The Bunker Mangawhai

About The Bunker Mangawhai

The Bunker Mangawhai is a sports bar and indoor golfing venue located in Mangawhai Central. Established in 2024, the venue features four state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator bays alongside multiple screens broadcasting live sports, offering an active entertainment space for both serious golfers refining their swing and social groups looking for a casual outing.

The kitchen serves a broad menu anchored by loaded fries, gourmet smash burgers, hearty sandwiches, momo dumplings, shawarma wraps, and shared platters, accompanied by a dedicated children's menu. Behind the bar, guests will find a selection of beers on tap, bottled craft options, New Zealand and international wines, and house cocktails, making it a versatile destination for sports viewing, family dining, or rainy-day recreation.

The Bunker Mangawhai: Indoor Golf, Big Screens, and Serious Comfort Food

Located along Main Street in Mangawhai Central, The Bunker has carved out a unique space on Northland’s coast since opening its doors in 2024. Designed as an all-weather entertainment destination, the venue merges modern indoor golf technology with the comfortable, social feel of a dedicated sports pub.

Mangawhai has long been known as a prominent golf destination, but unpredictable weather or evening hours often left players without a place to practice. The Bunker addresses that gap directly with four indoor simulator bays equipped with state-of-the-art software. Whether locals are looking to dial in their yardages, take swing data during the off-season, or introduce beginners to the game in a pressure-free environment, the bays provide an engaging playing ground year-round.

Big Screens and Coastal Socialising

Beyond golf, The Bunker operates as an energetic sports bar. Four large screens are placed throughout the dining and lounge areas, broadcasting live sports loud and clear for major fixtures, tournaments, and weekend clashes. The interior balances casual lounge seating with communal dining tables, making it just as welcoming for casual spectators dropping in for a pint as it is for groups settled in for a tournament.

Behind the bar, a curated beverage programme covers classic and local favorites. Guests can choose from beers on tap—including Heineken, Tiger, Tuatara Hazy Pale Ale, and Monteith’s ginger beer—or select from a list of bottled brews, zero-alcohol options, and New Zealand wines spanning Central Otago pinot noirs to Marlborough whites. A concise cocktail list introduces signature mixes like The Funky Bunky spritz alongside classic espresso martinis, dark and stormies, and margaritas.

From Small Plates to Hearty Burgers

The food menu offers substantially more than standard bar fare. Designed to satisfy everything from quick post-game nibbles to leisurely dinners, the kitchen serves up generous sharing plates, loaded fries, salads, and head-chef specials.

Highlights include the house Momo Dumplings—tender parcels of minced chicken infused with Asian-inspired spices and served with a rich Nepalese peanut sauce—and the Shawarma Wrap, stuffed with marinated chicken, garlic toum, and tzatziki. For heartier appetites, the kitchen delivers a strong roster of sandwiches and burgers. The Smash Burger pairs aged smashed beef with tangy McClure’s pickles, melted American cheese, and house killer sauce, while options like the Brisket Burger and Pork Rib Roll feature tender, slow-cooked meats tossed in rich barbecue sauces.

Families are readily catered for with a dedicated children's menu offering smaller classics like the Mini Dawg, crumbed chicken tenders, and a kids' snack platter, complete with activity packs to keep younger visitors engaged. Whether you are swinging clubs in the bays, watching the match, or sharing small plates with friends, The Bunker brings a lively, dependable gathering spot to Mangawhai.

Signature items

• Smash Burger
• Momo Dumplings
• Philly Cheese
• Brisket Loaded Fries
• The Funky Bunky

Menu

Burgers

• Smash Burger — Aged beef burger, McClure's pickles, American cheese, onion, shredded iceberg, and killer sauce
• Mighty Mighty Burger — Smashed aged beef, bacon, onion jam, American cheese, iceberg, smokey JD BBQ sauce, and mayo
• Buffalo Chicken Burger — Large chicken nugget, Tabasco maple butter, shredded iceberg, and blue cheese ranch
• Crispy Chicken Burger — Cornflake chicken, tangy mayo, iceberg, and cheese
• Brisket Burger — Slow cooked beef brisket with BBQ sauce and slaw
• Chur’ Burger — Smashed aged beef, pineapple, beetroot, tomato, egg, onion, iceberg, American cheese, and killer sauce
• Bacon Butty — Bacon, fried egg, mayo, and rocket sauce in a brioche bun

