Palmerston North: NZ's Underrated Coffee Capital
Move over, Wellington - Palmerston North is quietly but confidently building its case as an alternative coffee capital.
Words by: John Son
Photos by: Anna Briggs
The heart of the Manawatū and home to one of the country’s most attractive parks, Palmerston North has nonetheless kept a fairly low profile as a food and beverage destination. That perception might slowly but surely be changing, though - with a growing collection of superb cafes and coffee spots, Palmy’s reputation among coffee aficionados is only growing stronger by the day. From quirky-themed cafes and charismatic bohemian spots to convenient coffee carts, here’s where to stop for your coffee fix in Palmerston North.
Mouthwater Coffee Company
Various locations
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).
Ebony Coffee Roasters
208 Featherston Street, Palmerston North Central
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.
Arrosta Coffee Roasting Co.
42 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North Central
Smack-bang in the heart of the city centre lies the Victoria Avenue espresso bar 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.
Sublime Coffee Roasters
203 Cuba Street, Palmerston North Central
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.
Joseph Street Kitchen
55A Joseph Street, West End
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
35 Ascot Street, Hokowhitu
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.
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Neat Palmerston North Places
Saigon Corner
Head to Saigon Corner on Princess Street for a taste of Vietnam. This local spot’s modern Vietnamese cuisine has earned excellence on TripAdvisor for over three years straight, and it doesn’t take long to figure out why.
Central Bicycle Studio
If your bike needs a trusted hand in central Palmerston North, head to Central Bicycle Studio on 267 Main Street.
LOCAL Café and Eatery
The fit-out is welcoming and bright, with cosy booths, low-top tables, a long communal table, and plenty of patio seating for nice days.
Ginger Bird
Ginger Bird is a countryside café with a big heart, excellent service, homemade treats and barista coffee. The café is housed within two shipping containers, but you’d never guess once inside as the wide windows, light timber and warm lighting give the space a cosy, homey feel.
Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge
For a breathtaking outdoor adventure, simply pop “State Highway Three - Manawatū Gorge” into your map app and complete the quick 20 minute drive from downtown Palmerston North. Nestled between mountains and carved by geological forces over the last three million years, Te Āpiti is a natural time capsule.
