Live like a local: The 10 best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui
Sunrise surf, sandy toes, and coffee in hand. This is Mount life, and these are the cafés that keep it fuelled. Shot on Fujifilm X-T50 + Classic Chrome film sim.
There are few better ways to start a day in Mount Maunganui than with coffee (or, for me, often a matcha) and the ocean breeze on your skin. Some mornings it is the post climb ritual: reaching the summit at sunrise, watching the sky ignite, and heading straight to Three One One Six for that first sip. Other days it is catching a few longboard waves before wandering into Tay Street Store for a coffee and raw treat, or heading to the farmers market with my partner and toddler, followed by brunch at Special Mention with the beach just behind us.
Coffee and cafés in Mount Maunganui are not just about caffeine. They are part of the rhythm of life here: the reward after a sunrise climb, the pause in the middle of a busy weekend, or the anchor for catch ups with friends. More than that, these spaces create community. Walk into any of them and you will likely bump into someone you know, which makes the experience even sweeter.
From takeaway coffees on the beach steps at Tay Street Store to brunch matchas at Special Mention, these two cafés are woven into everyday Mount life.
Over the years I have found my regular haunts, some iconic, others more unexpected. Like the morning I stumbled into Blended after a surf and discovered how good an iced matcha could taste on a salty, sun soaked high. Or the first time I tried Solara’s vanilla cold foam matcha and knew instantly it was going to be a repeat order.
And then there are the mornings I carve out a solo date for myself at Soul Boul, treating myself to a smoothie bowl after a climb, or heading there with my partner and little girl for slow family time in the sun.
These are the cafés Mount Maunganui locals actually love, the ones I return to time and again. From Wildflour’s legendary cinnamon buns to Tay Street Store’s buzzing surf side energy, here is my round up of the nine best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui.
Café hop like a local at these best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui
✨ Planning your coffee hop already? I’ve pinned all 9 cafés on an interactive map so you can easily find them while you’re in Mount Maunganui. Scroll to the end of this post to check it out, or jump to the map now if you’re in a hurry.
1. Wildflour: a Mount Maunganui coffee shop for bakers and dreamers
Where: Located on Hull Road, this Mount Maunganui café is a favourite among locals for its cinnamon buns and GF-friendly treats.
Vibe and setting: Chilled, natural, and calm with warm woods, leafy touches, and even some of my Lou Lou B Photo prints on the walls. A small play area for kids makes it great for mums who need a breather, and mostly indoor seating with a few outdoor tables means you can enjoy Wildflour on both rainy and sunny days.
Gluten free call out: For anyone searching for a gluten free café in Mount Maunganui, Wildflour delivers with its pear and almond tart, raw slices, and refillable granola jars (perfect to take home).
Best for: Wildflour is one of the best cafés in Mount Maunganui if you’re after a sit-down coffee and a bake. It’s perfect for mums needing a breather, or a calm reset after a busy morning.
Pro tip: Try the famous Wildflour cinnamon bun (they sell out!) and grab a jar of refillable granola or their banana bread mix to bake with little ones. Don’t miss the fun conversation cards they leave on tables.
2. Three One One Six: where to get coffee after climbing the Mount
Where: Right at the base of Mount Maunganui, Three One One Six is the ultimate post-climb coffee spot, just across the road from Mount Main Beach.
Vibe and setting: Always buzzing with locals fresh from their morning Mount climb or surf. Three One One Six is mostly a takeaway café with outdoor seating, but you’ll often see people lingering in the sun for a last chat after the hike. It’s equally dreamy to grab your coffee and stroll across to the sand with it still warm in your hands.
Gluten free call out: A few cabinet snacks are available GF, though the main draw is the consistently good coffee.
Best for: Three One One Six is one of the best cafés in Mount Maunganui for a post-climb ritual or beach-side coffee. Think sunrise hike, ocean view, then caffeine fix.
Pro tip: Make it part of your Mount Maunganui sunrise climb routine. Few things compare to sipping coffee from Three One One Six with sand still between your toes and the ocean waking up in front of you.
3. Captain Bones: quirky brunch spot in Mount Maunganui
The playful interiors and family-friendly vibe at Captain Bones make it one of Mount Maunganui’s quirkiest brunch spots.
Where: Hidden away in The Cruise Deck, right in the heart of downtown Mount Maunganui.
Vibe and setting: Quirky, bold, and playful, Captain Bones is the café locals take their friends to when they want to impress with something unexpected. The interiors are made for Instagram — purple and yellow walls, polished concrete floors, and a giant Captain Bones logo on the wall that doubles as a photo backdrop. There’s a great mix of indoor and outdoor seating, so you can bring a crew and settle in.
Gluten free call out: The brunch menu is flexible, with plenty of options that can be made GF on request, and a rotating cabinet with a couple of GF-friendly bites. Staff are used to it and happy to adapt.
Dog friendly: Yes! Captain Bones even puts out free dog treats, so it’s a winner if you’ve got a pup in tow.
