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.

Words by: Ashlyn Oswalt

Photography by: Nancy Zhou & Anna Briggs

Wānaka’s best brunch spots are dotted around the town, but they all have one thing in common: fuelling your next adventure. Whether that’s soaking in lakeside views, coffee shop hopping, or skiing down a mountain, Wānaka has what you need to start your day. 

Scroggin

Cafes key icon.

71 Ardmore St, Wānaka

‘Gather, feast, stay awhile’ is Scroggin’s tagline, and we couldn’t think of a slogan more suitable for this Wānaka brunch favourite. The airy, Scandinavian-inspired space is perfect for all seasons, featuring a cosy fire to warm winter hands and big, open A-frame windows to take in the lake and township views. If you’re just after a coffee, try their cold brew option roasted by Flight, to start your day. For brunch, there’s a wide array of options for all dietary preferences, from classic granolas to sandwiches that will satisfy hunger pains around the clock.

Federal Diner

Cafes key icon.

47 Helwick St, Wānaka

A beloved spot in Wānaka’s centre, Federal Diner dishes up breakfast favourites that feature organic eggs, free-range meats and their Wānaka-famous scones. Snag a seat inside and take in the funky, eclectic decor, or check out the sun-drenched courtyard, both perfect backdrops to sip Emporio coffee and examine the extensive menu. You wouldn’t be the first person to like this place so much you make a reservation for dinner, too.

Neat Wānaka Places

The Green Room

The interior of The Green Room flower and plant store with light pink counters.
Place Wānaka
Goods key icon.

A smart, fresh and colourful botanical store, The Green Room is the place to come for beautiful plants or a big bouquet for someone special.

Muttonbird

Enclosed balcony dining area at Muttonbird, Wānaka.
Place Wānaka
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

It’s a seabird you can eat that smells like fish and tastes like mutton.

The Secret Sauna

A view of a little wooden sauna next to a lake on a sunny day.
Place Wānaka
Stay and explore key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Picture this: an off-grid, wood-fired sauna sits peacefully on the shore of a glacial lake, smoke softly puffing out of the chimney while through the generous window, a...

The Next Chapter

The outside of The Next Chapter, Wānaka on a sunny day.
Place Wānaka

Located out front of Paradiso Cinema, in a purpose-built, architecturally designed, scaled-up kiosk, The Next Chapter provides readers with an intimate escape from the...