Kakariki Coffee

Inside Kakariki Coffee

Kakariki Coffee sits quietly along Customhouse Quay, offering a calm spot for those weaving through Wellington Central’s morning and midday rush. This café leans into the rhythm of commuter life, making it a natural pause for a well-crafted coffee or a simple, satisfying bite. With clear attention to the art of coffee, especially their mocha, it appeals to anyone who appreciates a smooth, balanced cup without bitterness—perfect for kickstarting a workday or taking a deliberate break from the bustle.

The atmosphere is unpretentious yet inviting, a blend of purposeful calm and easy social energy. It tends to draw in locals who work nearby or visitors who appreciate watching the city’s life unfold — the steady stream of people heading to the train station, suit-clad professionals, and casual visitors mingling around. Morning and early afternoon feel like the sweet spot here, when the light filters softly through the windows and the café hums quietly with conversation and coffee machines.

Food-wise, Kakariki Coffee offers simple but thoughtful fare that complements the beverages without overwhelming them. Their menu includes a range of toasties, with ingredients like ham, cheese, kimchi, and garlic mushrooms, alongside lighter options such as salads and eggs served your way. The Wellington on a Plate burger is a local highlight, keeping things interesting for those with a heartier appetite. The kitchen’s willingness to accommodate off-hours requests hints at a friendly, flexible approach that values guest experience over strict scheduling.

The staff add to the experience with their warm, approachable service that doesn’t feel rushed or formal—a quality that fits well with the café’s relaxed vibe. Whether you’re here for a quick coffee hit, a leisurely breakfast, or a laid-back lunch, the environment encourages both focus and casual conversation.

Overall, Kakariki Coffee is a spot tailored to those who want solid coffee craftsmanship paired with simple, fresh food in a quietly active urban setting. It’s ideal for commuters, local workers, or anyone wanting a mellow pause in the middle of Wellington Central’s steady pace.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Has great tea selection

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Popular for lunch

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves coffee

Quick bite

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves brunch

Serves lunch

Serves dessert

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

51 Reviews

Kim

08 Jan 2026

We came in for the WOAP Burger and it was great, the roti was buttery, the chicken was soft and the satay sauce was beautiful. We also loved the bouquet and heart.

Oliver Taylor

08 Jan 2026

Great coffee and atmosphere! Many places in Wellington struggle with the traditional Mochaccino, but not Kakariki Coffee! Honestly best oat mocha I’ve had, smooth but strong, great ratios, not bitter & really nice morning atmosphere to people watch the commuters walking into work from the train station along Customhouse Quay. Highly recommend. I will be back to try their menu food for sure.

Seeja

27 Dec 2025

I had such a lovely experience! The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was absolutely delicious. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. I ordered some coffee and breakfast, and everything was cooked to perfection. Definitely worth a visit!

Isabella Clague

22 Dec 2025

Went to Kākāriki Coffee for their Wellington on a Plate burger S(a)tay With Me and it was fantastic! We could only book at 2:00pm on a Wednesday, and even though the kitchen usually closes at 1:30, Chef Bobby kindly kept it open for us. Turned out to be the perfect time to go, as it was quiet and we got top service. We had great chat with Bobby about the design process for his burger and WOAP in general. The burger came out hot and fresh; the roti bun was perfectly flaky yet held together, the chicken was well marinated, and the satay sauce with chunky peanuts was a real highlight. It came with three little potato “chocolates” on the side, with the layered curry-puff inspired one being our favourite. We also spotted lots of cabinet treats like lemon cake and caramel slice, so we’ll definitely be back!

Eleanor Dann

13 Nov 2025

Welly Burger was amazing and the chef was lovely and came and checked in on me! So good having vegetarian option, Highly recommend

11 Nov 2025

Beautifully presented Burger Wellington 2025, a delicious burger with yummy roti instead of buns and cute tasty sides. The creative and friendly chef came to tell us and other tables about the inspiration behind the meal which made it even more special, he even gave us great cooking tips for home. The only minor improvement I have would be if it was easier to book online on their website, but they gave a friendly helpful response to my email booking, so it was still pretty easy. The normal menu and cabinet food looked great, so I will have to go back again to try them out. Would highly recommend this place to all.

Paul Stevenson

05 Nov 2025

Very big and very welcoming, with a great selection of food, and coffee is also great. Gets very busy around lunchtime.

john andrews

16 Sep 2025

Oh wow! They were busy but still lovely service for for burger (not on a plate) to go. Burger is amazing! I'll come back for lunch!