As well as a prime spot for outdoor adventures, Wānaka is also a well-established foodie destination catering for all tastes and all wallet sizes. And alongside the fine dining and wining restaurants, you’ll find a vibrant Wānaka food trucks and street food dining scene. Whether you’re starting the morning with a caffeine perk and a sweet or savoury snack, looking to survive the middle-of-the-day slump with fresh goodness or wrapping up your day with delicious grub, head for one of our local food trucks.
With a diverse range of cuisines on offer in various convenient locations, here are some notable spots to explore. We’ve divided by area, with each listing notable Wānaka food trucks.
Brownston Street Food Truck Market
How many holiday spots do you know with a dedicated food truck market? And open all year round? We can’t think of many, but Wānaka is one of them.
Handily located in the centre of town, this lot features several great food trucks, favourites with locals and visitors. We like the setting – think picnic tables, greenery and a creek running through the park. Food options include:
Burger Club
One of the best spots in Wānaka for smash burgers and milkshakes. Fancy a meat-free bite? Try the ‘Beyond Meat’ veggie burger. And don’t forget to add some house pickles to your bun.
Burrito Craft
An excellent option for lunch or dinner, choose your filling and heat level and sit back and enjoy a taste of Mexico. With a selection of delicious Burritos and yummy Tacos, Burrito Craft has definitely stamped its mark on the Wānaka food truck scene.
Coco Hut
If Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Malaysian food are your thing, this is your Wānaka food truck. Coco Hut serves a wide range of dishes and caters for veggies and vegans. All the food is dairy-free, too. Kids will enjoy the Pad Thai Noodle Box.
Curbside Coffee & Bagels
An obvious place to start your day, this food truck serves organic coffee – some locals claim it’s the best in town – and fresh bagels, served any which way. Grab yours to go or stay a while and sit on one of the outside tables in the gardens.
Firebird
Here, they take chicken, crisp and fry it, and then add the spice – keep it mild or ramp it up to Stupid Hot. The chicken comes in burgers or boxes, and of course, there are chips…
Pizza Pizza
Pizzas are a great option on the go, and they don’t disappoint at this food truck. Baked in a wood-fired oven, the sourdough pizzas come topped with quality local ingredients. Also a handy option if you’re staying in a Wānaka holiday home and want a quality takeaway for dinner. Enjoy local food trucks when you stay in Wānaka
Near the Brownston Street Food Truck Market
These two gems are close by and well worth a visit.
Charlie Brown
You can’t miss this funky retro van, nor should you miss their French crepes and galettes. They serve a long list of flavours, savoury or sweet, but our absolute favourite is the Pomme D’Amour. It really is très bon!
The Coffee Shack
Not an actual food truck – this one’s a converted garage – but one of the best coffee spots in Wānaka. And it should be because Bonnie, a competitor in the National Barista Championship, leads the caffeine fix team.
Gordon Road Food Trucks
Another handy location for central Wānaka food trucks, Gordon Road is home to some of the famous local breweries. While you’re sampling a craft beer or two, keep the munchies away with food from one of these:
Brewery Lane
Pair your beer from Ground Up Brewery (just next-door to this food truck) with an artisan pizza, a roti (veggie options available), poutine with gravy or an oh-so-British curry and fries. Or go for one of the daily specials.
Now Bao
The house-steamed bao buns are the main reason you’ll be visiting this food truck, but you could also go for a burger or a plate of (literally) loaded fries. Whatever your choice, save room for a Malassada doughnut to finish.
Feasting on delicious street food is just one thing to do when you’re in town: discover all the other great activities in Wānaka
Wānaka Three Parks Food Truck Hub
Slightly out of town, but still easy to reach, these Wānaka food trucks sit on the Three Parks retail site. Treats to eat on the go here include:
Adam and Eve’s
Your one-stop shop for artisan bakes and bread, all naturally fermented. As well as sweet treats such as blueberry and lemon muffins and peanut fudge slice, you can also grab a pie (the chicken, kumara and bacon is a local favourite), a breakfast wrap or lunchtime sandwich.
Corner Peak Coffee
Rather than taking out, enjoy your order at this food truck, where there’s plenty of outdoor seating and fabulous views of the mountain. Your cup might contain ethically-sourced beans, roasted locally, or homemade chai, an infusion or fruit juice. Freshly-baked homemade goodies provide the carbs.
Kea Eats
There’s no missing this bright yellow truck with its trademark cheeky birdie on the side. Inside, you’ll find the house focaccia bread, loaves and buns, filled with all sorts of delicious fillings. Try the Wānaka Tree Chicken Treat for an energy-packed start or finish to your outdoor adventure.
The Little Brewer
Coffee with a capital C is served here, any which way (and caffeine strength). They roast their own Fair Trade Colombia beans, showcased in the filter coffee or to take home for your own brewing.
Looking for other great places to eat? Read our ultimate list of the best restaurants in Wānaka
Anderson Road Food Trucks
Yet another great place to find food on the go in Wānaka, this local favourite has these food trucks:
The Dripping Bowl
Aka the place for soup in Wānaka, where you’ll find a daily special and staples that include the Bone Broth made with organic chicken. If you’re looking for something else to eat with a spoon, go for a Buddha bowl or a Smoothie Bowl.
The Good Spot
Goodies available here at this funky caravan include allegedly the best cheese scones in Wānaka (we rate them highly), homemade snacks, acai bowls and lunches. All washed down with the house organic coffee, a cold-pressed juice or smoothie.
Lake Hawea Street Food options
How about combining a short scenic drive with some delicious eats? Then, head out to the food trucks on Lake Hawea.
Mo’s
More of a café than a food truck, but a well-established pitstop for cyclists enjoying some of the bike trails in Wānaka. Refuel here with coffee, a sandwich, a smoothie or a home-baked treat.
The Camp Food Truck
Local beers and homemade treats are staples at this popular food truck. Outside the summer season, they serve coffee and cabinet food only, but once the heat turns up, the menu changes to include cooked breakfast options, wood-fired pizzas and burgers.
Other Wānaka food trucks
When you’re in town, keep your eyes open for food trucks, especially these:
Francesca Pizza
This is a truly itinerant food truck that pops up all over Central Otago. If your holiday in Wānaka coincides with a visit from Francesca Pizza, do pop along to enjoy some of the best pizzas in Wānaka.
Stoked Local
Taste South America in a van in the car park on Ardmore Street, serving sanguches and empanadas as delicious as the real thing on the other side of the world. You’ll find some local nods too – the Kiwi As sanguche comes with lamb and mint yoghurt while the Mush More includes local oyster.
Where to eat in Wānaka just got super tasty!
When you’re Wānaka-bound next time. Whether you’re coming here for a short break, the family summer holiday or (lucky you) an extended stay, we have your place to stay. Take a look at our luscious listings to book yours. Not sure which one suits you? Contact us here for more information.
Did we miss your favourite Wānaka street food truck? Drop us a note to tell us a little bit about it and why you love it most, then we’ll be sure to add it to the list.