New operator announced for Rotokawau Virginia Lake Café

Published on 30 April 2025

The Rotokawau Virginia Lake Café (formerly known as the Funky Duck) is set to reopen in May with experienced hospitality operator Bizen Miyake, owner of the popular Japanese restaurant Momiji, taking over as the new leaseholder.

The café will open on Thursday, 1 May 2025, offering coffee, ice cream and light snacks. A full menu including cabinet food, burgers and chips, rice bowls and sushi takeaway options will be available by the end of May once kitchen renovations are complete.

The café will be open daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm with plans to extend the hours in the future.

Bringing more than 20 years' experience to the role, Bizen Miyake is currently giving the café a minor makeover with improvements including additional outdoor seating, a new sushi takeaway corner and a cosy dining space.

Bizen Miyake says he is looking forward to opening the café and introducing a fresh new menu for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“For me, cooking is about more than just food. I’m happiest when people enjoy what I make – when it brings a smile to their face.”

Bizen Miyake’s hospitality journey began in Auckland in the late 1990s, before he returned to Japan and opened his own restaurant in Kyoto. After 14 years, he and his family chose to return to New Zealand, eventually settling in Whanganui.

“What I love about Whanganui is its balance — the river, the ocean, the slower pace,” Bizen Miyake says.

Eight years ago, he opened local Japanese takeaway restaurant Momiji, which has been warmly received by the community.

The council’s chief strategy officer, Sarah O’Hagan, says it’s wonderful to see a new chapter beginning for the café.

“Virginia Lake is a special and important place for both locals and visitors,” she says. “We’re really pleased to support this next step and look forward to seeing the café become a well-loved part of the lake experience once again.”