Mavericks Gastro Pub Menu: What to Order in Taupo (2025)

Anyone who has walked into a pub expecting the same old steak and chips knows the feeling. Mavericks Gastro Pub in Taupō turns that expectation on its head with a menu that balances comfort classics and bold flavours, all backed by a name that hints at something a little different.

Menu categories: 7 sections (Pub Classics, Desserts, Small Plates, Butchers Block, Burgers, Pizzas/Pasta/Salads, Kids Menu) · Average burger price: $27.50 NZD (Maverick Angus Burger) · Kids menu availability: Yes · Location: 650 Lake Terrace, Taupō, New Zealand · Dietary accommodations: Yes, all dietary requirements catered

Five key facts at a glance:

What is the difference between a pub and a gastropub?

Key characteristics of a gastropub

• Gastropubs focus on high-quality food alongside drinks, often with a chef-driven menu (Love Taupo – tourism directory).
• The term “gastropub” emerged in the 1990s in the UK, combining “gastronomy” with “pub”.
• Mavericks Gastro Pub serves premium steaks, burgers, seafood, and cocktails – a clear departure from the standard pub grub.

What Mavericks offers as a gastropub

• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder, Korean fried chicken, loaded poké bowls, seafood chowder (Mavericks Gastropub – official website).
• Desserts such as Caramilk cheesecake and triple chocolate lava cake.
• Full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine.

The implication: calling yourself a gastropub isn’t just marketing – it demands a menu that justifies the premium. Mavericks delivers that with its ingredient range and cooking methods.

What type of food does Mavericks Woodhaven serve?

Small Plates and Starters

• Garlic Loaf ($15.00) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Guacamole & Tortilla Chips (GF) ($15) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Korean Wings ($22.50) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Crispy Calamari ($24) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Jalapeño Poppers ($15.50) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Liver Fry ($24.90) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Sample Platter ($65) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)

Burgers and Pizzas

• Maverick Angus Burger ($27.50) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Chicken Trailblazer Burger ($29.50) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Veggie Garden Grill Burger ($27.50) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)
• Margherita Pizza ($27) (Mavericks Gastropub – official menu page)

Kids Menu

• Includes fruit, cheese & crackers, corn chips with guacamole, a choice of main, a drink, and optional dessert or a classic spider (Mavericks Gastropub – official website).
• All dietary requirements are catered for (Mavericks Gastropub – official website).

Desserts

• Caramilk cheesecake, triple chocolate lava cake, and other rotating options (Mavericks Gastropub – official website).

The pattern: Mavericks doesn’t just offer a burger – it offers three burgers, each with a distinct protein or plant-based option, and prices that signal a premium positioning. For families, the kids menu is a genuine differentiator in Taupo.

Why is it called Mavericks?

History of Mavericks and Jeff Clark

• The name “Mavericks” is linked to the famous surf break in California and the story of Jeff Clark, who first surfed the giant waves there in the 1970s.
• The term “maverick” means an independent-minded person who does not conform to the group – a fitting description for a gastropub that breaks the mould of the traditional Kiwi pub.

“The pork belly bites and Korean fried chicken as starters, chicken parmigiana and nachos as mains – a real step above the average pub.”

– TripAdvisor reviewer

The catch: while the restaurant’s name carries the independent spirit, the exact reasoning behind the name is not spelled out on the official site. Still, the menu’s ambition fits the label.

What is included on a menu?

Typical menu sections

• Most menus are divided into appetisers, mains, desserts, and beverages.
• Mavericks follows this structure but expands it: Small Plates, Pub Classics, Butchers Block, Burgers, Pizzas, Pasta & Salads, Desserts, and a dedicated Kids Menu.

Mavericks menu structure

• The à la carte format allows diners to mix and match starters, mains, and sides with individual pricing.
• Weekly specials (Wednesday ribs, Thursday steak, Friday lunch) add variety without changing the core menu.

The trade-off: an à la carte menu gives freedom but can lead to a higher total bill. Mavericks balances this with value-driven specials like the $30 Thursday steak deal.

What are the basic menu types?

À la carte vs fixed menu

• À la carte – each item is priced separately; Mavericks uses this format.
• Table d’hôte – a fixed multi-course meal at a set price, common in fine dining.
• Buffet – self-service for a flat fee.
• Set menu – a limited selection offered at a fixed price, often for events.

Four menu types, one key difference: flexibility versus predictability. Mavericks leans into flexibility, letting you build your own meal.

The implication: for diners who want to control their spend, à la carte is transparent. For those who want a curated experience, a set menu might be better. Mavericks’ approach suits the independent crowd the name suggests.

Frequently asked questions

For Taupo diners, the choice is clear: Mavericks offers a menu that respects the pub tradition while pushing it forward. Whether you’re after a $15 garlic loaf or a $65 share platter, the gastropub label is earned – not just claimed.