On the road, looking for a break from your journey?
You’ll find after two hours or so, nature calls along with thoughts of coffee or tea, a sandwich or a cake.
So, here’s a handy guide to places to stop when travelling on some of the key routes through the country. It’s not all-encompassing, so if you find a super stop during your travels that we’ve not included here, do let us know.
Do bear in mind, if you’re travelling late, most cafes close by 4.00pm however!
AUCKLAND – BAY OF ISLANDS via SH1 (WHANGĀREI, SH1)
Whangārei Visitor Centre, Raumanga
The Whangārei Visitor Centre has an excellent little café with indoor and outdoor seating, adjacent to a domain area where you can stretch your legs. There is plenty of parking space and friendly staff will also provide you with all the information you need for your visit to the Bay of Islands
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 4.30pm
92 Otaika Road, Raumanga – +64 9 438 1079
And for the return journey on SH1 …
WARKWORTH SH1 / TWIN COAST DISCOVERY HIGHWAY
Chocolate Brown
Beautiful artisan chocolates handmade on-site are the number one reason to visit this relaxed, friendly café in Warkworth’s Mill Lane, but don’t bypass the café in your hurry to get to the chocolaterie. The food here is classic and top-quality, the doughnuts are works of art, and the hot chocolate is to die for.
Open Monday – Friday from 10am to 3pm
6 Mill Lane, Warkworth – +64 9 415 87770
AUCKLAND – COROMANDEL via SH2/25
Corner Stone Café SH2/25, Mangatarata
Located on the corner of State Highway 2 and SH25, the appropriately named Corner Stone Café offers a selection of hot drinks, snacks and salads in a pleasant indoor and outdoor setting. It’s open early too, so a great spot for breakfast!
Open 7 days a week from 7.30am to 3pm
26 State Highway 25, Mangatarata – +64 7 867 3375
THAMES
Café Melbourne
The name’s not a misnomer – there’s a story of Thames boy meets Melbourne girl behind it, which you can read on the blackboard inside. The café also brings the Melbourne vibes with its exposed brick walls, vintage feel, and deliciously different brekkie options.
Open Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm
715 Pollen Street, Thames, New Zealand – +64 7 868 3159
https://www.facebook.com/CafeMelbourneGrahamsTown
COROMANDEL – ROTORUA via SH25A/SH26
Domain Cottage, Te Aroha
This wonderful little café is located close to the Te Aroha Domain, so slightly outside the township. There’s plenty of outdoor seating with views across the park to the tree-lined hillside. There’s also an excellent choice of soups, sandwiches, teas and coffees to enjoy along with the view!
Open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 9am to 3pm
1B Whitaker Street, 2, Te Aroha 3320 – +64 22 311 6283
https://www.facebook.com/p/Domain-Cottage-Cafe
ROTORUA- NAPIER/TONGARIRO via SH5 (TAUPŌ)
Café Baku, Taupō
Whether you’re en route to Napier or Tongariro National Park, Taupō is a great place to stop to break your journey. And if you like your meal with a side of lake views, Café Baku is the perfect location. Friendly service, delicious food and highly-rated coffee are on the menu here – we highly recommend!
Open 7 days a week from 6am to 4pm
42 Roberts Street, Taupō 3330 – +64 7 378 6715
L’Arte Café & Gallery, Taupō
With a garden filled with art and sculptures, a working pottery studio on site, and an awesome mosaicked outdoor living room, this café is definitely an attraction. All the food is made fresh on-site, and wine, beer, and Allpress coffee are available.
Open Wednesday – Sunday from 8am to 4pm
255 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay, Taupō 3385 – +64 27 263 3671
NAPIER – WELLINGTON via SH2
Wind Farm Café, Woodville
Woodville is around a two-hour drive from Napier, so approximately halfway to Wellington. The Wind Farm Café is on the high street and serves a selection of homemade scones and savouries. If you like, bag a takeaway and head over to the Fountain Square Park across the road for a relaxing break.
Open 7 days a week from 6.30am to 3pm
71 Vogel Street, Woodville 4920 – +64 6 376 5566
https://www.facebook.com/windfarmwoodville/
TONGARIRO- WELLINGTON via SH1
The Woolshed, Sanson
This Country Cafe offers a relaxing and spacious eating experience with fast, friendly service. There’s plenty of choice including gluten-free and vegan options. Stretch your legs with a walk along the nearby heritage trail or just visit the sheep that graze near the café.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm,
2861 State Highway 1, Sanson 4479 – +64 6 329 3295
https://www.woolshedcafe.co.nz
The Yellow House Café, Whanganui
If you’ll have two or three days in Wellington, you’ve time to take a longer route to the Capital via Whanganui. Explore the town’s historical buildings and call in at the Yellow House Café, housed in a typical Whanganui villa or park up at the Funky Duck Café, near Virginia Lake.
Open Monday – Friday from 8am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm
17 Pitt Street, Whanganui 4500 – +64 6 345 0083
https://yellowhousecafe.co.nz/
The Funky Duck Café, Whanganui
Located near Virginia Lake, as well as the nearby Winter Gardens and aviary, the Funky Duck is a great place to stop off, take a walk around and stretch those legs. With a fantastic selection of food, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, this is a lovely place to stop for a spot of breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Virginia Lake Reserve, 110 Great North Road, St Johns Hill, Whanganui 4500 – +64 6 348 4799
We’ve travelled the highways of New Zealand extensively, and these are just a few of the lovely pit-stops and eateries along the way, where you can take a break from your drive. Want to investigate further and find some of your own? Book a self-drive tour of New Zealand with us, and really get to know this breathtaking country.