About Us
A little more about our unique restaurant and bar - and how we got our name!
Two unique dining experiences
One amazing location.
Zane Grey's offers the ultimate in choice, with casual all day dining at The Dock or refined evening dining within The Aquarium. We are the only over the water venue in the Bay of Islands that offers outdoor and indoor live music and private function options for up to 600 guests.
We love our aquarium!
At the heart of our restaurant is a unique feature you won't find anywhere else - a tranquil freshwater pond.
Guests can choose to dine right beside it, enjoying the calming atmosphere as they eat, or simply wander over for a closer look from the ledge when curiosity strikes. It's a small moment of escape, right in the middle of your dining experience.
With new fish still being added regularly, each time you visit, you should see something new!
It's free to come in and visit the aquarium - a must see when in Paihia!
The Master behind the menus
We are very proud to have Danilo Radenkovic as our head chef here at Zane Grey's.
With extensive culinary experience from around the globe Danilo brings a unique flair and exquisite eye for detail to all of our menus and it is his passion and knowledge which drives our exceptional team.
Bringing his knowledge from across Europe, Central America, Asia and The Pacific, Danilo regularly transports us to new shores with his fusion of flavours.
Don't take our word for it - come and try Danilo's breathtaking menu for yourself!
Zane Grey
A pioneer in fishing
Our waterfront restaurant and bar was named after the legendary fisherman - Zane Grey.
A best selling American author, Grey indulged his passion for fishing with many visits to New Zealand.
He first visited our Far North shores in 1926 and caught several large fish of great variety, including a mako shark, a ferocious fighter which presented a new challenge. Grey then established a base at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands, which then became a destination for the rich and famous.
He wrote many articles in international sporting magazines highlighting the uniqueness of New Zealand fishing, which has produced heavy-tackle world records, for billfish, striped marlin, black marlin, blue marlin and broadbill.
A lodge and camp were established at Otehei Bay in 1927 called the Zane Grey Sporting Club.
He held numerous world records during this time and invented the teaser, a hookless bait that is still used today to attract fish!