North Island
Rusty Pelican Pizzeria, Restaurant & Tui Sports Bar
Cuisine: Steakhouse, A La Carte, Pizza, Seafood
All proceeds from the sale of bottled water fundraiser go straight to community charities
As of Easter 2013, TAP WATER is now available at a…
Announced 2 weeks agoMore »
Hours:
- Mon – Fri 5pm – Late
- Sat & Sun 12pm – Late
-
Facilities/Features:
- Business Dining
- Children's Menu
- Conference Facilities
- Out Catering
- Children's Play Area
- Private Functions
- Private Parties
- Romantic Dining
- Wedding Functions
- Payment Types: EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard
- Price Range: Moderate, $15 - $25
- Dress Code: Casual
- Alcohol: Beer, Wine, Spirits, Cocktails
- Seating for: Dining: 80 inside & 20 outside; Bar: 200
- BYO/Corkage: No BYO
- Parking: Free Off-Street
- Good For Groups: Yes
- Good For Children: Yes
- Takeaways: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian, Gluten-free
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
The philosophy at Rusty Pelican thrives on generous servings of top quality food and friendly service.
Rusty Pelican’s famous pizzas have many times the toppings than what you’d expect on a typical pizza. Toppings are all high-quality produce – shaved ham (not the cube processed-packet-stuff), and in generous quantities – like the Shrimpy pizza that has 300g of shrimps per pizza!
The Rusty Pelican is all about people visiting them after enjoying the local area and beautiful coast line with its many white sandy beaches, then coming in to relax with a bottle of wine, great pizza, an A La Carte meal from their menu, that will leave you replenished satisfied and planning your next trip back to do it all again.
To their credit Next magazine’s food critic wrote “The pizza is one of the best we’ve ever eaten in New Zealand”
The Rusty Pelican team are also passionate about their local community, and all proceeds from the sale of that bottled water fundraiser go straight to community charities, schools and sports groups.
As of Easter 2013, TAP WATER is now available at a separate station, where you can help yourselves to the bore water if you choose (bear in mind, that due the high iron contents in this naturally sourced water, although it is fully potable, it also has an interesting aroma). We have listened to our customers who have objected to our previous water policy, which is why we have now made this free tap water available.
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Bookmark32 Reviews for Rusty Pelican Pizzeria, Restaurant & Tui Sports Bar
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One of Rusty Pelican Pizzeria, Restaurant & Tui Sports Bar's Favourite Reviews What's This?
37
19th June 2011
Best pizzas in town and an awesome selection!! YUM! Loving the weeknight specials too, a treat for the locals! Thanks Rusty P!!!
2
16th February 2013
It’s a shame, a restarurant with so many good characteristics can be rated terrible. But I will explain why.
The good things about the restaurant:
The interior has a cool coastal feel to it.
The Food is superb.
The major thing that needs to change:
There is no free water…. Is that a joke?
When you walk into a restaurant in most places, water may come out straight away without even having to ask so you can feel refreshed before dining. But when a group of friends and myself asked for a water the waitress got immediately impatient with us and explained we would have to spend 5 dollars to get any water at all.
I was so offset by this it ruined the whole experience. The group and I were thirsty from being at the beach all day and were more than happy to shell out for a nice meal but just wanted to have water as well. And it usually being free, we were all surprised and felt pressured to either pay extra or leave.
The service also seemed to turn sour after we had asked for water like we had offended the waitress.
The good things about the restaurant:
The interior has a cool coastal feel to it.
The Food is superb.
The major thing that needs to change:
There is no free water…. Is that a joke?
When you walk into a restaurant in most places, water may come out straight away without even having to ask so you can feel refreshed before dining. But when a group of friends and myself asked for a water the waitress got immediately impatient with us and explained we would have to spend 5 dollars to get any water at all.
I was so offset by this it ruined the whole experience. The group and I were thirsty from being at the beach all day and were more than happy to shell out for a nice meal but just wanted to have water as well. And it usually being free, we were all surprised and felt pressured to either pay extra or leave.
The service also seemed to turn sour after we had asked for water like we had offended the waitress.
6
6th January 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed my “sweep it off the floor Pizza”.
i enjoyed the friendly patrons, staff and owners conversation.
I will definitely be back here to eat and drink more!
i enjoyed the friendly patrons, staff and owners conversation.
I will definitely be back here to eat and drink more!
8
16th April 2012
Great pizzas. The Godfather is our favorite. Good meals too but very consistent whereas the pizzas are always great. Good pub food.
