Hone’s Garden

Hone’s Garden is a relaxed garden bar & restaurant located at 10 York Street, Russell, in the Bay of Islands, Northland. It operates seven days a week, serving meals from midday until evening, and is set in a sheltered tropical garden setting designed for casual dining and gathering.

Food & Drink Offerings

The menu centres on authentic wood-fired pizzas, including varieties such as salami, olives & jalapeños; ham, pineapple & red onion; free range chicken with red onion & BBQ sauce; and specialty options like “Summer Pizza” and white pizzas (those without tomato base).

Beyond pizzas, the selection includes side dishes and small plates such as Greek salad, Caprese salad (buffalo mozzarella, basil, tomato, olive oil & balsamic), fish & chips, salted & pepper squid, tacos and fries. Gluten-free bases are available for pizzas.

Beverages include local craft beer on tap and boutique New Zealand wines, complementing the balance of food choices.

Ambience & Dining Experience

• Set in a lush, sheltered tropical garden with a mix of outdoor and semi-covered seating, offering protection from weather while retaining a feeling of being in nature.
• Family-friendly environment; good for groups and casual meals.
• Self-seating / order-at-the-bar model (guests order food and drinks at the counter).
• Service is frequently praised in reviews for being friendly, efficient, and attentive.

Operational Details

• Open every day from 12:00 pm. On most nights closing is around 8:00 pm, with later hours (until 9:00 pm) on Friday & Saturday.
• Price range is roughly NZ$25-$50 for many pizza and mains items.
• Gluten-free bases available, but reviewers note the venue is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so there is risk for those with coeliac disease.

Standout Points

• A garden-bar style restaurant, giving Russell a casual, nature-immersed eatery separate from the waterfront bustle.
• An emphasis on wood-fired pizzas using good ingredients and variety, allowing dietary variation (vegetarian options, gluten-free bases).
• Local craft beers and boutique New Zealand wines enhance the food experience with regional beverage choices.
• Positive atmosphere, helpful service, and ambient setting (especially for lunch or casual dinner) make Hone’s Garden a favored choice among locals and visitors.

Whether you are staying in Russell or exploring the Bay of Islands, Hone’s Garden offers a less formal dining option with quality food, vibrant beverages, and a setting that encourages lingering. It works well for couples, families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to relax over wood-fired pizza and drink under trees and gardens rather than in more structured restaurant settings.