New Zealand’s answer to the laid-back yet convivial surf clubs Australia is famed for, a new venture by the hospitality collective behind Queens Rooftop & Wineshop is set to shake up the dining scene on the North Shore.
Takapuna Surf Club — an all-day bar and eatery designed by the experts at CTRL Space, sits perched above Takapuna Beach, with sweeping views and multiple spots to catch the day’s rays. Holding pole position, and boasting an exceptional food offering and a fantastic array of drinks, this spot caters both to those seeking a casual locale for a catch up with the kids in tow, and those looking for a more refined experience.
“Takapuna Surf Club is about bringing people together over great food, perfectly mixed cocktails, shared experiences, and a little bit of fun.” says co-founder Callum O’Brien. “Not only have we built a fantastic food and beverage offering, we’ve created a space for the community to connect and to feel proud of.”
At the helm of the kitchen is Maia Atvars, co-founder and celebrated chef behind Queens Rooftop, bringing his signature touch to a menu that reimagines nostalgic clubroom dining. Elevated yet familiar, it offers everything from prawns on ice to golden schnitzels and stacked subs. The standout? Authentic wood-fired pizzas, perfected in an imported Italian oven. Even the kids’ menu goes beyond the ordinary, delivering wholesome, satisfying plates that cater to both young diners and discerning parents alike.
Bringing their cocktail expertise from Queens Rooftop to the Shore, the team has crafted a drinks menu that blends nostalgia with fresh, seasonal flair. Ice-cold beers on tap cater to a casual post-swim refresh, while crisp bubbles set the tone for a leisurely long lunch. As the sun dips, fruit-forward cocktails — rooted in classic favourites — offer the perfect evening indulgence.
But the offering goes beyond great food and drinks. The expansive eatery also features a dedicated games area, featuring pinball, arcade machines, and high-tech dart lanes imported from Europe, while sports fans can catch major games on large screens throughout the venue. Music is at the heart of the experience, with DJs spinning vinyl to set the mood — whether it’s a mellow Sunday session or a lively Saturday night.
CTRL-Space have carefully crafted the interiors to balance laid-back, classic surf club nostalgia with a nod to more metropolitan iconic beachside destinations, using timeless materials like natural wood, stone, and breeze blocks to create an effortlessly inviting atmosphere.
Whether for casual drinks, long lunches, convivial dinners, or game-day gatherings, the setting lends itself to any and every occasion — something that didn’t happen by chance, “We couldn’t resist having some fun with this concept — a throwback to weekends at the local surf club, especially for those who grew up in small-town beach communities,” says Sam Griffin, Creative Director of CTRL-Space, “For so many Kiwis, the surf club was more than just a place; it was where friends and families gathered, where sandy feet and sun-soaked afternoons turned into laid-back evenings. We’ve designed a space that captures that effortless, nostalgic charm. Turn up in your togs and towel, grab a beer and a slice of pizza, and settle into the vibe.”
Thoughtfully designed for both relaxed drop-ins and refined gatherings, with its sun-drenched rooftop, ocean views, and effortlessly welcoming atmosphere, Takapuna Surf Club is set to become the Shore’s go-to beachside destination.
Opening: Tuesday 11th March
instagram.com/takapunasurfclub
Takapuna Surf Club
111 Hurstmere Road
Takapuna
Auckland