1
6th February 2012
We had a very enjoyable family dinner at the Rusty Pelican. The food and wine was tasty and our lovely waiter was polite, friendly and very efficient. Nice food, great service in a very popular place.
2nd February 2012
Five friends, looking forward to a delicious pizza and about to spend a few hundred dollars at the Rusty Pelican were effectively thrown out after an altercation regarding the stuff that falls from the sky – water.
I’m 7 months pregnant and just wanted plain old water; we didn’t want to buy the bottled water as buying Bottled Water contributes to landfill and plastic bottles are produced by using billions of gallons of oil per year. I don’t buy Bottled Water as a matter of an ethical environmental choice.
We offered to give them a donation for their charities, but please could we have good old fashioned water. No. No, we could not.
The waitress was obviously already flustered and unable to answer our questions, the owner was dismissive and the last waiter told us we had been enough trouble and took our menus away and told us to leave.
Very very disappointing. Denying a 7 month pregnant woman a glass of water in a country as advanced as ours… cool that they want to support their local community – but it is effectively a Tax as there is no alternative.
Please, Rusty Pelican, have a look at what the implications are.
just not cool man.
I’m 7 months pregnant and just wanted plain old water; we didn’t want to buy the bottled water as buying Bottled Water contributes to landfill and plastic bottles are produced by using billions of gallons of oil per year. I don’t buy Bottled Water as a matter of an ethical environmental choice.
We offered to give them a donation for their charities, but please could we have good old fashioned water. No. No, we could not.
The waitress was obviously already flustered and unable to answer our questions, the owner was dismissive and the last waiter told us we had been enough trouble and took our menus away and told us to leave.
Very very disappointing. Denying a 7 month pregnant woman a glass of water in a country as advanced as ours… cool that they want to support their local community – but it is effectively a Tax as there is no alternative.
Please, Rusty Pelican, have a look at what the implications are.
just not cool man.
1
1st February 2012
I was amazed to be told the restaurant does not provide tap water. When I asked about the charities who benefit from the water sales as on the notice they include the restaurant itself (!), an impossibly rude waiter swore at me! They seem to be digging a hole for themselves in refusing to provde tap water and I read many complaints about this on this site – such a great shame as it spoils an otherwise good experience.
1
23rd September 2011
Woohoo is the correct saying, this place is as good as it gets!! You cant not award them a Five Star. We had the most amazing night. Service was fantastic, friendly and very helpful staff. Food delicious, great selection. Just so nice to be able to go out & have a wonderful night. Definitely be coming back 
1
17th September 2011
Matakana is a fantastic area to visit should you ever find yourself in Auckland and Rusty Pelican is surely one of the best places to dine there. I found the staff to be exceptionally helpful (my friend has a few special dietary requirements) and the food absolutely delicious, especially the Nutty Hen pizza. My only criticism would be that the service was a little slow, it was certainly worth the wait though!
1
22nd August 2011
My family and I where told about the rusty in Australia by friends who know we where traveling to New Zealand. Matakana was a very nice place to visit. All the family had a amazing meal at the rusty pelicain its a must go place.
1
10th August 2011
I have been to the Rusty Pelican in Matakana a number of times. The food is always great. The new popcorn shrimp dish on the menu is amazing, great to see new dishes coming into the menu, always nice to have something different!! The chicken salad, calamari and red rooster pizza are my other favourites.
1
9th August 2011
Great food and excellent vibe.
Lots of good food to choose from
An enjoyable evening for all.
Lots of good food to choose from
An enjoyable evening for all.
8th August 2011
I currently went to the Rusty Pelican for a meal with myself and a few friends on a trip up to the coastal area on the weekend. What a treat! Between us we had a calamari, fish meal, (which was fresh snapper, a favourite), and two shared a pizza. Everything was fresh and tasty and the service was awesome. A big thumbs up to the staff and compliments to the chef.
1
6th August 2011
What a fantastic place to eat. I have eaten here many times over the years. The menu has heaps of options and caters for everyone. The place provides awesome tasty meals that fill the whole plate, great value for money, friendly staff and a fab atmosphere. Happy to recommend to others. The pizzas are the best ever and the selection is great. You will not come away hungry from this place. Take a ride to Matakana and pay the Rusty a visit.
5
5th August 2011
I’d heard pretty good things about the rusty, so I rang and asked if they did takeaway meals (not just pizza) and they said yes. My partner and I ordered a takeout portion of ribs each because we had heard it was a “big, generous portion” and that they were very tasty. The food took about 20 mins, but they had a few people in so it wasn’t an issue. We got into the car and I opened my box for a sneaky taste before we got home – cold ribs with hot spots like they had been microwaved, lukewarm sauce, 4 chips (not joking, it said it came with chips and I had 4 chips on my box and my partner had 6) The only nice thing was the coleslaw which was crisp and fresh tasting.
