Harbourside

About Harbourside

Harbourside is a modern fine dining restaurant situated at the Old Yacht Club Building on Tauranga's waterfront. The venue pairs sophisticated cuisine with an unpretentious atmosphere and the main drawcard: stunning views across Tauranga Harbour.

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Peter and Anita Ward, with their son Cameron managing the kitchen, Harbourside represents a family commitment to culinary excellence. The restaurant's philosophy centers on sourcing only the finest, freshest ingredients—with organic and locally-grown products given special priority. Every dish begins with artisanal preparation, following the principle of letting exquisite flavours speak for themselves without unnecessary complexity.

The menu reflects this commitment to quality and seasonality, featuring contemporary dishes that showcase New Zealand ingredients: fresh oysters, green-lipped mussels, local fish, grass-fed beef, lamb, and venison. The wine program and desserts further elevate the dining experience. Whether you're taking long lunch on the weekend, enjoying a special dinner, or celebrating an occasion, Harbourside delivers the complete package: outstanding food, genuine hospitality, and one of Tauranga's finest dining settings.

Harbourside — Waterfront Fine Dining in Tauranga

Harbourside brings modern fine dining to Tauranga's waterfront, combining sophisticated cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located at the Old Yacht Club Building on The Strand, the restaurant offers more than just food—it offers an experience anchored by stunning views across Tauranga Harbour.

A Family-Driven Vision

The restaurant is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Peter and Anita Ward, with their son Cameron managing the kitchen. This family structure isn't incidental; it shapes every aspect of Harbourside's identity. The Wards treat their guests like family, extending genuine hospitality that welcomes visitors into the Harbourside experience. This personal touch, combined with Cameron's skilled kitchen work, creates a dining environment that feels both elevated and approachable.

Philosophy & Ingredients

Harbourside's culinary foundation rests on a simple belief: there are no shortcuts to sensational food. The journey from ingredient to plate begins with sourcing only the finest, freshest ingredients. Organic and locally-grown products receive special priority, reflecting both a commitment to quality and a respect for regional producers.

Once sourced, ingredients undergo artisanal preparation guided by one central principle: let exquisite flavours sing. The menu reflects this philosophy through contemporary dishes that showcase New Zealand's bounty—fresh oysters, green-lipped mussels, market fish, grass-fed beef, lamb, and venison.

The Menu

Diners encounter a carefully structured menu that begins with starters—both raw and hot preparations—before moving to lighter meals, substantial mains, sides, and a refined dessert selection. The Harbourside Seafood Chowder announces the restaurant's commitment to quality seafood through its combination of salmon, white fish, mussels, prawns, and calamari. Venison preparations showcase local protein, while the Market Fish of the Day emphasizes seasonality and freshness.

Vegetarian diners find considered options like the Pumpkin & Chickpea Madras Curry, and the dessert menu ranges from chocolate tarts and sticky date pudding to affogatos and a curated cheese selection from Over the Moon Dairy Co.

The Setting

The waterfront location isn't decoration—it's integral. As you dine, views across Tauranga Harbour provide a constantly shifting backdrop. The deck seating captures this landscape especially well, while the interior maintains an intimate sophistication. Whether you're visiting for a long lunch, a special dinner, or marking an occasion, the total package—food, hospitality, and setting—defines what fine dining can be.

Signature items

• Harbourside Seafood Chowder
• Seared Venison Short Loin
• Steamed Green-Lipped Mussels
• Savannah Angus Eye Fillet of Beef
• Pan-Fried Market Fish of the Day
• Chocolate & Salted Caramel Tart

Menu

Mains

• Pan-Fried Market Fish of the Day — Prawn & preserved lemon risotto, dill oil, fennel, micro herb salad
• Seared Venison Short Loin — Braised red cabbage, cherries, balsamic roasted yams, horseradish cream
• Savannah Angus Eye Fillet of Beef (200g) — Fried piccolo potatoes with pecorino & truffle cream, seasonal greens
• Pan Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast — Potato gnocchi, creamy garlic, sundried tomato & herb sauce, toasted almonds
• Grilled Lamb Rump — Crispy polenta, peperonata, whipped feta, red wine jus
• Beer-Battered Fish & Chips — Crispy beer batter, garden salad and tartare sauce
• Pumpkin & Chickpea Madras Curry — Char-grilled eggplant, mint chutney, spiced cashews, basmati rice

