Have a cup of coffee or tea in a cafe with character. There are 37 unusual cafes listed, we have included cafes that are unusual because of the way they are built, eg. Cafe Eutopia, Kaiwaka; they are themed eg. Mainline Station Cafe, Domett or they have interesting attractions additional to the cafe itself, eg. L'Arte, Taupo.
If you have any suggestions for cafes to add, feel free to email us.
(Updated: March 2019)
What's New? Living Water Bush Cafe, Waioeka Gorge
North Island
Kaeo
Madhatters Donna's Cafe, 17 Leigh Street
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There's a neat little mother and daughters enterprise on the main street in Kaeo - Madhatters Donna's Cafe, DROFnROC clothing boutique and Hair on Earth Salon. Madhatters Cafe is bright blue and has pink and white umbrellas on the deck and a big rainbow coloured chair in front so you can't miss it. There are Alice in Wonderland touches inside including an Alice jig saw, a top hat made from ties and a small tea pot collection. Alice's open egg burger and Donna's truck and trailer (I'm guessing that's a big breakfast) are on the menu or there are pies and sweet treats in the cabinet. Call in to Kaeo for a cup of tea, 'it's always tea-time' according to the Mad Hatter.
It costs $2.50 per person per hour to play the games.
The cafe is light and bright, has wooden floors and colourful rugs, and plenty of seating for groups and families. There's a short menu that includes cup cakes, slices and cookies. Cakes n Ladders is open 1pm -10pm Wednesday - Friday, 10am - 10pm Saturday and Sunday.
Bethells Cafe, Te Henga/Bethells Beach (approximately 30kms north west of Auckland city)
If you're looking for some wild West Coast surf you will find it at Te Henga / Bethells Beach. Life guards were on duty the day we visited and it was just as well, the sea swells were mighty. There is an estuary that feeds into the surf that is safe for children to paddle around in. If you get hungry trek across the hot black sand to Bethells Cafe for a West Coast burger, wood fired pizza or a donut.
Pipiroa
Bugger Cafe, 1492 State Highway 25, Pipiroa
www.buggercafe.co.nz
We were towing the caravan when I asked Mike to do a u-turn so we could go to Bugger Cafe, I've got to say he said a bit more than bugger :). We'd just had breakfast so I only got a flat white to go but the food looked scrumptious. The owners of Bugger Cafe want everyone to laugh more, it's easy to do when looking at the photos of 'bugger moments' in the cafe, they share some on Facebook too. It's a good cafe stop to make if you're travelling between Auckland and Coromandel, definitely worth the u-turn. Open 7 days, 8am - 5pm.
Waihi Beach
Secret Garden, 17 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach
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It's not often I open a door and find myself transported into another world but that's what happened when I opened the door to Secret Garden. We relaxed in a Balinese style hut but you can also pull up a cushion at a low table on the lawn. Tropical flowers and plants blend in with garden ornaments and it's a peaceful escape in a village that's already blessed with a great beach on its door step. Call in for a coffee, smoothie or a snack. (Secret Garden is usually closed in winter, check link above to confirm).
If you'd like to go up in the air, book a flight in one of the biplanes or soar through the sky in a glider. If you'd prefer to keep your feet on the ground you can buy a model plane from The Bunker gift shop.
Hamilton
Zealong Tea Estate, 495 Gordonton Road
https://zealong.com
Zealong Tea Estate is home to New Zealand's only tea plantation. The onsite restaurant serves lunch and high tea as well as five flavours of Zealong tea. If you're keen to learn more about the tea and the history of Zealong guided tours are an option. It's especially nice to sit outside overlooking the rows of tea plants, we also recommend high tea - High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate via thecuriouskiwi/blog. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Closed public holidays.
Jukebox Diner, 11 Railside Place, Dinsdale
www.classicsmuseum.co.nz
Flashback to the 50's at the American themed Jukebox Diner with its bright red booths and Chevrolet condiment counter. We stopped in for burgers and a browse through the NZ Hot Rod magazines. If you like classic cars and automobilia you can visit the adjoining Classics Museum - we wrote about some of the more unusual vehicles on display via thecuriouskiwi/blog.
You could also time your visit for the Classic Car meet on the first Sunday of the month.