Maybe it is different if you eat in but really, I’m definitely not in a hurry to try there again. It was not up to standard.
Maybe it is different if you eat in but really, I’m definitely not in a hurry to try there again. It was not up to standard.
1
1st August 2011
My kids and us love to dine at Rusty Pelican. For a casual restaurant this place ticks all the boxes.
Very children friendly with kids games room , puzzles and coloring sheets brought to your table, with great kids menu.
Pizzas are amazing but my favorite is the Seafood Chowder and my husband loves Rusty’s Ribs . The meals are tasty and the portions are generous .
We have never left this place disappointed or hungry. We always stop there after a big day exploring this wonderful coastal area .
Thank you to the Rust pelican and their friendly staff . Keep up the good work !
Very children friendly with kids games room , puzzles and coloring sheets brought to your table, with great kids menu.
Pizzas are amazing but my favorite is the Seafood Chowder and my husband loves Rusty’s Ribs . The meals are tasty and the portions are generous .
We have never left this place disappointed or hungry. We always stop there after a big day exploring this wonderful coastal area .
Thank you to the Rust pelican and their friendly staff . Keep up the good work !
1
12th June 2011
I would highly recommend this place if you are visiting Matakana. We had a thoroughly enjoyable experience here. Great food, with a vast menu and delicious pizzas. The atmosphere was relaxing and friendly and the service was really efficient.
2
6th June 2011
We had a great time here. Would strongly recommend this place to visit in Matakana. Fantastic place!
1
9th June 2011
Paying for the water is not a big deal when the food you get here is great . Every meal ive ever eaten here has impressed me and when i walked across the street to the service station i had to pay for water as well so its not out of the ordinary . Itd be different if they were charging for tap water . anyways , great food , great service , would eat there again in a heartbeat .
25th January 2011
This place is amazing, absolute bang for your buck . They only serve bottled water but all the proceeds go to a charity and i have no problem in helping out a couple charity’s, as no one should . The pizzas are the best I’ve ever had especially the shrimpy, loaded with shrimp unlike some other pizza places that are a bit tight with their toppings. I’ve eaten here several times now and have always had great service, waitresses and managers are also very nice. Great place to eat at.
7th January 2011
Major gripe – you pay for water. The restaurant manager tells me that all the proceeeds of water sales go to local charities. Actually no one seems to buy water so this ploy just results in lots more drink sales for the restaurant. Tap water on the table is something that should be available in every restaurant.
The pizzas are quite good but apart from that the choice of dishes is confined to the deep fried and the brown. Expensive for what you get – this place would not survive outside overpriced, pretentious Matakana.
The pizzas are quite good but apart from that the choice of dishes is confined to the deep fried and the brown. Expensive for what you get – this place would not survive outside overpriced, pretentious Matakana.
2
22nd September 2010
They charge for water!!!
They only serve bottled water, they should offer you free tap water. Stupid wasn’t impressed.
They only serve bottled water, they should offer you free tap water. Stupid wasn’t impressed.
1
17th September 2010
I went to the roast night on Wednesday in the Rusty Pelican with four other friends,we booked at 6:30pm lucky because the restaurant full,we know why! The food was amazing,we will be back very soon!Must go again!
27
17th July 2010
Lovely food. Place a bit barn like and noisy though. I’d probably go again.
9th July 2010
if you are coming into the ww,matakana or omaha areas,you won’t find better than the Rusty P!!Locals and visitors alike pack this place throughout the year and it’s really no surprise–excellent friendly staff,a cosy relaxed atmosphere and a superb choice of cuisine,makes the Rusty the best- hands down.Along with excellent value for money and the best pizzas around–this place is a winner and to be recommended. A 1.
1
10th June 2010
Having been to numerous restaurants, cafes and bars over the years locally, nationally and periodcally internationally… I have come to know that if I go to the Rusty Pelican I will get great value for money and good service. After enquiring about having to pay for my water I was informed by the owner proceeds from the water goes to local sports clubs and charities.
This helped to ease the pain of paying for my water. The pizzas, especially the 2 for 1 pizza deal, my favourite is the Red Rooster. Excellent value – can’t be beaten!
This helped to ease the pain of paying for my water. The pizzas, especially the 2 for 1 pizza deal, my favourite is the Red Rooster. Excellent value – can’t be beaten!
