Food & Dining

Whangamata Pizza: Where to Get the Best Slice

Whangamata pizza restaurants
Image: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA licence

Whangamata has a solid pizza scene for a small beach town. From wood-fired sourdough to classic Kiwi takeaway pies, here is every place you can get pizza in Whangamata, with what they serve, where to find them, and whether they deliver.

Where to Get Pizza in Whangamata

Wood-Fired Pizza

Smoky Pallet

The go-to pizza spot in Whangamata. Smoky Pallet serves wood-fired pizzas from a traditional oven with crispy, charred bases and quality toppings. Expect queues in summer — that is how good it is. Menu includes classics plus creative seasonal specials using local ingredients.

Address: 639 Port Road, Whangamata
Phone: (07) 865 6964
Hours: Wed-Sun from 4pm (summer daily)
Dine-in: Yes   Takeaway: Yes   Delivery: No
Known for: Wood-fired sourdough base, smoky flavour, seasonal specials
Price: $18-$28 per pizza

Age suitability: All ages
Getting there: 639 Port Road, walk or drive
Entry cost: $18-28 per pizza
Phone: (07) 865 6964

Pizzeria & Takeaway

Pizza Plaza

A classic Kiwi pizza shop on Port Road serving generous, affordable pizzas. Pizza Plaza does big New Zealand-style pizzas with thick bases and loaded toppings. Great for families wanting to feed a crowd on a budget. Phone orders for pickup recommended in summer.

Address: 607 Port Road, Whangamata
Phone: (07) 865 7390
Hours: Daily from 4pm
Dine-in: Limited   Takeaway: Yes   Delivery: Yes
Known for: Large NZ-style pizzas, family deals, affordable prices
Price: $12-$22 per pizza

Age suitability: All ages
Getting there: 607 Port Road, walk or drive
Entry cost: $12-22 per pizza
Phone: (07) 865 7390

Pizzeria & Catering

Kitchenese Pizzeria & Catering

Kitchenese offers gourmet-style pizzas with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Also does catering for events and parties. A solid alternative to the bigger names, with a loyal local following. Good vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Address: Port Road, Whangamata
Hours: Evenings, check seasonal hours
Takeaway: Yes   Catering: Yes
Known for: Gourmet pizzas, event catering, GF options

Age suitability: All ages
Getting there: Port Road, walk or drive
Entry cost: $16-26 per pizza

Pizza & Takeaway

Marjo Pizza

Marjo Pizza is a straightforward takeaway pizza shop serving classic flavours at good prices. No frills, just solid pizza. A popular late-night option during summer when other places are booked out or closed.

Address: Port Road, Whangamata
Hours: Daily evenings (extended summer)
Takeaway: Yes   Delivery: Limited area
Known for: Affordable, classic NZ pizzas, late-night option
Price: $10-$20 per pizza

Age suitability: All ages
Getting there: Port Road, walk or drive
Entry cost: $10-20 per pizza

Pizza Delivery in Whangamata

Pizza Plaza is the main delivery option in Whangamata, covering the township area. During peak summer, delivery times can hit 45+ minutes so ordering early evening is recommended. Pickup is always faster. Smoky Pallet is takeaway/dine-in only — no delivery.

Quick Comparison

Pizza SpotStylePrice RangeDeliveryBest For
Smoky PalletWood-fired$18-$28NoDate night, quality
Pizza PlazaNZ Classic$12-$22YesFamilies, delivery
KitcheneseGourmet$16-$26NoEvents, GF options
Marjo PizzaClassic$10-$20LimitedBudget, late night

Tips for Ordering Pizza in Whangamata

  • Summer Friday/Saturday nights: Order before 6pm or expect 45+ minute waits everywhere
  • Smoky Pallet queues: Get there at 4pm opening to avoid the rush
  • Gluten-free: Smoky Pallet and Kitchenese both offer GF bases
  • Pickup is always faster than delivery during peak season
  • Winter hours: Some places close or reduce days — call ahead
  • Cash and card: All pizza spots accept EFTPOS and credit cards

Frequently Asked Questions About Whangamata Pizza: Where to Get

What is the best pizza in Whangamata?

Smoky Pallet is widely considered the best for quality wood-fired pizza. For value and delivery, Pizza Plaza is the top pick.

Does Whangamata have pizza delivery?

Yes. Pizza Plaza delivers within the Whangamata township. Marjo Pizza also offers limited delivery. Smoky Pallet and Kitchenese are takeaway/dine-in only.

Can I get gluten-free pizza in Whangamata?

Yes. Smoky Pallet and Kitchenese both offer gluten-free base options.

Are pizza places open in winter?

Most operate year-round but with reduced hours and days in winter (typically closed Monday-Tuesday). Always check before heading out between May and October.

Written by

Mereana Kauri

Mereana Kauri is a journalist and writer based in Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula. Born and raised on the coast, she covers local news, community events, surf culture, and everything that makes this beach town tick. When she is not chasing stories, you will find her walking the estuary trails or catching waves at the bar.