Breakfast in New Zealand: Our Favorite Cafés and Morning Stops
Love a good breakfast & great coffee? Perfect, so do we!
New Zealand knows how to do breakfast. What starts as a quick coffee often turns into a proper sit-down, with great food, strong flat whites and cafés that feel like a natural part of everyday life. While traveling through both the North and South Island, breakfast spots quickly became our favorite way to get to know a place or plan the day ahead. Some stood out for creative menus, others for atmosphere and many simply because they captured the pace and feel of where we were.
Below is a selection of breakfast and brunch spots across New Zealand that left a lasting impression along the way - ideal for slow mornings, road trip stops and everything in between.
The Artisan Café, Hastings
Summer in New Zealand is really hot! You can feel the sun rays from the thin ozone layer permeating everything and slowly trying to broil you alive. This was the boat we were in as we jumped inside Artisan Cafe for some relief from the heat. A cozy little space with a bunch of tasty treats on display and freshly baked bread. They also have amazing iced coffee, which we thoroughly enjoyed on the hot day while we were planning a wine tasting tour around the Hawkes Bay.
Cupple, Hastings
Before reaching Hastings, we were camping at Kairakau Beach. As great as it was, one thing was clearly missing: real coffee. Instant just wasn’t cutting it anymore. Luckily, Hastings sits in one of the North Island’s best food regions.
The first café we looked up on the way into town was Cupple and it delivered. Part café, part bakery, the open space lets you watch the bakers at work while enjoying excellent coffee and standout pastries. Croissants, éclairs and tarts easily passed the European taste test and we didn’t leave without a loaf of bread.
If you’re passing through Hawke’s Bay and craving good coffee and baking, Cupple is a great stop.
Wharf Road, Coromandel Town
While summer in the North Island can be hot, it can also be quite rainy! It was pouring rain the couple days that we were in Coromandel town (around Christmas) and what better to do when the weather is terrible? Well, two choices, go grab a drink or hangout at a cafe. We chose the cafe as it was only 10 in the morning.
Wharf Road is a wonderful little cafe located on the main street which serves standard breakfast fare with a twist and of course good coffee. There is comfy seating (which gets packed quickly) and a chill atmosphere outside there is even a nice little patio with sun umbrellas. If it's raining cats and dogs, or if its not, pay Wharf Road a visit, it'll hit the spot.
Biggie Bagels, Whangarei
Bagels have definitely found their moment in New Zealand and we’re all for it. This hip-hop–inspired bagel spot leans fully into the theme, with portraits of Biggie and Tupac on the walls and boldly named bagels like Mother Dukkah, Grandmaster Smash and Notorious B.L.A.T.
We shared the Mother Dukkah, filled with roast pumpkin, hummus, sprouts and dukkah, an Egyptian mix of spices, nuts and herbs that’s formed into a patty and cooked. It was filling, flavorful and surprisingly balanced. Add solid coffee to the mix and you’ve got a place worth stopping for. If you’re nearby, it’s well worth grabbing a bagel here.
Beam Me Up Bagels, Dunedin
Again the bagel shops with funky themes. Beam Me Up Bagels, instead of earth gangsters, is space gangster themed. All bagels call back to Star Wars, Star Trek and other space pop culture fixtures. Some of our favorite bagel names: Mung the Merciless, Killer Tomatoes and Darth Bacon.
Personally, we had the Ham Solo (ham, sliced colby cheese, Dijonnaise, sprouts & pickles) and the 2000 and Juan (Mexican themed with black bean burger patty). The bagel scene in New Zealand is something we didn't think we needed but are thoroughly pleased that we discovered. The world needs more pop culture themed bagel shops!
Fidel's Café, Wellington
As both a staging point for many a traveler's journey to the South Island and the capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a mishmash of all different kinds of people. There are the rushed backpackers eager to get the ferry to the south, the university students, government officials, business people and expats that now call the city home. One thing is for sure, Wellington is a vibrant city that should not be missed. We spent three nights near Cuba Street and got to know the city a little bit better. What an awesome place!
Named after a ship called Cuba that carried early settlers to Wellington, Cuba Street has always been a center of activity in the port city. Fidel's Cafe has become an intriguing fixture of the Cuba Street Area with its quirky vibe, Cuban dishes and great coffee. It was only a 3 minute walk from where we were staying so we popped in and were delighted by the atmosphere and enjoyed some coffee. Even if you're not into coffee (then why are you reading this post :D) Fidel's Cafe is a great place to chill and plan your further
Customs Café, Wellington
The hard part about exploring Wellington is deciding what places to go with limited time. There are awesome cafes, bars, restaurants, attractions etc. around every corner. The best way to approach it is to just walk around the city and see what strikes your fancy. While exploring we walked past Customs Cafe and decided to drop in. We didn't spend much time, just got coffees and sat and chatted for a little. While a seemingly mundane experience, it was exactly what we needed after experiencing Wellington for the day. The city can be overwhelming and Customs is a cozy cafe that is perfect for a short break. Go find your personal Customs in Wellington, it's likely just around the corner!
Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown
Bespoke Kitchen in Queenstown is one of those places that gets busy for a reason. The menu is playful without being overdone and the space strikes a nice balance between lively and relaxed. It feels like a spot that works just as well for a slow morning as it does for refueling before heading out for the day.
We stopped by for breakfast a couple of times and were impressed by both the quality of the food and the attention to detail. Portions were generous, flavors well thought out and everything felt fresh and satisfying rather than heavy. Combined with good coffee and friendly service, it’s an easy place to recommend if you’re spending a few days in Queenstown and want a reliable breakfast or brunch option.
Federal Diner, Wanaka
Federal Diner became a regular for us during the months we lived in Wanaka. Tucked away down a small laneway off the main street, it’s the kind of place you might miss at first, but once you know it’s there, you keep coming back. It feels very much like a local spot, busy, lively and full of familiar faces.
Breakfast here is simple, comforting, and done well. The menu doesn’t try to reinvent anything, but everything feels thought through, from solid breakfast classics to excellent coffee. Their cheese scones, which many people rave about, lived up to the hype for us and quickly became a favorite. It’s often loud and bustling, especially on weekends, but that’s part of its charm. Federal Diner feels less like a café you tick off a list and more like a place that naturally becomes part of your routine when you spend a bit more time in town.
Fergbaker, Queenstown
We can’t finish this post without mentioning the famous Fergbaker. Hard to miss and even harder to skip, it’s the go-to stop for fresh pastries, pies and baked goods at almost any hour of the day. Open early and often busy, it’s perfect for grabbing breakfast before an adventure or something comforting on the go. Fergbaker delivers reliable quality with generous portions and is popular for a reason, very much part of Queenstown’s food scene.
What are your favorite spots? Let us know!