The 6 Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Waitomo, New Zealand
Waitomo’s cafes have everything visitors could ask for on a day jam-packed with activities. Besides serving up some great coffee, these places offer a range of fantastic meals – from tasty treats and snacks to a mouth-watering selection of mains that are sure to keep your appetite and energy levels high. To help you select the right place for your food and caffeine fix, here’s a hand-picked selection of the area’s finest establishments.
HUHU Cafe
Cafe, Restaurant, Bar, Contemporary, European, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan
The award-winning Huhu Cafe has been serving up an impressive selection of healthy, freshly made meals since opening its doors in 2007. This eatery doubles up as restaurant and bar, making it an ideal stopover for any time of the day. Coffee-loving patrons will have their fix of great fair trade brews made with beans sourced from New Zealand’s iconic Atomic Coffee roasters. If you’ve built up an appetite after spending the morning exploring the Waitomo Caves, you’ll have your pick of a variety of wholesome contemporary flavours to try, from tasty potato skins to delectable desserts and an assortment of hearty meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.
Waitomo General Store
Cafe, Grocery Store, Contemporary, European
The General Store is a place where you can stock up on some basic grocery supplies before heading into its cafe for all your brunching needs. A large deck area with plenty of seating makes this the ideal place for a cuppa with friends on a clear summer’s day. Food options appeal to all the coffee-shop classics, from much-loved staples like eggs Benedict to sandwiches and snacks that are sure to please all palates and cravings.
Cafe at Waitomo Adventures
Cafe, Contemporary, European
A tasty fixture of Waitomo Adventures that provides visiting thrill-seekers with plenty of nourishment after their caving expedition. Walk inside the cafe to be welcomed by an array of tasty cabinet classics like pies, cakes, muffins, slices, salads and sandwiches. Breads and biscuits are also on sale if you want to grab some on-the-go baked goodies to take away with your coffee.
The Long Black Cafe
Cafe, Contemporary, American, Vegetarian, Vegan
The Long Black Cafe enjoys a tranquil rural setting despite being right at the heart of all the action. This cafe is found right by The Legendary White Water Rafting Co., one of the key adventure tour operators in Waitomo. If you’ve just spent some time rafting down the iconic caverns, you’ll be able to replenish yourself with an awesome assortment of gourmet burgers – there are options for famished vegetarian and vegans as well as the meat lovers among us. Your caffeine fix is very much covered and the cafe also specialises in cool drinks like thick shakes, iced coffees and milkshakes.
Toi Toi Coffee
Coffee Shop, Cafe, Contemporary, European
This roadside cafe is the ultimate pit stop for those wanting to explore Waitomo’s walking trails – the Marokopa Falls track, for instance, is only within a couple of minutes’ driving distance. Besides serving up some great brews and tasty cafe treats,b Toi Toi Coffee enjoys fantastic views of the bluff and river adjacent to it, making it a pleasant place to recoup and unwind after a day of hiking.
Morepork Pizzeria and Cafe
Pizzeria, Cafe, Italian, European
This pizzeria-cafe hybrid is run by Kiwi Paka – a budget-friendly hostel that’s practically a veteran in Waitomo’s accommodation industry. As its name suggests, pizza is the must-try for lunch and dinnertime visitors; if you’re coming in the morning you’ll have a great selection of breakfast and brunch staples to fill you up while you get your caffeine fix.