Best for: Captain Bones is one of the most unique cafés in Mount Maunganui; a go-to for sit-down brunches, relaxed coffee dates, and bold interiors that look as good on your feed as they taste on your plate.
Pro tip: This Mount Maunganui café is a local’s gem, so arrive early on weekends if you want a table for brunch with friends (and your dog).
4. Blondie Diner: retro café in Mount Maunganui
Where: Right on Mount Maunganui Road, in the middle of the action.
Vibe and setting: Blondie Diner is playful and retro, like a modern take on the American diner. Think hipster energy with a polished edge. It’s all indoor seating, no outdoor tables, which adds to the cosy and slightly nostalgic vibe. Locals love it for the fun interiors as much as the food, and it has become a popular Mount Maunganui brunch spot for those who want something a little different.
Gluten free call out: Blondie Diner has a few gluten free options on the menu. While it’s not the main focus, you can still find something satisfying if you’re gluten free.
Best for: This is one of the best cafés in Mount Maunganui for brunch or lunch when you want good vibes and Instagram-worthy foodie photos.
Pro tip: Blondie shares owners with Palace Burger, which means you can expect the same playful approach to food. Think stacked sandwiches, indulgent waffles, and milkshakes that feel like a treat.
5. Special Mention: creative coffee and foodie vibes in Mount Maunganui
Where: Ocean Beach Road, just behind the beach at Mount Maunganui.
Vibe and setting: Special Mention feels like a second home for me. It has a buzzy, creative energy with a mix of indoor tables and a sheltered courtyard that’s perfect year round. On weekdays you’ll spot people perched with laptops, while weekends are filled with families and groups of friends. The crowd here is very local, with a surfy and alternative creative edge.
Gluten free call out: Special Mention is one of the best gluten free friendly cafés in Mount Maunganui. They do excellent GF bread substitutions that actually taste good, and many menu items can be adapted. My top pick is the Sichuan mushrooms with fried curry leaves, but the smashburger and coffee combo is also next level.
Best for: This is one of the best cafés in Mount Maunganui if you want a foodie experience that goes beyond standard brunch. It works equally well for solo laptop mornings or long family brunches before heading to the beach right behind the café.
Pro tip: Come here after the Mount Maunganui farmers market on a Saturday morning. Brunch with your partner or kids, then head straight across the road for beach play. Special Mention also hosts pop-up Friday night dinners that are worth watching for on social media.
6. Blended: a low key Mount Maunganui coffee spot near Papamoa
Where: Just off the Sandhurst on and off ramp, making it an easy stop on your way in or out of Mount Maunganui.
Vibe and setting: Blended is relaxed and low key, the kind of place you can grab a quick coffee or sit down with your laptop for an hour. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a simple local feel rather than a styled aesthetic. What makes it great is its convenience and consistency, especially if you’re heading down the coast for a surf or road trip.
Gluten free call out: Blended often has gluten free cabinet options and their iced matcha lattes are a standout. It’s not a dedicated gluten free café, but you can usually find something to pair with your drink.
Best for: Blended is one of the best cafés near Mount Maunganui if you want a quick stop for matcha or coffee without going into the busy part of town. It’s a quiet local favourite after surf sessions or on the way to Papamoa.
Pro tip: This Mount Maunganui coffee spot flies under the radar compared to trendier cafés, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a great place to reset, sip slowly, and avoid the crowds.
7. Solara: industrial chic coffee and matcha in Mount Maunganui
Where: St John Street, Mount Maunganui.
Vibe and setting: Solara has a fresh, industrial chic aesthetic with polished concrete floors, light pastel blues, and plenty of plants. It feels bright, young, and modern. Seating includes an airy indoor space and outdoor decking with bar leaners, making it a great spot to watch the world go by. It has a laid-back feel while still looking stylish, which makes it a favourite among locals.
Gluten free call out: Solara is a matcha lover’s dream, with plenty of gluten free-friendly options. The vanilla cold foam matcha is a must-try, and it pairs perfectly with light bites from their menu that can often be made GF.
Best for: Solara is one of the best cafés in Mount Maunganui for matcha lovers and anyone who appreciates a modern but relaxed vibe. It’s great for a solo laptop session or a casual brunch with friends.
Pro tip: If you’re exploring Mount Maunganui’s café scene, come here specifically for the matcha menu. The vanilla cold foam matcha is addictive, and the industrial fresh vibe makes it a spot you’ll want to return to.
8. Tay Street Store: a surf side local favourite in Mount Maunganui
Where: Right across from Tay Street Beach and the Mount Maunganui boardwalk.
Vibe and setting: Tay Street Store is always bustling with locals. With mostly outdoor seating and colourful interiors, it’s the kind of place where people spill out onto the steps when it’s busy, chatting with friends over coffee in the sun. It’s a true community hub — you’ll see surfers, dog walkers, parents, and kids all mingling here after the beach.
Gluten free call out: Tay Street Store has quick grab-and-go cabinet options that include gluten free bites. It’s not a full GF menu, but there are easy choices if you’re after fuel before or after a surf.
