Places to Eat and Drink in Rotorua
Food and drink are an important part of any holiday. After your tour you may be feeling a little peckish so here are a few of our favorite places to grab a bite to eat or a drink in town. For more handy tips have a look at our Rotorua Holiday blog for some awesome tips.
The Landing Cafe
Situated right on the edge of Lake Tarawera with stunning views over the lake and the mighty Mt Tarawera looming as a beautiful backdrop. If you do the Tarawera and Lakes Duck Tour you will visit this cafe and once you see the views we can only imagine you’ll want to head back there for a meal as the sun goes down. In winter the fire will be roaring and you can enjoy the amazing views as you sip your hot chocolate. Delicious food, beautifully crafted coffee and hot chocolate and a view that is second to none, we can’t think of too many better ways to round out the day!
Directions from town: Find the Pak’n Save on the corner of Te Ngae Road, follow that road till you reach a roundabout and turn right onto Tarawera road following signs to Lake Tarawera. From there it’s about a 10min drive to the turnoff where you will see the Landing Cafe signs. Note you will need a form of transport to reach this cafe.
Robert Harris
Situated right in the heart of Rotorua on Tutanekai Street, Robert Harris has amazing, award winning coffee and delicious meals and snack options. A well known brand Robert Harris has really taken Rotorua by storm. Enjoy a coffee as you relax in the comfortable cafe with plenty of seating and heaps of room to spread out. Grab a buy one get one free voucher from the Duck office before you visit!
Directions: From the city focus (the courtyard area in the middle of town) head down Tutanekai Street towards the lake and you will see Robert Harris one block down on the left hand side.
The Pig and Whistle
A Rotorua institution! The Pig and Whistle is also located on Tutanekai Street and is a great family friendly bar and a great place to go if you are really hungry. The building was used as a police station from 1940 to 1969 and has been cleverly crafted into one of Rotoruas favorite spots. Enjoy a wine or beer and a soft drink for the kids and wait until your jaw drops when that plate of food comes out, you won’t leave hungry we promise you that! The Pig and Whistle is also a great place to head to in the evenings with live music Thursday to Sunday.
Directions: Two blocks towards the lake front from the city focus you can’t miss the building in the style of and old police station with big double doors.
King-size Burger Bar
Award winning fish and chips located just across the road from the Duck Store on Fenton Street (not good for Duck drivers bank accounts). On top of award winning fish and chips Sue, who is one of the nicest fish and chip shop owners ever, has some of the most incredible, custom made burgers you can find. I’d try and tell you about it but it’s so cool you’ll have to pop in and see it for yourself!
Directions: Just opposite the Duck office and across the road from the Police Station. The easiest way to find it is to look out for the huge FOOD sign that sits above the site.
Zippy Central Cafe
Another Rotorua locals favorite spot. You’ll be greeted by some of the most friendly staff in town and when you see the hustle and bustle of this busy little cafe you’ll realise its obviously a favorite of many. With amazing coffee, a huge range of food options and one of the friendliest atmospheres in town this cafe is well worth a visit!
Directions: From the Duck office head left and around the first corner and you will see Zippy just down that road, Pukuatua Street on the right hand side.
Eat Streat
A section of Tutanekai Street entirely dedicated to restaurants and Cafes, you find anything from Indian food to shared platters, fine dining to amazing craft beers and all points in between. If you’re stuck for choices this would be your best bet due to the wide range of options available.
Directions: You can’t miss Eat Streat with its ‘v shaped’ roof and amazing lighting at night. From town head down Tutanekai Street towards the lake and you will see Eat Streat open up in front of you.
There are so many great options for food and drink in Rotorua these are simply some of our favorites. Ask your Duck driver after the tour if you are looking for anything specific and they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. We also have some awesome blogs that will help you plan your Rotorua Holiday so check them out!
