At the Heart of Mount Maunganui
Located at 82 Maunganui Road, just steps from the beach beneath iconic Mauao and right in the heart of downtown Mount Maunganui, Astrolabe Brew Bar is a lively gastropub known for its retro decor, vibrant atmosphere, range of craft beers and diverse elevated pub-style menu.
Astrolabe Brew Bar has been the go-to spot for locals to catch up, relax and celebrate since 1994. “The Lab”, as we’re affectionately known by locals, is one of the area’s most iconic social hubs.
Just a short walk from the beach, the Mount’s shops, and the pulse of summer foot traffic, Astrolabe sits at the crossroads of coastal lifestyle and community connection.
Astrolabe has firmly earned its title as a hub in the community, the local place to bring your mates, your family, or a date.
A Place for Everyone
Kick back, enjoy the sun in our extensive garden bar, let the kids play in the treehouse slide area, or hang out inside our retro surf-inspired restaurant.
Whether you’re rolling solo or with your entire family or group of friends, or dropping in for a cold beer and burger or staying for dinner and a cocktail, you’ll always find a spot to watch some surfing or rugby on our big screens or be entertained by one of our live acts or DJs that we regularly host.
Our venue attracts a diverse crowd: surfers fresh from the ocean, families enjoying relaxed afternoons, tradies winding down after work, students, professionals, grandparents, and visitors discovering the Mount for the first time.
The vibe is relaxed yet energetic – equal parts beach, retro surf culture, and modern entertainment venue.
Whether the sun is shining over the beer garden or the venue is buzzing at night with music and laughter, Astrolabe feels inclusive, familiar, and alive.
A Local Icon Since 1994
Since opening its doors in 1994, Astrolabe has been part of the Mount Maunganui landscape, earning its reputation as a cornerstone of local hospitality. Over that time, it has continuously evolved while staying true to its roots as a place for people to gather, celebrate, and unwind.
Around a decade ago, the venue underwent a defining transformation, one that leaned not into trends, but into nostalgia. The interiors were “re-wound” to reflect the 1970s, drawing inspiration from the golden era of Kiwi beach culture: surfboards, summer holidays, simple pleasures, and time spent together.
The result is a space that feels both timeless and personal, like stepping into a well-loved coastal bach filled with stories.
Our venue’s history lives in the memories of locals who have grown up alongside it. Many patrons recall their first family meal, first live gig, or first legal beer at The Lab. That continuity across generations is a large part of what makes Astrolabe so special. It hasn’t just witnessed Mount Maunganui’s growth; it has grown with it.
The Astrolabe Experience
Astrolabe is best described as a hybrid venue, offering multiple experiences under one roof. Guests can choose between relaxed indoor dining, a retro-inspired restaurant space, or the expansive outdoor garden bar, complete with heaters, screens, and a back bar with a pool table and DJ booth.
Food and beverage are central to the experience. Expect crowd-pleasing gastro-bar fare, burgers, shared plates and meals that work just as well for families as they do for groups of friends. Behind the bar, Astrolabe serves cold beers, cocktails, and drinks designed to suit long afternoons that turn into evenings.
Entertainment is woven into everyday life at The Lab. From curated playlists and surf films playing daily, to quiz nights, comedy shows, live bands, and DJs, there is always something happening.
The venue is known for hosting everything from local school band showcases to large-scale events such as skate jams, snow jams, comedy nights, and surf film premieres.
On weekends and late nights, Astrolabe transforms into one of the Mount’s leading music venues, hosting local, national, and international artists, all supported by high-quality sound, lighting, and a strong focus on safe, positive vibes. Over the past five years Astrolabe has grown to become one of the leading house music venues in the country.
Our Community
Mount Maunganui – often called “The Mount” by locals – is a popular coastal town in the Bay of Plenty, known for its beaches, lifestyle, and relaxed surf culture.
Astrolabe’s success is inseparable from its community. Mount Maunganui is often described as one of the best places in Aotearoa to live and visit, known for its surf culture, outdoor lifestyle and strong local identity. Astrolabe reflects that spirit – open, friendly, and proud of where it belongs.
The venue actively supports and collaborates with local schools, surf clubs, charities, artists, and event organisers. From hosting youth music concerts and school performances to supporting surf lifesaving clubs, food banks, and community fundraisers, Astrolabe consistently gives back to the people who support it.
Seasonal traditions such as Christmas Catch-Ups, gold-coin charity nights, and winter rugby screenings have become annual rituals for locals. Visitors quickly notice that Astrolabe isn’t just a place to eat or drink—it’s a meeting point, a memory-maker, and a shared space where the Mount comes together.
At its heart, Astrolabe Brew Bar is about hospitality in its truest sense: welcoming everyone, fostering connection, and creating experiences that people return to year after year.
