For a township that loves high-energy outdoor pursuits, it pays to keep them going all day long - hence why there’s a thriving number of cafés in Wanaka, it’s to ensure the resident population here doesn’t go un-caffeinated for long.

The real pleasure is it’s damn good coffee too; from the quick take away joints operating out of former garages, to the sit and stay a while cafés, Wanaka is home to plenty of spots to rest and recharge. Come holiday season, expect to find all these Wanaka cafes fair bursting at the seams, because everyone here wants in on a bit of the eating and drinking fun. 

If it’s good food you’re after, then you’re in luck there too, Wanaka cafés make sure to keep their people fuelled with delicious meals as well as coffee. Settle in for a brunch or lunch or a snack on the go - whichever it is know that it will be served up with a cheery smile and a hearty sense of small town openness. And don’t go thinking that a small population means a dicey quality of food offerings, Wanaka cafés are crisp, modern, top rate establishments where presentation of meals is as important as flavours and price. For a holiday that you’ll remember deep in your taste bud memories for a long time after, make sure to visit plenty of Wanaka cafés while you’re there.

Beyond the Eggs Bene, Here's Where to Get Your Brunch Fix in Wānaka

Barista making coffee at Kamino.
With plenty of beautiful fit-outs, premium roasted coffee and health- and earth-conscious brunch places, you’re sure to find one that suits you.

Velo Café & Beer Garden

Exterior view of Velo Café & Beer Garden.
Place Wānaka
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We won’t lie.

Kamino

The brick and glass exterior of Kamino cafe in Wanaka.
Place Wānaka
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If you don’t know where Kamino is in the Star Wars galaxy, never fear.

Curbside Coffee & Bagels

The courtyard of the Curbside cafe with festoon lights strung in the sky.
Place Wānaka
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If the timber letters spelling out ‘Coffee & Bagels’ overhead aren’t an obvious enough announcement of your arrival at Curbside then the aroma of freshly ground coffee and the sounds of a busy barista working the machine will certainly grab your attention.

Wānaka Lavender Farm

A purple tractor parked in between rows of purple lavender at Wānaka Lavender Farm.
Place Wānaka
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This is not your typical working farm.

arc

High angle view of a person cutting into a fish and citrus dish, wine and other dishes on the table at arc, Wānaka.
Place Wānaka
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Owners of Wānaka restaurant arc, James Stapley and Sam Cooper know a thing or two about what makes a good eatery.

The Precinct

People walking down the alleyway.
Place Wānaka
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A stylish, shared complex in Wānaka with a range of alluring retail and hospitality stores.

Scroggin

Two savoury dishes, a savoury, filled croissant, a milky coffee and mug of tea on the table at Scroggin, Wānaka.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
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With a Scandinavian-inspired fit-out to match the mountains and adventures to be had in Wānaka, you'll quickly understand why this coffee and eatery’s tagline is ‘Gather, feast, stay for a while.’

b.social

Outdoor area with a bike parked up at b.social, Wānaka.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
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The b.social taproom and eatery is a great spot for eating and drinking that is worthy of a visit (or many), whether you’re just in town for the weekend or call this beautiful region home year-round.

Impress Your Tastebuds with Wānaka's Most Delicious Dishes

A staff member holding three plates of food at Kika in Wānaka.
It’s important to get a taste of whatever place you’re visiting, and the best way to do that is to simply get out and about and sit yourself down at some of the neatest restaurants in town.

Urban Grind

A man holding a plate of food.
Place Wānaka
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An all-day neighbourhood eatery that's been providing locals with delicious fare since 2011.

Dripping Bowl

A staff member holds two bowls, made from coconut husks, of acai topped with crunchy coconut, cacao nibs and buckwheat groats.
Place Wānaka
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Well known for acai bowls, smoothies, divine soups and a niche coffee menu, Dripping Bowl has nutrition and sustainability at its heart.

Pembroke Pâtisserie

Female staff member behind the counter at Pembroke Pâtisserie, Wānaka.
Place Wānaka Editor's Pick
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Pembroke Pâtisserie offers hot pastries for your picnic, sweet pastries galore, or for those who like the finer things in life there are artistically prepared macarons and tiny tarts.

The Coffee Shack

A woman waiting in line at The Coffee Shack.
Place Wānaka
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Proof that good things come in small packages, The Coffee Shack serves up some of the best coffee in town from its pocket-sized converted garage interior.

Federal Diner

People eating in the cafe.
Place Wānaka
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Hidden down an alleyway, Federal is a Wānaka best-kept secret and a favourite with the locals thanks to its great food, speciality coffee and relaxed atmosphere.

Fedeli

A male employee holding a pie on a plate.
Place Wānaka
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A deli with a difference, Fedeli speaks volumes about creating an aesthetically pleasing space that offers up salads, pastries and coffee done well.

Big Fig

A flatlay plate of food on a table at Big Fig in Wānaka.
Place Wānaka
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Operating by the motto ‘slow food served fast’, Big Fig dishes up meals with a Middle Eastern twist.

Black Peak Gelato

The exterior of Black Peak Gelato with tables and chairs and beanbags for customers.
Place Wānaka
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With the cheery motto ‘handcrafted happiness,’ Black Peak makes sure gelato treats are nothing short of exceptional.