A visit to the beaches near Leigh is not complete to me without a stop at the local Leigh Fish and…read moreChip Shop, I have super memories of travelling to Matakana, and making it a point to travel that little bit more to eat here. This is just a really down to earth chilled cafe run by locals, with kids whizzing past; on scooters and skateboards. I like the bohemian style furniture out front, and the funky vibe of Kiwi music that pumps out of the speakers to set the tone. I really do enjoy the freshness of the battered fish, the crisp crunch of every chip and the delicious deep fried onion rings and squid rings. If it's not a fish and chip day for you, they have a variety of yummy burgers to mull over- you pay for what you get, it's more than enough, and there is so many different flavours to choose from too. One thing they could work on would be maybe a restroom, as one must walk down the road to the public toilets if they need to, and possibly making the prices not so steep. They have outdoor seating, as well which is needed as they are a popular spot.

After a long wait, Leigh finally has a fish and chip shop again and it is fantastic. In addition to…read morethe usual fish and chips fare they also have great coffee and a tasty selection of pastries. So far I have tried the fish and chips and cheese burger. Both were great and the burger was surprisingly satisfying. I added a potato fritter (homemade) to my burger and it really hit the spot. I've heard good things about their roast rolls so they are next on my list to try. Even if you're not feeling fish and chips, Leigh Eats offers a great selection of alternatives.

The food is good as is the service but they let themselves down on the small things. If I order the…read morebreakfast I expect to be asked which of the stated menu options I order, and how I would like my eggs cooked. I would like to know they have to substitute an item in the dish before they take my money for it - what would happen if I cannot, our don't like, to eat that substitute? It's the little things that let them down but overall visiting them is a somewhat pleasant experience.

Had take away. The food was hot and fresh. We will be going back. So nice to have a great spot so…read moreclose.

Madly Indian is a little takeout indian window in Mangawhai Heads. I ended up going there after…read moreheading in to town on Boxing Day only to realize that most of the places I wanted to go were closed for the holiday. When I got there the counter guy helped guide me through the menu and I ultimately ordered chicken tikka masala and an order of garlic naan. Both were delicious. The naan was quite a bit thicker than I had expected but good nonetheless. The chicken tikka masala was good well and was quite a large portion. The sauce had very little spice (as requested) though my father still found it spicy, and the single order still proved enough food for three of us for dinner. Madly Indian is definitely worth a go for to go in Heads, and I plan to get some takeout every trip out here.

Boy, I don't think I've experienced a macca's that gets orders wrong as often as these guys do.read more

The food here is excellent . We have been going to the Sandbar and Grill on a semi regular basis…read moreover the past 3 years and the food has without exception been top class. Highly recommended.

Went here over a holiday weekend for a nice lunch with a view out towards the water. Ambiance was…read morereally lovely with both indoor seating with lots of natural light as well as outdoor seating with picnic tables and umbrellas. Menu was good, covering most food allergens. However, it took forever to get food. We arrived with kids already hungry, and we definitely reached hangery - from when we placed our order until when we got our food was over an hour and 15 minutes!

Been here a few times very sporadically…read more Awesome place. Live music and fairly decent price alcohol, and good food. Really relaxed vibe, and New Years the place goes off. Definitely recommend!!! And Devilskin here on the 21st of January... Yayahhh!!

ACCOMMODATION REVIEW ONLY…read more Since there's no separate listing for the hostel, I'll review it here. It was a decent dorm room for one night, mainly to snorkel Goat Island early the next morning. Check-in service at the bar / reception was unremarkably adequate. Price point was right. PROs: + reasonable price + Soap and towel provided + heater in room could be positioned near the bed + functional kitchen CONs: - only linens provided are the bottom sheet, pillow, and pillowcase, so bring your own sleeping bag / liner. - only two outlets in the room for six people. - When it gets busy, there's only two showers, two toilets, and three sinks for sixteen people.

Good food with good ambience. Nice size portions and good selection of beers. Outdoor or indoor…read moredining.

A nice selection of breakfast and brunch style meals, with delicious coffee and a nice variety of…read morefreshly baked cakes and pies. In fact, the pies have good local recommendation from residents in nearby Whangarei. The cafe is open and breezy with decor and furnishings of a 'settlers' theme.