1
14th March 2010
READ GARTH PEN’S REVIEW & WONDER DOES ANYONE GET A “TUESDAY 2 FOR 1 PIZZA” DEAL……
I discovered the Rusty Pelican when a friend I did the 2004 Rotorua Marathon with challenged me to finish it.
Several weeks beforehand they surprised-shouted me a delicious meat-lovers pizza dinning at the Rusty Pelican. It was then and still is the best pizza on earth in my mind, and I’m semi-vegetarian!
So a couple of weeks ago whilst traveling back down to Auckland from Russell I stopped off purposely with 4 well to do retired American politicians. It was just before 6pm when we arrived and the “Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza” sign outside hit a high note with everyone until we were told that we needed to be there BEFORE 5pm to get that deal. Everyone instantly changed their orders to dinner meals. Everyone did enjoy their varying meals and had a pleasant enough time. But no-one got to taste the delicious unique Rusty Pelican pizza that only they create.
Morning, noon or night – what time can one order and receive the “Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza” deal exactly on any given Tuesday???
I’m a little afraid now after I’m posting this no-one ever will.
Keep you pizza deal going please, that is if it really ever was a true and valid offer.
I discovered the Rusty Pelican when a friend I did the 2004 Rotorua Marathon with challenged me to finish it.
Several weeks beforehand they surprised-shouted me a delicious meat-lovers pizza dinning at the Rusty Pelican. It was then and still is the best pizza on earth in my mind, and I’m semi-vegetarian!
So a couple of weeks ago whilst traveling back down to Auckland from Russell I stopped off purposely with 4 well to do retired American politicians. It was just before 6pm when we arrived and the “Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza” sign outside hit a high note with everyone until we were told that we needed to be there BEFORE 5pm to get that deal. Everyone instantly changed their orders to dinner meals. Everyone did enjoy their varying meals and had a pleasant enough time. But no-one got to taste the delicious unique Rusty Pelican pizza that only they create.
Morning, noon or night – what time can one order and receive the “Tuesday 2 for 1 pizza” deal exactly on any given Tuesday???
I’m a little afraid now after I’m posting this no-one ever will.
Keep you pizza deal going please, that is if it really ever was a true and valid offer.
1
30th December 2009
We booked for lunch for 1.30pm but were only given a dinner menu. We had a party of 9 plus 2 young children and ordered a variety of beverages but they refused to provide free tap water, which was very poor service. Only 2 of the meals ordered involved pizza but, when all other meals were served, one of the pizza meals did not come. He was told he would have to wait 8 more minutes but it was at least 10 and others in the party were well into their meals by then. Again, poor service, although the waitress herself was very personable and helpful.
The food was tasty but quite expensive for what it was at that time of day and the type of restaurant.
The food was tasty but quite expensive for what it was at that time of day and the type of restaurant.
1
3rd May 2009
When driving past the Rusty Pelican in Matakana, we saw a huge sign “2 for 1 Pizza, Tuesdays” so stopped to get a bite to eat. After ordering 2 pizza’s wine and beer and querying the total price, we were told by the very rude manager/cook that the pizza deal was only available after 5pm and that he was too busy and was giving them away at that price anyway (there was only 1 other customer). We checked the sign again, no mention of the after 5pm condition or that the manager was so obnoxious! He did however want to make the point that he was soooo successful he didn’t need our business anyway. Certainly left us with a bitter taste in our mouths!! Jaffa
31st August 2008
If you are dining in Matakana you can’t go past the Rusty, beautiful large meals at very reasonable prices and very competent attentive staff, well done best restaurant in Rodney
1
18th June 2008
I can certainly recommend the Wednesday night Roast Special. Soup was tasty, but only just warm when served. Nice to have a choice of three meats (which just melt in the mouth)for the main and also choice of 2 desserts. The portions gave value for dollar.
It is nice to have reasonably priced dining back in Matakana, where families can actually afford to dine out. It is also nice to see that Averill is back on board.
It is nice to have reasonably priced dining back in Matakana, where families can actually afford to dine out. It is also nice to see that Averill is back on board.
64
27th April 2007
These guys make such delicious pizza, that it is totally worth the wait during peak times.
The possibility of a long wait is the only draw back with Rusty Pelican . . . though it’s not always a problem – I’ve only experienced the really long wait during high-holiday season at peak meal times.
The possibility of a long wait is the only draw back with Rusty Pelican . . . though it’s not always a problem – I’ve only experienced the really long wait during high-holiday season at peak meal times.
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