August has a way of bringing out Auckland appetites. Menus change, tables fill up, and there's a real energy around trying or experiencing somewhere new. It's the perfect excuse to get out with friends and family and soak up all the fantastic cuisine Tāmaki Makaurau and its many talented chefs have to offer. And this year, experiencing something new doesn't need to mean restricting yourself to Auckland City.
Waiheke Island is only a short ferry ride away
And for me, Bistro Allpress is one of the best reasons to make the trip over there. When most of us think of Waiheke Island, beaches and vineyards spring to mind, but Allpress is quietly adding another string to the island's bow, one bottle of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) at a time.
Bistro Allpress is certainly one of the newer names on the island, having opened in November 2025, though it's already earned its place alongside some of Waiheke's longer standing favourites. Set among working olive groves with a big courtyard and an outdoor pizza kitchen, it's a venue that turns a winter's day into something a little bit special. Add in a bit of wine, a slow lunch, and a change of scenery from the city, and you've got a proper August day trip that is sure to dazzle everyone in your company.
A unique space to dine with provenance at its culinary core
The team behind one of Waiheke's freshest venues are farmers, growers and blenders of Waiheke-grown extra virgin olive oil, and that shows up in everything on the table. The venue is casual and informal, built around good produce, thoughtful cooking and good company, with the kind of relaxed, well-considered space that lets the views over the groves do a lot of the work.
On the outside, Bistro Allpress has a touch of an LA-esque architecture vibe, at least until you look up and remember you're surrounded by olive groves running up into the hills. Step inside and the interiors are worth a moment on their own too, with a warmth to the space that makes it feel like you've stepped somewhere further afield for the day.
The whole site sits on Rangihoua Estate, where the first trees went in back in 1997, so the setting has had nearly 30 years to establish itself. The kitchen leans into the setting, with produce that's grown, milled or sourced close to home. The simple menu caters to almost every palate and allows for simplicity and seasonality rather than long lists, with each dish keeping to a few good ingredients so the local produce, and their very own olive oil, can do the talking.
Cosy up by the fire and eat
On a recent weekend visit in July, we spent a while going over the menu before taking the lead of the helpful staff and their recommendations. We landed on the rotisserie chicken with spring herbs and sage and onion stuffing, Allpress sourdough, saganaki with honey, veal scotch steak with green peppercorn sauce, a jacket potato, and a potato gratin with sage, onion and parmesan. We shared a bottle of Seresin Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 between us, which paired well with both the veal and the rotisserie chicken. The meal landed somewhere between comfort food and something a little more considered, cosy Kiwiana with some finer, much appreciated touches running through it. The Allpress Peppery extra virgin olive oil sat on the table throughout, ours to add as we liked, and it was particularly good with the sourdough.
To finish, we enjoyed the orange olive oil cake with vanilla cream and the Allpress affogato. Both are worth saving room for.
I'm not going to lie, being so close to the working pizza kitchen, I had menu envy of every table that had a slice heading their way. What is it with humans and our total obsession with pizza? Still, our food came out quickly and was completely delicious, not a single bite left on the plate. After seeing what walked past, though, next time I'd happily make room for a pizza too, even if it meant taking some for the road.
By chance we were seated outside by the fire, which to me felt like one of the best spots in the courtyard. I loved the added touch of the blankets on hand in case the fire wasn't quite keeping up. Plenty of others were doing the same, all rugged up and making the most of a crisp July day. From our table, we could watch the chefs working the pizza and focaccia through the open kitchen. There's something about being able to see the cooking happen that adds to the whole Bistro Allpress experience.
As for the atmosphere, it had a good, busy yet fun vibe all round. The staff were lovely and clearly knew the menu well, which I always appreciate.
Hot tip: get cosy by the fire at Bistro Allpress. Just call ahead to say you want all the cosy winter hygge fire feels.
So, what's on this winter at the Bistro?
There seems to be plenty on to keep things interesting at the bistro over winter.
Rotisserie Sundays run all winter long at Bistro Allpress. You can choose porchetta or roast chicken, served with mashed potato and seasonal roast vegetables, for $49. The full lunch menu is also available if you'd rather order off the board.
Every Monday and Thursday, one of the bistro's chefs shares a dish from home. This week it's Chef Jeff, taking diners on a journey to the Philippines with a dish from his home country, served alongside a Peroni for $55.