Sides

• Chargrilled Broccolini — Black garlic mayo, yeast flakes
• Butter & Thyme Roasted Mushrooms — Fresh seasonal mushrooms roasted with butter and thyme
• Beer-Battered Fries — House-made aioli
• Brussel Sprouts — Miso mayo, maple roasted pancetta, roasted peanuts
• Roquette & Shaved Parmesan Salad — Preserved lemon dressing

Cheese

• Triple Cream Brie (75gm) — Creamy artisan cheese
• Jersey Creamy Blue (65gm) — Rich blue cheese
• Red Planet Red Leicester (50gm) — Traditional red Leicester cheese
• Cheese Board Selection — Choose any two cheeses served with crackers, quince paste, candied walnuts, fresh fruit

Desserts

• Chocolate & Salted Caramel Tart — Hazelnut mousse, roasted hazelnuts, vanilla bean gelato, almond praline
• Strawberry & Lemon Meringue — Lemon curd, strawberry sorbet, vanilla biscuit crumb, strawberry compote
• Baked Banoffee Cheesecake — Biscoff base, caramelised banana, whipped mascarpone, chocolate crumb
• Raspberry & White Chocolate Brulee — Almond & cranberry biscotti, boysenberry gelato, almond praline
• Spiced Sticky Date Pudding — Brandy caramel, creme anglaise, rum and raisin gelato, brandy snap
• Warm Chocolate Brownie — Boysenberry coulis, shortbread crumb, ambrosia gelato, roasted peanuts
• Frangelico Affogato — Vanilla bean gelato, Frangelico liqueur, espresso

Starters Hot

• Harbourside Seafood Chowder — Salmon, white fish, mussels, prawns and calamari
• Lamb Kofta — Smoked tomato chutney, tzatziki, fresh mint
• Grilled Tiger Prawns — Puttanesca sauce, parmesan crisps, fresh basil
• Szechuan Peppered Fried Squid — Orange caramel and pickled ginger
• Spiced Chipotle Kumara & Black Bean Croquette — Peri peri sauce, pickled onion, coriander

Starters Raw

• Fresh Half Shell Oysters (Half Dozen) — Natural with green apple mignonette
• Venison Tartare — Spiced hummus, harissa, pickled raisins, dukkha, pita crisps
• Seared Tuna Crudo — Ponzu truffle dressing, crispy enoki mushrooms, pickled shiitake

Lighter Meals

• Grilled Ciabatta Bread — Warm ciabatta with balsamic-infused olive oil and herbed butter
• Harbourside Chicken Salad — Cos lettuce, sugar snaps, radish, carrots, broccolini, roasted coconut, ginger & sesame dressing
• Steamed Green-Lipped Mussels — Roasted fennel, pancetta, apple cider cream, confit garlic & soft herbs
• Roasted Pork Belly — Pear & ginger chutney, orange, shaved fennel & roquette salad, walnuts
• Kumara and Horopito Pansotti Pasta — Vodka tomato sauce, pork & fennel sausage, bocconcini, sage

Frequently asked questions

What are your opening hours?

Lunch Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-2pm. Dinner Monday-Saturday from 5pm-late. Sunday long lunch 11:30am-4pm (dinner closed).

Do you take reservations?

Yes, reservations are recommended. Contact us at (07) 571 0520 or bookings@harboursidetauranga.co.nz

Do you have vegetarian or gluten-free options?

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian (V) and gluten-free (GF) options clearly marked. Dairy-free (DF) items also available.

What's your approach to sourcing ingredients?

We prioritize fresh, organic, and local ingredients. Flavour and quality are paramount in everything we serve.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes, gift vouchers are available. Visit our website or contact us for details.

Is there parking available?

We're located on The Strand at the Old Yacht Club Building. The waterfront location offers convenient parking nearby.

Tips

• {"body":"Reserve a spot to enjoy the full experience of Tauranga Harbour views while dining. Sunset service is particularly special.","title":"Book a Table for Harbour Views"}
• {"body":"The Pan-Fried Market Fish of the Day showcases seasonal seafood and the kitchen's skill with fresh local catch.","title":"Try the Market Fish"}
• {"body":"If weather permits, request deck seating for the most immersive waterfront experience and panoramic views.","title":"Waterfront Deck Seating"}
• {"body":"Sunday's long lunch service (11:30am-4pm) offers a relaxed alternative to formal dinner, perfect for families.","title":"Weekend Long Lunch"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Family-owned and operated; warm, unpretentious atmosphere with genuine hospitality","dietary":"Vegetarian (V), vegan (VG), gluten-free (GF), and dairy-free (DF) options clearly marked","payments":"Reservations accepted; gift vouchers available; bookings@harboursidetauranga.co.nz"}