“Calming - creative - experiential-delectable”
By Sophie O’Grady
Kia ora!
November 1
It’s”goodbye” to Savour Northland 2025 - many thanks to those who enjoyed our Wagyu Shabu Shabu Perfect Pairing with The Landing Chardonnay.
On our new menu a couple of our standout dishes return - Venison Tartare w/ Sichuan pepper oil, soy, dark vinegar, fresh ginger, micro watercress salad & fresh egg yolk and Spanish style sautéed Squid & Olives. In addition we have crispy fried Lamb Shank, pickled ginger mash, Māha curry sauce. Scroll down to see the full menu.
Starting this evening our new fish special is Kabayaki Bluenose fillet, with King Prawn & miso risotto, Asian salsa verde. At the moment our beef special is succulent Wagyu Sirloin served “old school” style with sautéed mushroom & sauce Choron!
Opening hours are updated monthly - please see our November hours below. We will be updating our December & January hours soon. Meanwhile keep an eye on Google Business.
Our food is flavourful and flexible. Share some dishes, share everything or nothing - it’s your choice! Scroll down to see the current menus. The specials boards also change regularly.
When you reserve your table let us know whether you would like to dine out on the covered deck to enjoy dining in the subtropical garden. We still have a few tables outside - dogs are welcome there. To contact us click on the link below to send an email and we will reply as soon as possible or call us 09 945 6551.
Our menu format - izakaya style - is designed to share because: “The way to the state of Māha is through sharing great kai” (Chef Ming). The Māha experience = warm & friendly service+tasty innovative food+great drinks, including many non-alcoholic options!
Scroll down and click on the menu link to see the current menu. Many of our dishes are either gluten free or can be made GF for you. We are able to customise most of our dishes to suit you as an individual rather than listing menu items as GF, vegetarian etc. When you book you’re welcome to state any dietary requirements or let us know on arrival.
*A reminder that we sell vouchers so give us a call or email us to organise it!
Our space is well ventilated, we have table service, and well distanced seating. Even if it’s cold outside, it’s warm inside - heaters are on and curtains are drawn. Our covered deck offers a stunning garden vista guaranteed to delight and relax diners that’s also great for casual drinks & nibbles.
Ngā mihi nui Diane and Ming x
“Earthy and esoteric elements meld in a pan-Asian menu. Māha prides itself on using fresh, local and seasonal products in their delivery of unpretentious, clean and honest food. A menu made with love and calm consideration – by grown-ups for grown-ups.” (Cuisine Magazine 2023).
Māha Sashimi featuring Southern Bluefin Tuna otoro, natural brew soy, Yamachu wasabi, house pickled ginger
About
When you come to Māha you are welcomed into ‘our place’ or our ‘whare’ where our manaakitanga means you are cared for in body, mind and spirit!
The owners are the operators - Ming is the chef and Diane is the front of house person. We met in Sydney when we both worked at a little restaurant in Woolloomooloo. Over classic Martinis one night in a variety of Paddington establishments we made the choice to be together, following each other over the next few years around several cities and countries as work and life choices dictated. We decided to make New Zealand home, specifically Wellington. Ming was the opening executive chef at Chow, Dojo and Ancestral and my first job back in NZ was at Brasserie Flipp. Together we opened a little restaurant called The Orange Dining Room (ODR) in Swan Lane, off Cuba St. It was actually orange! Ming won Chef of the Year and Best Dish of the Year.
Like many people, for us Northland was a discovery made by chance that has become our home of choice. There’s something about it that nurtures the soul - the light, the colours, the diversity.
ODR is essentially reborn at Māha Restaurant in the Wharepuke Subtropical Garden - light, spacious, modern and eclectic in decor and flavours. We are seasoned hospitality professionals serving you creative and inspired food and curated beverages. We have put together a space that is truly ‘us’, even to the point of accommodating many dietary intolerances. I know myself, for example, how hard it is to find food without onions all through it - the adverse reaction I have makes dining out simply hard work! We enjoy offering you a customised experience.
Wharepuke is now a creative hub for enjoying art, dining, relaxing and learning - with walks, workshops and accommodation all within a private family owned and operated subtropical paradise. Discover it for yourself!
Photo by Jill Lancaster, October 2023
When You Dine Here You Support Our Local Suppliers:
Omata Estate
144 Islands Wine
Black Collar Distillery
The Landing Winery
Phat House Brewing
Kōwhai Point EV Olive Oil
Bella Vacca Jersey Milk
Marangai Farm Eggs
Orira Orchards
Paroa Bay Oysters
Omak Meats
The Packhouse Market
Lee Fishery
BOI Barbeque
Join our mailing list
If you’d like to be kept informed about Māha news and special events please click on the button below!