About Smith & Local

Smith & Local is a warm, welcoming cafe, coffee shop and pizzeria in Parua Bay on Whangārei Heads Road. We serve coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, pizza, local art, live music and community events.

More than anything, Smith & Local is a place to gather for family meals, catch ups with friends, creative nights, beach day stops and good conversations.

Smith and Local image of their espresso machine making coffee
Helen, Fish and Regan outside Smith and Local cafe in Parua Bay with their dog, celebrating the cafe’s past and present in a warm coastal setting.

Two Eras, One Local Gathering Place

Smith & Local began with Helen and Fish, beloved Parua Bay locals who brought years of hospitality experience, good food and community spirit to this little cafe, coffee shop and pizzeria.

Now, Smith & Local has entered a new chapter with Regan. Originally from the United States, Regan brings her love of home cooking, international flavors and warm hospitality to Parua Bay while honoring the traditions Helen and Fish started.

With great coffee, fresh food, local art, live music and familiar faces, Smith & Local remains a place to slow down, connect and feel welcome.

Coffee Made for the Way You Live

Coffee is part of the rhythm at Smith & Local. Stop in for morning coffee before work, a flat white with friends, an iced coffee on a warm Parua Bay day, or a takeaway cup before heading toward Whangārei Heads.

We serve coffee with care using beans from Mt Atkinson Coffee, in a relaxed space where locals, tradies, families, travelers and visitors can slow down, catch up, or keep moving.

Smith And Local coffee on table inside
coffee in NZ a great place for a warm gathering

Food with Heart and Flavor

Food at Smith & Local is generous, comforting and made for gathering. Our menu brings together home cooking, cafe favorites, international inspiration and the warm hospitality of Parua Bay. Stop in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, pizza, burgers, cabinet food, sweet treats and rotating vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options whenever possible.

Art, Music & Community

Smith & Local is a creative gathering place in Parua Bay, with local art on the walls, live music, First Fridays Art and community events throughout the year. Our walls feature rotating local and international art.

Whether you are an artist, musician, local regular, visitor, family, or someone looking for a welcoming place to connect, Smith & Local is here for you. You can also find Smith & Local on TripAdvisor and HappyCow to see what visitors are saying.

5 star reviews for Smith & Local

"Love this place. Love how Fish & Helen have created such a great place for the community to "hang out" for a wine or two. Great coffee, great food and great ambience - what more could you ask for (and great "bunless" burger when you're trying to be healthy!)"

- Jodie H.

5 star reviews for Smith & Local

"A fine cosy gem with food- to lick your fingers off! Just the right place to stop by on your way to the Ocean Beach. 5 Stars"

- Maria B.

5 star reviews for Smith & Local

"Best pesto scones we've ever had! So good we got some to take away. Friendly service, great atmosphere, delicious smoothie and iced coffee. What an absolute gem of a place! Can't wait to go back for pizzas."

- Claire L.

Local Goods and Takeaway Treats

Smith & Local is more than a place to eat. We carry rotating local goods, boutique food finds and small products from makers, growers and artisans.

Fuel for Slow Roads and Salt Air.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smith & Local Coffee Shop

Why should I visit Smith & Local from Whangārei?

Smith & Local is a great reason to take the scenic drive from Whangārei to Parua Bay. It feels different from a city cafe, with good coffee, honest food, local art, live music and a relaxed coastal community atmosphere on Whangārei Heads Road.

What kind of atmosphere does Smith & Local have?

Smith & Local has a warm, eclectic and welcoming cafe atmosphere. It is part coffee shop, part pizzeria, part local gathering place, with art on the walls, music in the air and a mix of locals, families, travelers, surfers, hikers and visitors passing through Parua Bay.

Is Smith & Local a good place to meet friends or family?

Yes. Smith & Local is a comfortable place to meet friends, bring family, catch up over coffee, share a meal, or spend a slower afternoon in Parua Bay. It is relaxed, friendly and made for gathering.

What makes Smith & Local different from other cafes near Whangārei?

Smith & Local combines local hospitality, international food inspiration, coffee, pizza, art, live music and community events in one small Parua Bay cafe. It is a place with personality, history and a strong connection to the local community.

Is Smith & Local welcoming to everyone?

Yes. Smith & Local is proud to be a safe, inclusive and LGBTQIA friendly cafe in Parua Bay. Everyone is welcome here, including locals, visitors, Māori whānau, families, artists, travelers and anyone looking for good food, good coffee and a kind place to land.

Come Visit Smith & Local Cafe

Stop in for good coffee, honest food and a warm welcome in Parua Bay. You’ll find us on Whangārei Heads Road, close to Whangārei Heads, Ocean Beach, Mt Manaia, Taurikura and Urquharts Bay.