Dog friendly: Definitely. Tay Street is one of the most dog friendly cafés in Mount Maunganui, and it’s common to see pups lounging while their owners sip coffee.
Best for: Tay Street Store is one of the best cafés in Mount Maunganui if you want a surf side coffee, a quick snack, or to catch up with friends after a swim. It’s casual, energetic, and perfectly placed across from one of the Mount’s most popular surf beaches.
Pro tip: Grab your takeaway coffee here and head straight across to the beach. It’s the ideal stop for post-surf matcha, family beach mornings, or dog walks along the boardwalk.
9. Soul Boul: smoothie bowl and matcha heaven in Mount Maunganui
Smoothie bowls, matcha lattes, and Mount views: mornings at Soul Boul are made for slowing down. Featuring Fujifilm X100VI
Where: In the heart of downtown Mount Maunganui, close to shops and the main street buzz.
Vibe and setting: Soul Boul is bright and soulful, with warm woods, leafy touches, and their signature green branding. It has a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, with natural light and shadows that make it a dream for photographers. The crowd is a blend of locals, post-climb crews, health-conscious families, and the occasional tourist. It’s the kind of café you can linger in, whether you’re solo with your laptop or hanging out with friends in the sun.
Gluten free call out: Soul Boul is one of the best gluten free friendly cafés in Mount Maunganui. The Snickers Bowl is a must-try — just ask for the gluten free version, which comes topped with Wildflour’s GF granola. Their matchas are also consistently good.
Best for: Soul Boul is one of the best cafés in Mount Maunganui for anyone who loves smoothie bowls, vibrant healthy food, and creative energy. It works for a solo date, a slow brunch with your partner, or a family outing with kids.
Pro tip: This spot fits every mood. Stop in for a post-climb refuel, a midweek laptop session, or a sunny weekend brunch. Outside, there are clean public toilets and painted hopscotch and games for kids, which makes it even more family friendly.
10. Gratitude Eatery: the best gluten free café in Mount Maunganui
Where: Banks Avenue, Mount Maunganui
Vibe and setting: Bright, welcoming, and wholesome. There is a mix of indoor tables, street side seating, and a gorgeous little courtyard out the back that is perfect for a sunny slow brunch or coffee catch up. The crowd is relaxed and friendly, a blend of locals and visitors who love nourishing food.
Gluten free call out: This is one of the best gluten free cafés in Mount Maunganui. Almost everything can be made gluten free and the cabinet is packed with options. Look out for the GF vegan banoffee pie — it’s to die for — along with the chocolate zucchini cake and the buckwheat pancakes for brunch.
Best for: Gluten free foodies who want choice without compromise, plant based brunch dates, and relaxed catch ups in the courtyard.
Pro tip: Snag a table out back in the courtyard if the sun is shining, and if the banoffee pie is in the cabinet that day, don’t walk past it.
That’s a wrap
Whether you are chasing a post climb espresso, a GF cinnamon bun, a smoothie bowl, or a dog friendly surf side coffee, Mount Maunganui has cafés for every vibe. These are the coffee shops Mount Maunganui locals love, and the ones I always come back to.
So if you are a surfer, traveler, photographer, or foodie looking for the best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui, this list has you covered. Live like a local, sip like a local, and find your new favourite café at the Mount.
✨ Heading to the Mount soon? Bookmark this list and when you’ve tried one (or a few), come back and let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear which café became your local fave.
Find these Mount Maunganui cafés on the map
If you are planning a visit to the Mount, I’ve made it even easier for you. Here’s an interactive Google Map with all nine of these coffee shops pinned, plus a few notes on my go-to gluten free picks and local tips.
👉 Save it to your phone and use it while you explore. It’s the easiest way to café hop like a local.
FAQs: Coffee shops in Mount Maunganui
What are the best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui?
Some of the most loved cafés by locals include Wildflour, Three One One Six, Captain Bones, Blondie Diner, Special Mention, Blended, Solara, Tay Street Store, and Soul Boul. Each one has its own vibe. From surfside hangouts to buzzy brunch spots.
Where can I get coffee after climbing the Mount?
Three One One Six is the ultimate post-climb coffee stop, just across from the Mount base. Soul Boul is another dreamy option if you want to linger with a smoothie bowl after your climb.
Which Mount Maunganui cafés have gluten free options?
Most cafés in this guide offer GF-friendly choices. Wildflour has incredible pear and almond tart and GF granola, Special Mention has excellent GF bread and menu swaps, and Soul Boul’s smoothie bowls can be made GF.
What cafés are dog friendly in Mount Maunganui?
Captain Bones and Tay Street Store are both dog-friendly spots. These coffee shops even have free treats for pups.
Where do locals go for coffee in Mount Maunganui?
Locals love Tay Street Store for post-surf hangs, Special Mention for foodie brunches, and Wildflour for coffee and bakes (this one is our best kept secret!). These spots are woven into the daily rhythm of Mount life.