Wānaka’s signature outdoor activities make a caffeine fix a must, whether it’s a boost before you hit the slopes or trails or a restorative shot after a day on the powder or on the water. As a result, a thriving coffee culture has emerged, popular among both locals and visitors. And with it, an abundance of excellent coffee shops in Wānaka.
They’re part and parcel of local foodie treats, with well-established favourites alongside newbie ventures. Some are traditional indoor cafés, while others form part of the Wānaka food truck scene. All serve the best coffee – some venues use locally roasted beans – and a range of snacks.
Whether yours is a flat white, short black or cup of Earl Grey tea, with or without a pastry or sarnie to get you through the morning, there’s a coffee shop in Wānaka for you. Read on to discover our top picks for the best coffee spots in town.
Did you know?
This Central Otago resort is home to some seriously fine wining and dining. Check out this list of the best restaurants in Wānaka.
Best coffee in Wānaka
If you’re exploring the town centre and need a caffeine shot or breakfast fix, try these:
Big Fig
This fantastic venue is also on the waterfront, so comes with views included. The lovely team here serves barista coffee, slow-cooked lunch options and healthy salads. Breakfast comes with hot cabinet options, pancakes and Middle Eastern granola – the sweet labneh takes these grains to a whole new level.
Top tip: this venue has a choice of plate sizes (small, medium or big), perfect to suit your appetite or your plans for the day.
Fedeli
Tucked down an alleyway in the centre of Wānaka, this deli café offers rich, tasty coffee and pastries. Sit in peace in the sheltered courtyard or choose a takeaway to enjoy your treats by the lake or out on a trail. Don’t miss the choice of milks – macadamia adds real flavour to a flat white!
Top tip: Fedeli also has a wide range of lunch options, perfect for a picnic on your day out.
Scroggin
A popular coffee spot on the hill down into town with seating inside and out, the coffee is always good, the pastries abundant and the cookies worth taking for the ride (if you can wait that long).
Top tip: during summer they have a coffee window – like a hole in the wall – purely for grab-and-go coffee orders
Patagonia Chocolates
The recipe inspiration hails from South America, but every sweet treat here is a Kiwi handmade creation. Get your sugar rush with a dulce de leche croissant, chocolate volcano pudding or passion cheesecake. Wash it down with a cup of house-roasted blend long black.
Top tip: see the coffee roasting for yourself at the Wānaka Coffee Roastery.
Pembroke Patisserie
Not quite in Wānaka, but a quick drive away in Albert Town and a must-visit coffee shop in Wānaka if you fancy a breakfast à la française. Pembroke Patisserie serves pastries, savoury treats and cakes (the lemon meringue sponge cake is something else. Allpress coffee adds just the right kick.
Top tip: this bakery crafts some of the best bread in Central Otago, too. Take home a loaf or two for your holiday breakfasts.
Did you know?
Wānaka belongs to the single-use cup free (SUCfree) campaign. Join in by drinking in, taking your own cup or mug, or borrowing one on-site.
Best coffee shops in Wānaka with a view
If you’d like your espresso and croissant with vistas, head for one of these.
Edgewater Resort
If a relaxing morning stroll along the lake front is on the agenda, park up and wander west, past the lone Wānaka Tree to Edgewater Resort. If some of those in your party need motivation for the walk, mention freshly baked scones. Edgewater’s ‘Famous Scone Menu’ offers both savoury and sweet scones made to order. Pair yours to perfection with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
Top tip: consider lunch or dinner here too – all ingredients are locally sourced and deliciously prepared.
Makarora Country Café
Head out of Wānaka towards the west coast to reach this idyllic spot, set in the scenic Makarora valley. The drive is worth it for the scenery alone. Inside, you’ll find a cosy homestead vibe, complete with open fire and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains beyond. Breakfast and lunch (including cabinet options) are on the menu, plus good coffee.
Top tip: do try one of the homemade bakes; the orange and date scone gets our thumbs-up!
Relishes
A long-standing restaurant in Wānaka, Relishes always delivers great coffee and breakfast, brunch or lunch to go with it. Go for hearty porridge (the house version comes with pear and lemon curd) or the delicious Goaty roti. Tables have views of the lake.
Top tip: check out the coffee menu that goes way beyond a latte. We occasionally indulge in Relishes Vienna!
Did you know?
You can buy beans at many of these venues, allowing you to try the best coffee in Wānaka in the designer kitchen at your holiday home.
Best coffee shop carts in Wānaka
Not all great Wānaka coffee is served in a café, these food trucks also brew up a mean cup of caffeine.
Charlie Brown
If your coffee fix calls for a side of pancake, this cool retro van is your heaven. They serve sweet French crepes and savoury galettes, almost any which way, but we are obsessed with the Pomme D’Amour. And the coffee’s barista too, so it’s bon appetit all round!
Top tip: ask about Charlie Brown’s story from a vintage 1975 caravan to one of the best places to drink coffee in Wānaka.
Curbside Coffee & Bagels
This smart white shed on Brownston Street sells organic coffee and some of the best bagels in town. Choose an unusual filling – our favourite is the Smokey Hash Bagel – or go for a classic butter, marmite and cream cheese. Not a coffee fan? Then try one of the Matchas.
Top tip: grab one of the picnic tables by the river for a waterfront coffee treat.
The Little Brewer
The name says it all, and unsurprisingly, this food truck serves some of the best coffee in Wānaka. The beans are L’Affare and come in two unique blends. Soak up the caffeine with one of the focaccia-style sarnies or ramp up the calories (and your taste buds) with a homemade Snickers bar.
Top tip: if you prefer tea, the English Breakfast is a China Black 100% Keemun blend – just like mother makes it.
Did you know?
Many of these Wānaka coffee shops serve ice cream in season, making them must-stops if you’re on holiday in the summer.
Need more guidance on great coffee in Wānaka?
Our list is just a start, and there are other excellent coffee pitstops all around us. If you’d like some accommodation recommendations to go with your caffeine fix, contact our team who can point you in the right, caffeine, indulgent direction!