Want to book an olive oil tasting while you're there? Here’s how
The Tasting Room & Store is open 10am to 4pm, seven days, and a 15-minute tasting can be booked online for $10 per person. Here you can try their range of olive oils, mānuka honey and other special island-made condiments. Once you've submitted the form, the team will confirm a time, and bookings may be grouped together during busy periods. It's an easy way to fill the time before or after lunch, and to learn a bit about how the oil that ends up on your table is grown and pressed.
And I always have to leave with a taste of the Bistro in my hands
It's an item I am not sure I can live without. So, before you leave, pick up a jar of the very green, second to none, Waiheke Herb Spread. It's available to purchase from their tasting room. It's a blend of fresh and wild harvested Waiheke herbs, chosen for their flavour as much as their nutritional qualities, mixed through Allpress extra virgin olive oil.
OMG, it's brilliant on nearly all roast or barbecued meats, potatoes, or my favourite, poached eggs during slower weekend days. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long once it's in my fridge, and I am sure you'll have the same problem too. And for $18.50 a jar, it also makes the perfect gift for those foodies out there who may not have even heard of it.
A few things to know before you go
The bistro takes bookings for around half its seating, keeping the rest flexible for the large courtyard when the weather allows. Walk-ins are welcome too, and the team will do their best to find you a spot if you turn up without a booking.
Winter opening hours are:
- Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11.30am to 8pm
- Sunday, 11.30am to 5pm
- Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Bookings of up to 10 guests can be made online. If you're a larger group, get in touch with the bistro directly to arrange your reservation, and note that a set menu applies for bookings of 11 or more.
Keep an eye on the weather too. The courtyard is a big part of the experience, and while the bistro takes bookings for around half its seating regardless of conditions, a fine winter's day on Waiheke Island makes the outdoor pizza kitchen and courtyard tables well worth the trip.
Getting to Bistro Allpress with Fullers360
Bistro Allpress sits inland from Church Bay, on the western side of Waiheke Island, and the easiest way there starts with the ferry.
Step one: the ferry to Waiheke Island
Fullers360 sails from Auckland's Downtown Ferry Terminal to Waiheke Island's Matiatia Ferry Terminal in approximately 40 minutes. Sailings run throughout the day, so there's flexibility to fit around lunch or dinner bookings at the bistro. Read more about fare prices and timetables to and from the island here.
Step two: getting from Matiatia to the bistro
From Matiatia, there are a few ways to reach Bistro Allpress.
The Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is the easiest option if you'd like to see more of the island along the way. It's a double-decker bus that loops around Waiheke Island's west side, departing Matiatia every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the day and season, with Allpress Olive Groves as one of its stops. Hop off there for lunch, then hop back on when you're ready to keep exploring or head back to the ferry. The route also passes wineries, beaches and art galleries along the way.
A local Waiheke bus is another option. The 502 runs from Matiatia Ferry Terminal via Oneroa, with Allpress Olive Groves along the route. Timetables are available at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, and buses are scheduled to connect with ferry arrivals.
A taxi from Matiatia is the quickest door-to-door option, particularly useful if you're travelling for dinner or want a bit more certainty around timing for a booking.
Whichever way you choose, it's worth allowing a little extra travel time either side of your booking, especially over the winter months when ferry and bus schedules can shift.
Go on, get out on the water and make a day of it
August is a good month to get out and try a new restaurant with those foodie friends of yours, and Waiheke Island in winter has its own quiet charm. Fewer crowds, crisp air, and a courtyard lunch at Bistro Allpress that feels like a proper little escape without having gone too far.
There's no single dish to point you towards at Bistro Allpress. The menu covers a lot of ground, and it's all worth trying, so our advice is simply to get yourself to Allpress for a long lunch with friends or family and see what you fancy on the day.
However you plan it, Waiheke Island is well worth the ferry ride this August, and we'll help you get there for a little less. Enter the promo code 'IslandEats10' at checkout to save $10 on Waiheke Walk-Up fares throughout August (terms and conditions apply).
Save time and book your Waiheke Walk-Up ferry and your Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus online at fullers.co.nz. You can book your table at Bistro Allpress directly to lock in your spot.
See you on the water.
Winter on Waiheke. The island's best-kept secret