Raglan area
Te Uku Roast Office, 3438 State Highway 23
www.raglanroast.co.nz
The old Te Uku Post Office has been turned into Te Uku Roast Office, it's open from 6am to serve coffee to commuters doing the Raglan to Hamilton run. There is a small selection of food, but it's essentially a coffee stop with a small art gallery attached. The gallery is a fitting tribute to Ernest Moon, a former Te Uku Post Office Post Master and artist who didn't have the use of his hands so learned to paint with his feet.
We like the art work that is Raglan Roast's Raglan centric logo - a coat of arms featuring a Maori warrior with a surf board, and a coffee cup. Raglan Roast also brews coffee in Raglan, Hamilton, Gisborne, Wellington and Nelson.
Tirau
Bugger Cafe, 29 Main Road, Tirau
www.bugger.co.nz
The second Bugger Cafe opened in Tirau in April 2015 and it's become a regular stop when we drive from Rotorua to Auckland. The cafe is spacious and has plenty of windows so it's light and bright, there's also seating on the deck for sunny days. We like the stylish fit out, the friendly staff and ofcourse the 'bugger moments' around the cafe. Big bugger and little bugger sausage rolls, carrot cake and coffee are popular choices for our quick lunch stops.
Rotorua
Abracadabra Cafe & Bar, 1263 Amohia Street
www.abracadabracafe.com
The rustic and bohemian style at Abracadabra make it one of Rotorua's most unusual cafes. Brunch is served from 10.30am Tuesday to Sunday and brunch staples include generous servings of creamy mushrooms on ciabatta ($15.50), and bacon and eggs ($16.50). Take a seat under the Morroccan style lighting in the main dining area, streetside on the black and white verandah, in one of the colourful small rooms, or head out the back to the rustic bar (ideal for groups).
Taupo
L'Arte Cafe & Gallery, 255 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay
www.larte.co.nz
Visit L'Arte for breakfast, lunch or a glass of wine and an antipasto platter. We chose lunch from the cabinet but you can order breakfast and lunch from the menu. If you like mosaic art you will love L'Arte's outdoor mosaic living room.
Follow the mosaic path to the small onsite gallery selling art work created by New Zealand artists. L'Arte is about 20 minutes drive from Taupo town centre, we think it's well worth the detour for the excellent food and inspiring art work.
Storehouse, 14 Runanga Street, Taupo Central
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If you like a reuse and recycle vibe with your coffee and are looking for somewhere a bit different to dine, you'll find Storehouse on Runanga Street, a little off the beaten track in an industrial part of town.
The Federal Store - Cafe & Deli, 440 Devon Street East
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My first visit to The Federal Store was during the WOMAD Festival and it was packed to bursting. Returning to New Plymouth a few months later, we found the cafe just as popular on a sunny Sunday afternoon when we called in for coffee and cake. There are touches of the 50's throughout like the vintage style aprons and head scarves worn by some of the staff, a Tip Top mural, and paper bunting. Foxton Fizz and thick shakes are on the drinks menu and there's a cabinet full of tempting cakes. The Federal Store is a little out of the action on Devon Street East but worth the drive.
Deluxe Diner, 36 Leach Street
www.deluxediner.co.nz
We had breakfast at the American themed Deluxe Diner - see thecuriouskiwi/blog - Back to the 50's in New Plymouth.
Wellington
Boat Cafe, Freyberg Lagoon, Oriental Parade, city
www.boatcafe.co.nz
Boat Cafe floats in Freyberg Lagoon, I spent a cold March morning drinking coffee and eating a muffin while watching and waiting for the weather to clear. They had a pile of FishHead magazines to keep me company, and a fire to keep me warm. I'm always a fan of cafes that provide something to read with my coffee, even better when what I'm reading tells me about what's happening in their city. (RIP FishHead magazine, Capital magazine filled the gap and it can be read online and in print). The Boat Cafe is open 7 days.
Stories Espresso Bar, 40A Cuba Street, city
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Stories Espresso Bar was set up by Zeal Education Trust to provide employment and work experience for young baristas. Coffee and sweet treats are sold from the converted shipping container on lower Cuba Street. (For more information see thecuriouskiwi/blog - Drinking for good in Wellington).
Maranui Cafe, The Parade, Lyall Bay
www.maranuicafe.co.nz
The Maranui Cafe shares a building with the Maranui Surf Life Saving Club. In 2009 the building was gutted by fire and faced permanent closure, however community support helped get the cafe and the SLSC up and running again. The cafe is a colourful mix of retro style and an ocean theme to match its beachfront location in Lyall Bay.
