Best New Zealand Cafes

What more, how to narrow down to some best ones?

These are some we had experienced ourselves during our one month travel in both the North and South Island. The opinions are brief but we try to point how each of them deserved to be featured in this page.

So here we go… as usual, let’s begin with the North Island:

Nourished - Best in Auckland city
This must be the best in the whole length of Auckland’s Queen street. A sure haven of good food, wine and great Emporio coffee, serving all-day breakfasts and excellent open kitchen fare. I love the simple and modern design of the interiors. 1 Queen Street, 09 309 7953



Sidetrack Café - Our Favourite!
You know this got to be good when it’s a regular hangout for locals in the morning, even restaurant/café owners and barristas – so there must be something about this place. We adore the breakfast and open fare menu. A busy and award-winning sidewalk, what better place to savour delicious food facing ocean beach.Marine Parade, Mt Maunganui, 07 575 2145



Fat Dog – The ‘Hottest’ place to be
Everyone knows about Fat Dog. It is probably the funkiest in the region! Choose from the wide array of attractive cabinet fare to the yummy milkshakes. Big servings, affordable, lively ambience and you guess it – friendly service!116 Arawa St, Rotorua, 07 347 7586

Lime – Best salad in the North Island
I like Lime. I am most captivated by the modern café feel, with a hint of retro. Menu is limited but the dishes – excellent. So what makes it the best? It’s the Warm salad of homemade chorizo, roasted kumara, soft-boiled egg with roasted red pepper aioli – the yummiest salad I had.Fenton & Whakaue St, Rotorua, 07 350 2033


Café Replete – Most popular in Taupo
All a sudden, it seems that everyone wants to lunch at Replete. This is a busy and popular place. The food at Replete are freshly prepared right on premises. Choose from their delicious salads, paninis and hot dishes. What’s characteristic about this popular hang-out is the kitchenware shop next door. Offering domestic finds to their house chutneys and preserves.45 Heu Heu St, Taupo, 07 377 3011





Ujazi – Best Hot Chocolate!
Hot Chocolate is just something you can’t do without on a cold morning. I had this regular favourite in a lot of cafes and Ujazi comes up tops! Served in a soup bowl (fills you up and great value for $), it goes well with the excellent food the café serves. If you like a slightly atmosphere, this place fits the bill.28 Tennyson Street, Napier, 06 835 1490




Lambretta’s – Yummiest French Toast
We like the casual and relaxed atmosphere in this art-deco styled café. Tastefully adorned with ‘cool’ scooter pictures and even a scooter on the wall, Lambretta’s is interesting! My French toast was beautifully presented and truly the yummiest!204, Hardy Street, Nelson, 03 545 8555

Hapuku – Nicest Architecture
If you are into river stone, solid wooden furniture and impressive sculptures and most of all, organic food, you will love award winning Hapuku. Set on a rural property 5 minutes from Kaikoura, this is a wonderful place for some real hearty and healthy fare. We stayed in the Olive House, next door to the impressive Lodge. Read it in our Bed and Breakfast page.SH1, Kaikoura, 03 319 6558




Le Cafe - Most Vibrant Cafe
Located in the Arts Centre, this place is as busy as the outdoor markets on the weekends! A fantastic place to sit back for a good coffee or feast on the wide selection of cafe dishes to fresh local seafood and yummy pasta dishes. I wouldn't miss being having a meal here if I'm at the Arts Centre! Open early till late, and stays open til after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Arts Centre, Hereford Street, Christchurch, 03 366 7722





Kai Whakapai Cafe & Bar - Cupcakes to Die For!
This is probably the most popular of Wanaka's cafes and best of all, the cupcakes are to die for!!! So good that I bagged few more for the road! With a great selection of cakes, pastries, pies, pizzas, fresh pastas and savouries at sensible prices, you not only will enjoy the delicious food, but the all-smiles service too! Lakefront, Wanaka, 03 443 7795



Vudu - The Most Artistic Cafe
This is definitely a favourite haven for lots of tourists and locals. I love the bright interior and the colourful artworks on the walls give the entire cafe lot of character! There's no better place for a good shot of coffee and some healthy fare if you are taking a break from the adventures in this lively town. And if you want some privacy, pick a seat in the cute al fresco area. 23 Beach Street, Queenstown, 03 442 5357