Desserts

• Chocolate Lava Cake — Served with ice cream of the day
• Banana Boat — Whipped cream, ice cream, sprinkles, and chocolate sauce
• The Bunker Brownie — Chocolate brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dash of raspberry
• Super Sundae — Three scoops of ice cream topped with cream, sprinkles, nuts, and chocolate or strawberry sauce

Platters

• Meat Platter — Cured meats, hummus, olives, and flat bread
• Cheese Platter — Aged cheddar, soft French style cheese, gorgonzola, grapes, oat crackers, and jam relish

Sano’S

• Philly Cheese — Rump steak, cheesy sauce with a hint of jalapeno juice, red peppers, onions, and mushrooms
• Popcorn Prawn Roll — Battered prawns, shredded iceberg, and Marie Rose sauce
• Pork Rib Roll — Slow cooked pork rib with beer and apricot sauce and slaw

Kids Menu

• Mini Dawg — Pork sausage with onions, tomato sauce, and a side of fries
• Crumbed Chicken — Crumbed chicken with tomato sauce and a side of fries
• Chicken Slider — Chicken and cheese slider with iceberg lettuce and a side of fries
• Kids Platter — Cold meats, fruit, cheese, and crackers

Small Plates

• French Fries — Served with mayo and chicken salt
• Loaded Fries — Cheese sauce with a hint of jalapeno juice and bacon bits
• Brisket Loaded Fries — Topped with BBQ beef brisket and cheese sauce
• Fresh Guacamole — Served with fried tortilla and salsa fresco
• Cured Salmon — Cucumber pickles, rye, and whipped cream cheese
• Whipped Humus — Sumac yoghurt, pide, and fried chickpeas
• Baked Brie — Baked brie with honey, thyme, walnut, and crostini
• Popcorn Prawn — Shredded iceberg lettuce with Marie Rose dressing
• Buffalo Chicken — Tabasco maple butter and blue cheese ranch
• Chicken Wings — Served with hot sauce and BBQ sauce available
• Beef Nachos — Mexican spiced beef mince, salsa, cheese sauce, and sour cream; vegetarian option available
• Caesar — Baby cos, parmesan, egg, bacon, and croutons
• Beetroot & Feta Salad — Leafy greens with beetroot, feta, and walnuts
• Buratta Pouch — Mozzarella with a creamy stracciatella center on crushed baby tomatoes

Momo Dumplings

• Momo Dumplings (Head Chef Special) — Minced chicken, Asian-inspired spices, and vegetables with Nepalese peanut sauce

Shawarma Wraps

• Shawarma Wrap (Head Chef Special) — Marinated chicken, garlic toum, pickled cucumber, parsley, and tzatziki sauce in a tortilla

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a golf simulator bay in advance?

Advance bookings for the four simulator bays are available and recommended, especially during weekends and rainy days, though walk-ins can be accommodated based on availability.

Can I book a table just for dining and drinks without playing golf?

Yes, table reservations are available purely for dining, watching sports, or enjoying drinks at the bar.

Are there vegetarian options available on the menu?

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian-friendly choices such as whipped hummus, baked brie, salads, vegetarian nachos, and the option to substitute a vegan patty on burgers.

Is The Bunker family friendly?

Yes, children are welcome. There is a dedicated kids' menu including drinks and ice cream, and staff can provide activity packs for entertainment.

What sports viewing is available at the venue?

The venue features four television screens throughout the bar broadcasting live sporting events.

What non-alcoholic drink options are available?

The bar stocks Heineken 0.0%, Sawmill Bare Beer (0.05%), soft drinks, juices, Red Bull, tea, and coffee with alternative milks available.

Tips

• {"body":"The simulator bays are particularly popular when coastal weather turns wet, so book ahead online to secure a bay.","title":"Rainy Day Bookings"}
• {"body":"Keep an eye out for weekday specials like Tuesday Steak Night, Thursday Texas Pork Ribs, and Friday wings.","title":"Weekly Dining Specials"}
• {"body":"The simulators cater both to serious practice sessions looking at swing metrics and casual rounds with friends.","title":"Golf Practice or Play"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Dedicated kids menu with included drink and ice cream; activity packs available.","dietary":"Vegetarian and vegan patty substitutions available; notify staff regarding specific allergies.","payments":"Vouchers and Bunker Rewards loyalty system accepted."}