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.
Pro Tip: They also have a great selection of gluten and lactose-free smoothies and frappes. For a smoothie, try the black forest. If you want a frappe, you can’t go wrong with the classic mocha.
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.
Pro Tip: Citron Café & Bar offers catering! Whether you have an office party or a special event, their catering service brings the same delicious flavours to you.
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.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without treating yourself to their cronuts! My favourites are the apple, cinnamon, and passion fruit creme.
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.
Pro Tip: Arrive right before the lunch rush for a quiet moment and a fresh batch of goodies.
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.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for their local pop-up events hosted by other vendors.
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.
Pro Tip: If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, their Foxton Fizz and Kombucha are excellent alternatives.
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.
Pro Tip: If you have kids in tow, they’ve got kid fluffies that will make the little ones feel super special.
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.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their daily specials. They sometimes whip up the most amazing crepes or lamb pitas that are simply to die for.
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.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their organic teas. The peppermint tea is particularly refreshing and adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the waffles.
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.
Pro Tip: They also make fantastic toasted sandwiches, perfect if you’re in the mood for a heartier option.
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.
Pro Tip: If you’re swinging by for lunch, don’t skip their burgers.