Sage Restaurant

Sage is located at 46 Otamarua Road, Russell 0271, perched above the Bay of Islands at Paroa Bay Winery. The elevated position gives sweeping views over the sea and surroundings, making the natural landscape part of the dining experience.

Cuisine & Philosophy

• Sage offers a modern New Zealand-style menu where the chefs are inspired by both Moana (ocean) and Whenua (land).
• Seafood on the menu is sustainably caught and line-caught.
• Ingredients are drawn heavily from local suppliers: estate-grown vegetables & herbs, nearby oysters, cheeses, honey, eggs, etc. Some produce is harvested right from the restaurant’s gardens.
• The food aims to balance creative flair with letting the ingredient shine. So while presentation and innovation are present, the natural flavour of each component is respected.
• Wines served are matched from their own cellar door, offering a full-circle experience: from vineyard to the table.

Awards & Credentials

• Sage Restaurant was awarded a **One Hat** in the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2025.

Operating Hours & Services

• Open **Wednesday to Sunday** from 12pm to 10pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
• Complimentary transfer service is offered from Russell by request.

Local Suppliers & Produce Highlights

Sage places weight on using nearby producers. Examples include:

• Vegetables & herbs grown on-estate.
• Oysters from Orongo Bay (Kohe Kohe), ~9 km away.
• Honey from “Deliah’s” in Reka Reka, Rawhiti (~ 23 km) and other producers for dairy, meats, cheeses etc.

Why It Stands Out

Sage combines its beautiful location, local sourcing, and thoughtful food-and-wine pairing to create an experience that connects diners to the Bay of Islands in more than just flavour. Whether it’s a special night out for locals or a memorable meal for visitors, the unity of ocean, land, vineyard, and kitchen gives a sense of place that many restaurants seek but few achieve. The One Hat recognition adds to its credibility. The complimentary transfer from Russell underlines a commitment to guest convenience.