The cafe is upstairs and looks over the water to Wellington airport, we saw five planes land in the time it took us to drink two bottles of Foxton Fizz. Open 7 days, 7am - 5pm. (Note: As the cafe is upstairs and in a character building there is no easy access for wheel chairs).
South Island
Nelson
Tasman
Jester House Cafe, 320 Aporo Road (within 10km of Mapua)
www.jesterhouse.co.nz
Jester House Cafe has something to keep all the family entertained, there's a giant chess set, hungry (and friendly) eels in the stream (September - May) and sculptures in the garden. We had a platter for two, other options include seafood chowder and three cheese souffle.
The cafe focuses more on meals than snacks however you could call in for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. The cafe is licensed and locally brewed beer and wine is served, I liked the Mussel Inn Ginger Bear. If you have ever wondered how a composting toilet works you can find out at Jester House.
Upper Moutere
Riverside Cafe (part of Riverside Community), Inland Moutere Highway, (5 minutes south of Motueka)
www.riverside-cafe.co.nz
If you're interested in learning about co-operative and sustainable community living, visiting Riverside Cafe is a good place to start. The Community make many of the items on the cafe menu and use their own as well as local ingredients. Jams, pickles, plants and homespun wool are also sold. Fair trade coffee and Riverside juice is served, and vegans, vegetarians and those requiring gluten free dishes are catered for.
Work by local artists is on display and you can dine in the lovely garden or inside. If you would like to extend your stay at Riverside there is accommodation onsite and Wwoofing may be an option. Visit Facebook to check hours, the cafe may close for a time over winter.
Takaka
Pirate Espresso, Port Tarakohe (10 minutes drive from Takaka)
Thanks for the memories Physalie - Pirate Espresso floats no more, just the photos remain......
Ross
Flossie's, Aylmer Street (look out for the sign opposite the i-SITE). Note: The last post on Flossie's Facebook page was December 2017 so it may not still be operating.
I'm not sure what it means to do something in West Coast style but I suspect Flossie's may be a good example. Want a cafe in your backyard? Easy as - put a sign out on the road, cobble together a collection of seats, and go into the kitchen and bake a tart or two. Welcome visitors into your abundant garden with its decaying piece of Kiwiana, put the jug on, and you're set.
Domett
Mainline Station Cafe, corner Main Road & Old Main Road (SH1 between Christchurch and Kaikoura)
www.mainline-station-tripledash.co.nz
Mainline Station Cafe is currently closed for repairs - visit the website link above for updates.
In 1982 Domett Railway Station was tendered for removal, it spent the next 14 or so years as a farm storage shed. A six month restoration enabled it to open as Mainline Station Cafe in 1996. NZ Railways memorabilia decorates the cafe, including menus from the days when a Great Railway Pie with potato and salad would set you back $6, and a cup of tea $1.10. If you're a Kiwi old enough to remember your mother collecting souvenir teaspoons you might recognise some of the NZ Railways inspired collection.
In the past we might have been served our tea in the practically unbreakable NZ Railways cups and saucers, however they're collectors' items these days. There are a few cafes in the area so you won't go hungry however the owners of Mainline Station Cafe are chefs so it's a tasty pit stop to make. We always eat here when we travel from Christchurch to Kaikoura and have never been disappointed, there's morning/afternoon tea treats as well as more substantial meals on the menu.
Akaroa
The Artist's Palate cafe, 68 Rue Balguerie
www.thegiantshouse.co.nz
The Artist's Palate cafe is at The Giant's House B&B in Akaroa and is open during summer only. A sensational attraction at The Giant's House is the landscaped garden that incorporates life size and larger mosaic creations and sculptures. The mosaic project began when owner of the property, artist Josie Martin, started digging a garden. Josie dug up buried china and saved it as part of the history of the property, she decided to start mosaicing the front step, then the floor of the conservatory ... until the work of art it is today. The garden can be visited year round.
Lake Tekapo
Astro Cafe, Godley Peaks Road
www.earthandsky.co.nz
During the day you can drive up the road to Astro Cafe, the cafe sits on the summit of Mount John, 300 metres above Lake Tekapo and Mackenzie Basin. The cafe has a glass roof and walls to make the most of the view day and night, at night Observatory Tours are offered. It's also possible to walk to the summit - see thecuriouskiwi/blog - A short, steep climb to Astro Cafe, Lake Tekapo.
