Atawhai Café

Papa Hou Ground Floor/4 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
+64 3 550 7005
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop
(58 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're in Christchurch Central City and craving a delightful café experience, look no further than Atawhai Café. Nestled on the ground floor of the Papa Hou building at 4 Rolleston Avenue, this charming spot offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely meal or a quick coffee break.

Atawhai Café is a haven for coffee lovers, serving a variety of brews that have earned rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. Guest Andrew praises their coffee as the "best he has had in a long time," highlighting the exceptional quality that keeps patrons returning. Whether you prefer a classic Espresso or a creamy Flat White, prices are refreshingly reasonable, ranging from NZ$5.00 to NZ$6.00, making gourmet coffee accessible for all.

The café's menu features a tempting selection of dishes that cater to breakfast and brunch enthusiasts. Start your day off right with the indulgent Brioche French Toast (NZ$19.50) or the hearty Big Breakfast (NZ$26.00), which promises to fuel you through the busy day ahead. For a lighter option, the Overnight Oats (NZ$16.00) offer a deliciously balanced start. Feeling a bit more indulgent? The Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict (NZ$28.00) showcases a perfect pairing of rich flavors sure to make your taste buds dance with delight.

The inviting atmosphere at Atawhai Café is complemented by friendly service that makes every guest feel at home. Customer Royce notes the cafe's “awesome coffee” and “great energy,” which creates the perfect backdrop for catching up with friends and family. With often bustling energy, it’s a lively space where you can enjoy not only excellent food and coffee but also the joy of local culture, as highlighted by the nearby dance competition that captivated visitors.

For those who love to soak up some sun, don’t miss the outdoor seating area where you can bask in the charming Christchurch environment while sipping on an Iced Mocha Frappé or enjoying a savory Beef, Bacon, and Cheese Sausage Roll, which has gained accolades for its deliciousness from satisfied diners.

Atawhai Café stands out not just for its comforting and satisfying menu, but for the community vibe it offers. Visitors like kiwisflythecoop nz mention their welcoming service and how the café became an unexpected jewel after a morning stroll with their dog. With its central location, it’s also an ideal pit stop for those exploring the nearby gardens or seeking a respite during a busy day in Christchurch.

In short, whether you’re a local or just passing through, Atawhai Café is sure to become a cherished part of your café adventures in Christchurch, providing exceptional quality cuisine, stellar coffee, and a vibrant atmosphere all in one beautiful spot. Don’t hesitate to make it your next stop; you won’t be disappointed!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Organic dishes
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Paid street parking
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 06:00 PM

58 Reviews
Royce

02 Oct 2025

We were here on the weekend with friends and whānau and found the vibe! It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up—welcoming atmosphere, awesome coffee, and tasty kai. The staff were nice, and the whole place just had a great energy as there was a dance competition upstairs.

Andrew

09 Sep 2025

Best coffee I have had in a long time. Great breakfast, service is great. Wish more places could make coffee this good, was so good I had to buy a second coffee to make sure it was common and second was as good as my 1st coffee. Fantastic staff great location opposite the gardens. Very well priced, I personally would expect to pay more for such a great experience. Could increase the price by a dollar and no one would complain. $5 for my no milk coffee was cheap. Next time I am down I will come in again. 2 photos as I had 2 coffees. Everyone needs to come for coffee and meal.

Daniel McGregor

28 Aug 2025

Great service, good coffee. Nice outdoor seating area

Cooper

09 Aug 2025

We visited this café in the morning when it wasn’t too busy. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. We tried a few different breads and bagels — most of them tasted really good. The salmon bagel was okay, but after being heated, it had a bit of a strong smell and the sauce melted too much. Still, we enjoyed the overall experience. The place was clean and calm, and it was a nice way to start our day.

kiwisflythecoop nz

11 Jul 2025

Great cafe, we were looking for somewhere after waking the dog around the park and this was a great choice. We had coffees and the Beef,Bacon and cheese sausage roll. The coffees were nice as well as one of the best sausage rolls we have had for a while. Friendly and helpful staff. No hesitation recommending and we will be back.

Tiffany Jao

11 Jul 2025

Nice cafe! Stopped by after walking in the botanical garden. Ordered a cup of flat white and mixed berry smoothie. Lot of space to relax a bit

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