Palmerston North: NZ's Underrated Coffee Capital

Wander around the city centre, and you’re bound to stumble across one of the three Mouthwater coffee carts. The unmissable red carts are the brainchild of Andrew Feldon, a coffee hero who has turned his passion and know-how of all things coffee into a beloved local brand. What the carts lack in size, they more than makeup for with fantastic coffee, delicious snacks to go and quality conversation (and dad jokes).

Cyclista is a real gem of the trendy George Street, delivering bucketloads of character and top-notch coffee. Owners Steve and Katherine have fused their dual passions of cycling and coffee into a truly unique themed cafe, with the walls laden with cycling posters, memorabilia and merch - and actual bikes, of course. Pair your coffee with a sweet or savoury bagel as you admire the effort that’s gone into carving out this delightful little niche.

Part cafe, part specialty retail store, Ebony is a one-stop shop for any and every coffee need. As you wait for your coffee you can peruse the shelves of drip kettles, Chemexes, cold brew setups, and other brewing equipment, as well as watch the in-house roastery hard at work. Want to get even closer to the action? Sign up for a class at Ebony’s barista training school, which is held just down the road.

Smack-bang in the heart of the city centre lies the flagship cafe of Arrosta, a revered local name that supplies beans to scores of cafes and other outlets around Palmerston North. In addition to your favourite coffees, you’ll find a fantastic selection of slices and other treats to tuck into. There’s even a functional roastery on-site, as well as a range of wholesale beans and brewing gear and accessories available to buy.

Originally hailing from Nelson, Sublime Coffee Roasters has carved out a little slice of the North Island to call home – and Palmerston North locals couldn’t be more grateful. A small, lean operation based out of a fresh and funky building on Cuba Street, Sublime keeps its core offerings tight and focused: fantastic coffee, a handful of slices and small bites, plus outstanding customer service to top it all off.

On this quiet residential street lies a building swathed in vines, sticking out like a sore thumb and indicating the left-field vibes within. A stone’s throw from the city centre, Joseph Street Kitchen is a rustic, bohemian cafe that feels like a real hidden oasis. Great coffee is matched with an extensive food menu, making it a versatile spot for a quick meal on the go or a long lunch. Dogs are welcome, too, with plenty of outside seating to catch the sun.

Coffee on Ascot is a light, bright, and airy neighbourhood cafe that’s a perfect place to drop by for a quality coffee away from the crowds. Try the famous superfood lattes (think velvet and mushroom lattes), as well as the allergy-friendly raw slices and home-baked snacks. With a selection of large communal tables and outdoor seating, it’s one of the most warm and welcoming cafes in town.

A homely yet spacious eatery, Cafe Cuba is a local institution that has something for everyone. While a cafe by nature, the food here does a stellar job of pulling in the crowds, thanks in no small part to the substantial cabinet filled with slices and cakes. Choose from peppermint, custard, fudge, or a whole swathe of other slices, or the renowned chocolate mud or carrot cake. There are plenty of savoury options too, for those looking for a hearty brunch.