Where to Get a Great Coffee in Wellington
Pretty soon after landing in New Zealand, most of us realise that Kiwis are crazy about coffee. It’s hard to even find a bad coffee in New Zealand, but if you are looking for something truly smooth with the right balance of bitterness and zing, then try out these cafes with the best coffee in Wellington.
Of course, when it comes to tasting food and drink, opinion plays a big part. But these cafes, in our humble opinion, are simply awesome when it comes to coffee!
What we also love about cafes in Wellington is that many of them stay open at least until 10 pm, which you will almost never find in New Zealand outside of the major cities.
However, this isn’t the rule for every cafe in Wellington, so if you are looking for an after-work coffee or a boost at the end of the day, be sure to check out the closing times to avoid disappointment.
In between sipping coffee, try these 10 Wellington Must-Dos! Wellington also has a fantastic craft beer scene, so if you want to dive into that, see the 15 Breweries & Craft Beer Bars in Wellington. Plus, find a place to stay in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.
Table of Contents
1. Caffe L’affare
As a pioneer of New Zealand’s celebrated café and coffee culture, Caffe L’affare has been a Wellington institution since 1990.
Their flagship roastery and daytime eatery, Caffe L’affare, is a sprawling 145-seater café in the heart of Te Aro. We love the eclectic and bustling atmosphere that perfectly captures Wellington’s coffee scene.
The menu offers all the classics, plus a cabinet brimming with delicious treats. Coffee enthusiasts can pick up fresh beans or browse the latest coffee machinery in the Bean Store.
Whether you’re after a quick caffeine fix, a leisurely brunch, or a lively lunch spot, Caffe L’affare delivers a quintessential Wellington experience.
Location: 27 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington, North Island
© Phoebe Mackenzie - WellingtonNZ2. Sweet Mother’s Kitchen
Sweet Mother’s Kitchen might be more well-known for its home-cooked style food than for its coffee, but honestly, the coffee is pretty damn good!
Drawing influences from New Orleans, this eclectic café serves up comfort food that’s good for your soul. From all-day breakfast to sweet homemade pies, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
We’re big fans of their Waffle Wednesday deals and Taco Thursday specials – NZ$5 tacos and NZ$12 margaritas, anyone?
With a diverse menu ranging from coffee and milkshakes to cocktails and a selection of wines and beers, Sweet Mother’s Kitchen is a versatile spot for any time of day. Open from 8:30 am to 9 pm daily, it’s perfect for early birds and night owls alike.
Location: 5 Courtenay Place, Wellington, North Island.
© WordRidden on Flickr3. Fidel’s
This iconic Cuba Street institution has made its mark as a bohemian bastion in the heart of Wellington. From an early morning espresso to a midday brunch or an afternoon beer, this bustling landmark specialises in being whatever you want it to be.
We truly enjoy their “Havana coffee”, which is freshly roasted just around the corner! The menu caters to meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike, making it a go-to spot for diverse dietary needs.
Fidel’s also features on our Cheap Eats in Wellington guide, so you can find more affordable cafés there!
Note: Fidel’s is closed temporarily for three months from 19 June 2025 for earthquake strengthening.
Location: 234 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington, North Island.
© Ella MacDiarmid - WellingtonNZ4. Floriditas
Floriditas isn’t just about great coffee; it’s a culinary gem on Cuba Street serving up quality European-New Zealand cuisine. Their coffee, however, is definitely something to write home about! P
air it with their mouthwatering breakfast menu for a perfect start to your day. We really enjoy their “Ploughman’s plate” and the hearty “Braised beef ragu”.
Open seven days a week from 7 am to 3 pm (7:30 am on Sundays), Floriditas also offers dinner five nights a week from 5:30 pm. The elegant yet relaxed setting makes it an ideal spot for both casual catch-ups and special occasions.
Location: 161 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington, North Island.
© Floriditas5. The Hangar
Flight Coffee‘s flagship café, The Hangar, is where speciality coffee meets modern brunch in the heart of Wellington. This cool spot offers an exceptional coffee experience, from craft espresso drinks to inventive dishes that’ll tantalise your taste buds.
Coffee enthusiasts will love their unique tasting flights, including “Coffee 3 Ways”, “Flight of Flat White”, “Flight of Filter”, and “Flight of Espresso”.
According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “The Hanger is a must-visit for anyone serious about their coffee in Wellington!”
Location: 119 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, North Island. Open 7 days from 7 am to 2 pm.
© WellingtonNZMore About Wellington
That’s it for our guide to cool cafes in Wellington; for more information about Wellington, check out the following articles:
- 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Wellington
- 10 Free Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington
- The Foodie Guide to Wellington
- 10 Things to Do in Wellington for Foodies
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Wellington.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
