Palmerston North: NZ's Underrated Coffee Capital

A man holding a red cup of coffee outside a coffee cart.

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

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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

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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.

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42 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North Central

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.

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

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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.

Cafe Cuba

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236 Cuba Street, Palmerston North Central

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.

Neat Palmerston North Places

Wildbase Recovery

A rescued morepork cuddling up in a blue towel.
Place Palmerston North
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Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital is a place where you can observe New Zealand’s unique native species and learn more about the hard work that goes into looking after them.

Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge

Three people walking under trees.
Place Palmerston North
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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.

Nero

A cosy nook of the restaurant with blue tile.
Place Palmerston North
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Nero, a family-owned modern bistro, has made a name for themselves in Palmerston North over the last twenty years with consistently great food and service.

Libre

The restaurant.
Place Palmerston North
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On George Street you’ll find Libre, one of the best spots we’ve found for authentic and delicious Mexican food and drink in all of New Zealand.