best-cafes-rotorua

The 12 Best Cafes in Rotorua for Serious Connoisseurs 

Café lovers are a special breed of humans. We’ll brave any weather, any waiting line, for that perfect brew that makes the world seem right.

Speaking for myself, I’ve always had that bleary-eyed, I-need-caffeine-NOW look that any true café lover understands all too well. And when my phone buzzes, it’s usually my bank app, gently reminding me that my caffeine addiction may soon require crowdfunding.

Anyway, every time I travel, I only have one mission in mind: to find the perfect cup of coffee. And that’s exactly what I did the last time I was in Rotorua! Lucky for you, that means I found all the top cafes over there, which I’ll share now. 

1. The Early Bird

Address: 1190 Pukuatua Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours: Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 3 PM 

Phone: +64 20 493 8872

The Early Bird is for anyone who wants locally sourced and organic coffee beans that you can smell from blocks away. It’s also a haven for those seeking quality and sustainability. 

When I come here, I usually get a flat white with oat milk and their chocolate croissant. Try that and thank me later.

2. Citron Cafe & Bar

Website: Citron Cafe & Bar

Address: 1153 Arawa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM 

Phone:  +64 7 343 7003

Come here if you want breakfast or brunch and have kids. This is a great spot for anything from family gatherings to solo brunch escapes. Plus, they have a decent kids menu! 

My go-to here is their Citron Big Breakfast. That savoury potato hash and crispy bacon get me every time. 

And my brunch choice is their lamb burger, which is pretty good. The feta surprisingly pairs well with the lamb and mango chutney. 

3. Ciabatta Cafe & Bakery

Website: Ciabatta Cafe & Bakery

Address: 38 White Street, Fenton Park, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Tuesday & Wednesday , Thursday – 8 AM to 3 PM 
  • Saturday – 8 AM to 2 PM 

Phone: +64 7 348 3332

Ciabatta Bakery is an absolute must-visit if you’re passionate about all things Ciabatta. My two absolute favourites are The Longdog—think a long frankfurter nestled in Ciabatta—and The Brekki. This bacon and egg sandwich on parmesan and garlic focaccia helps me start my day. 

But what really wakes me up is their coconut coffee. And if they’re all out, their banoffee coffee is my next pick.

4. Fix Cafe & Espresso Bar

Address: 1266 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM 

Phone: +64 21 270 6699

Come here if you love espresso, healthy soups, and plant-based goodies. I usually go for either the macchiato or the long black. 

My absolute favourite soups of theirs are their warm coconut veggie soup and their chunky veggie soup. And don’t even get me started on their irresistible plant-based snickers and the most delicious plant-based chai oat cookies I’ve ever had.

5. Grounded Cafe Rotorua

Address: 45 Devon Street, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 6 PM to 1 PM 
  • Saturday – 6 Am to 12 PM 

Phone:  +64 22 690 5321

Come here if you like cosy vibes and an unbeatable combination of coffee, bagels, and cheese scones. Grounded Cafe is my go-to when I crave a comforting breakfast that doesn’t skimp on flavor. 

Last time I went, I couldn’t leave without grabbing a bag of their freshly roasted coffee beans.

6.  Hello Stranger Cafe

Address: 1149 Pukuatua Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM 

Phone: +64 7 262 6104

Hello Stranger! Come here if you like the idea of Bulletproof coffee. Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s amazing. 

This spot also earns major points for being super kid-friendly. The brunch menu for the little ones is thoughtfully curated, so it’s an ideal spot if you’re visiting with your family. 

My absolute favourite for brunch? Without a doubt, the southern fried chicken waffles.

7. Cafe Dynasti

Website: Cafe Dynasti

Address: 125A Ngongotaha Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM 
  • Saturday – 8 AM to 3 PM 

Phone:  +64 7 929 9531

Come here if you like a touch of bougie elegance with your coffee and lunch. The ambience at Cafe Dynasti strikes the perfect balance of chic and comfortable. And I must say, their americano and chai are top-notch.

My go-to dishes are the avocado and tomato on toast and their mac & cheese with ham. It always hits the spot. 

8. Picnic Cafe Rotorua

Address: 1174 Whakaue Street, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 2 PM 

Phone: +64 7 343 9239

Come here if you like coffee and an all-day breakfast or lunch. If you’re a fan of starting your day with a robust cup of coffee or lingering over a leisurely brunch, then this place is your paradise.

My absolute favorites? Their hot chocolate coffee is perfect to accompany the shakshuka, omelette, or lamb rump.

9. Artisan Cafe

Address: 1149 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM 
  • Saturday & Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM 

Phone:  +64 7 348 0057

Come here if you like coffee and waffles. Artisan Cafe is a waffle lover’s dream come true. 

One bite of their maple syrup, banana, bacon, and whipped cream waffles, and I was in breakfast heaven. Pair that with a Dirty Chai or a Piccolo, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

10. Le Cafe de Paris

Address: 1206 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours:

  • Tuesday & Wednesday , Friday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM 
  • Saturday – 8 AM to 3 PM 

Phone: +64 7 348 1210

Come here if you like French coffee and crepes. I can’t get enough of their Vienna and affogato made with coconut milk—it’s such a treat!

On savoury days, I go for the la marine crepe, filled with salmon, sour cream, and chives. For a sweet indulgence, the la framboise crepe with raspberry coulis and whipped cream is my top pick.

11.  Zippy Central Bar & Cafe

Address: 1153 Pukuatua Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM 

Phone: +64 7 348 8288

Come here if you like coffee and bagel sandwiches. Zippy Central combines laid-back vibes with seriously good food. Their PHAT and Moroccan chicken bagels are my favourites, and their cappuccino never disappoints.