think it was the best meal I've had this year! The wait staff we on point also and the location is beautiful. Definitely worth the drive from Whangārei to dine here.

Superlative experience tonight at Schnappa Rock. We chose the 6 course degustation menu with wine match as a special meal and boy, did it exceed expectations and then some. A great table overlooking the wharf, then course after course of memorable dishes , from oysters with McLeod's Longboard and another with GnT granite matched with Dog Point Section 94 Sav, yellow fin tuna w avocado emulsion and wasabi peas (Alabarino match), goat's cheese and potato pave w pumpkin puree and Dog Point Chardonnay, lamb rib lollipops, Scotch fillet w broccoli and roasted potatoes ( w Peregrine Pinot Noir), finished by a lemon parfait with berry coulis, meringue and freeze dried raspberries accompanied by a Limoncello. Service by Kate was wonderful but non intrusive and it was such a pleasure to chat with both the chef and the owner afterwards. Nick has an incredible team here and Schnappa Rock is on our list to return. Go here and experience what they have to offer and enjoy.

What a gem! Had dinner and was really impressed with the service. Best beef cheek I have ever had and the tomato salad and the paua wontons were just so flavourful. Very thoughtful wine list and very reasonably priced. Will definitely be back! Thanks guys and keep up the good work.

Schnappa Rock in Tutukaka is a fantastic spot for seafood with a relaxed coastal vibe. The service was delightful and set the tone for a really enjoyable meal. The ceviche with avocado and wasabi was fresh and beautifully balanced, adding a modern twist to the dish. The mussels were big, succulent, and perfectly cooked, while the charred vegetables — especially the broccolini — were full of flavour. The fish of the day was cooked just right and paired well with the pilaf, making for a satisfying main. Great food, friendly service, and a location that truly captures the spirit of Tutukaka.

Loved the food! The beef cheeks were incredibly tender, pumpkin purée was amazing, and the local market fish was super fresh and delicious. A bit of a wait, but totally worth it.

I’ve visited Schnappa Rock five times now, and every single experience has left me more impressed than the last. During my recent stay in Tutukaka, returning to this gem was an absolute priority. On my first night back, I ordered the ceviche to start and the steak for my main. The steak was cooked perfectly—exactly as you hope it will be. But the ceviche… that was something extraordinary. Nearly twenty years ago, I had a tuna tartare in Sicily that I considered the most unforgettable dish of my life—until last Sunday. Schnappa Rock’s ceviche, with its fresh tuna, silky wasabi avocado, sweet corn kernels, microgreens, and a touch of chili, was nothing short of mind-blowing. It’s simple in concept but explosive in flavour. I loved it so much that I returned two nights later just to order it again. The cocktails, the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, and the warm, attentive staff all deserve special mention as well. Schnappa Rock has become my favourite restaurant in New Zealand—and I’ve dined at many fine establishments across the country. This place is something truly special.