Whangārei’s Best Known Cafes
Whangārei is home to plenty of coffee lovers and the city has plenty of cafes for a catch-up with friends or to meet the locals. Here are a few options to get started as you work your way around the city, looking for the most flavourful coffees in town.
Acropolis Cafe Bar & Grill
325 Port Road
You may accuse us of being biased but it’s hard to go past the coffee at Acropolis Cafe Bar & Grill, and the friendly service, handy location and stunning views make it even better. In the heart of Port Nikau, Acropolis makes amazing coffee and we would definitely recommend heading back for lunch or dinner to try their authentic Greek cuisine.
Sabio
148 Lower Dent Street
You’ll find this coffee lover’s cafe just a stone’s throw from the Hātea Loop. They roast their own beans and sell a selection in-store, so why not grab a bag of locally roasted beans to take away with you? The Sabio kitchen works magic on an all-day breakfast menu or you can opt for delicious cabinet options with regular keto and paleo favourites and plenty of sweet treats.
Hello Pickle
210 Bank Street
Serving Supreme Coffee, this is a local favourite and ideal if you’re on the road. Hello Pickle makes their own pickles and relishes on-site and is well-known for great coffee and a tasty range of sandwiches, so we recommend popping in for coffee and a delicious bite to eat.
Kai Toi Cafe
197 Lower Dent Street
Kai Toi Cafe offers a huge selection of delicious kai (food in Māori) and amazing coffee. Right on the Hātea River, there’s plenty of parking or you can call in on your way around the Hātea loop walk. Enjoy the views with plenty of outdoor seating, from 7.30am-4pm.
Kafé
52 Riverside Drive
Attached to Waterman’s World surf shop on Riverside Drive, Kafé makes the best iced coffees in town. Get one to go while you walk the Hātea Loop or grab a table out the back overlooking the river. Further along the Loop Walk, you’ll also find an awesome coffee cart in the carpark next to the Te Matau A Pohe Bridge.
Smith & Local
Parua Bay Village, 1375 Whangarei Heads Road
Support local and try a cup of freshly ground coffee by Manaia Espresso at Smith & Local. Stop by before exploring the stunning Whangārei Heads, or visit Manaia Espresso‘s website to stock up on beans!
Fat Camel Cafe
12 Quality Street
Fat Camel offers more-ish Israeli cuisine and is modelled after a typical Tel-Aviv Café, where the café is the centre of social life. Serving great coffee and generously portioned main plates, this is a real local favourite. On sunny days, sit outside on the cobblestones and people-watch. It’s right in the centre of town on Quality Street.
Biggie Bagels
7 Bank Street
Biggie Bagels is a favourite for brunch or lunch with sourdough bagels starting from under $10. Keep it simple with the Fresh Prince, with mozzarella, tomato and basil, or sink your teeth into the Beastrami Boys, with pastrami, mustard, gherkin and melted swiss cheese.
Gopals
6 Vine Street
Gopals is Whangārei’s only 100% vegetarian and vegan restaurant, based on Hare Krishna flavours and principles. With combo meals starting at around $5 it’s super cheap! Stop in and try the vegan sausage roll when you’re next on Vine Street – this food is absolutely delicious.
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