Timaru
The Shearer's Quarters, 932 Seadown Road
www.theshearersquarters.co.nz
The former owners of The Shearer's Quarters had the idea to turn their little used farm buildings into a cafe and gift shop. Judging by the number of cars and visitors that were at the cafe when we visited their idea has turned into a great success. The cafe and gift shop are housed in a former grain solo, woolshed, and shearer's quarters. The sheep yards and paddocks have been converted into homes for pigs, goats and alpacas. You can also tee off (gently) on the mini golf course. The Shearers' Quarters is a great family friendly cafe located ten minutes north of Timaru. If you are travelling south from Temuka, turn off around 2km down SH1 into Arowhenua Station Road and then turn into Seadown Road.
Oamaru
Whitestone Cheese, Corner Torridge & Humber Streets
www.whitestonecheese.co.nz
We gobbled up a tasting plate of six Whitestone cheeses at the factory shop, cheese is also sold from the little Whitestone Cheese caravan at the Oamaru Famers Market on Sundays. Those interested in the cheesemaking process can take a guided tour and tasting. See the FAQ section to find the answers to lots of cheese related questions.
Cromwell
Grain & Seed Cafe, Cromwell Heritage Precinct
www.cromwellheritageprecinct.co.nz
The original Cromwell town centre, homes, farms and orchards were intentionally flooded to make way for Clyde Dam. Fortunately, many historic buildings from the town centre were disassembled and put back together on the site that is now Cromwell Heritage Precinct (formerly Old Cromwell Town).
It's worth stopping in Cromwell to walk around the area, artists sell their work from some of the old buildings and Grain and Seed Cafe in the old grain store is a good place to stop for refreshments. (For more information about Cromwell Heritage Precinct see thecuriouskiwi/blog - The town that drowned).
The Garden is a peaceful setting to enjoy a cup of tea and a Chinese board game, if I was a resident I'd buy a 12 month pass. The tea shop menu isn't large but items include traditional Chinese buns and fortune cookies. Admission to the garden is $9.50 adults, children under 13 free. Audio tours - free. Open 7 days. The Garden hosts a Moon Festival each September, visit Facebook for more information. (A blog post about Dunedin Chinese Garden).
Haast
Otoko Espresso, Haast (check Facebook incase it's on the move)
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Look out for an eye catching orange Land Rover with the Otoko Espresso tin hut in tow in Haast township between 11am and 3pm most days over summer. Otoko Espresso is a tribute from a daughter to her father, a passionate hunter who passed away in 2008. Ron (also known as the Bear) spent many years hunting, Otoko was one of his favourite hunting areas, hence the name. The hut is a replica of the type he would have stayed in. Ron certainly wouldn't have brewed coffee the same way as his daughter Robyn, and I don't know what he thought of flat whites and lattes, but I'm sure the aged venison burgers on the menu would've got the thumbs up.
We were a couple of months too early for a venison burger, and a few minutes too late for a latte, but right on time for a whitebait pattie. And what better place to try a pattie than at Otoko Espresso in Haast - the whitebait capital of NZ (or is that the world? I think the locals are keen for either to catch on). The pattie was big, tastefully fishy and packed full of the delicacy that Robyn said usually fetches an average of $40-$50 a kilogram. Swap Robyn $10 for a whitebait pattie.
Invercargill
The Grille Cafe, Bill Richardson Transport World, 491 Tay Street
www.transportworld.co.nz
The Grille Cafe at Transport World has lots of vehicle themed touches - number plates are used as light fittings and table numbers, a 44 gallon drum is a water dispenser, and old grills hang above the bar. There's a front end of a Mack truck behind closed doors for children to play in, and fans of the 1950's can sit inside a pastel coloured kitchen complete with appliances.
There were more than 20 breakfast and lunch dishes to choose from when we visited as well as sweet treats in the cabinet. It's not often I'd recommend people visit the toilets, but both guys and girls will be pleasantly surprised with what they'll find. Open 7 days. (Blog post about our visit to Bill Richardson Transport World).
Comments to date: 4. Page 1 of 1.
Rachael | |
Thanks Mark, will do, it looks like there are lots of interesting things to see inside. | |
Mark | |
Next time you are down south Rachael, check out my friend, Maryr's , Cafe Primo in Methven. | |
Rachael | |
Thanks Dennis, amended accordingly. | |
dennis | |
Climbing wall is going again at Hep Set Mooch | |
