Petone’s Must-Try Cafés & Eateries

Delicious Discoveries Await on Jackson Street and Beyond

Looking for your next go-to coffee spot or weekend brunch destination? Petone is packed with laid-back charm, flavourful food, and hidden gems that make it a favourite for locals and day-trippers alike.

Just a short drive from Wellington, this seaside suburb has quietly become a hub of creative cafés and eateries, perfect whether you’re meeting friends, exploring solo, or just in the mood for something new. From plant-filled cafés and vegan pastries to fusion brunches and neighbourhood favourites, here are a few standout spots worth checking out.

Comes & Goes

Where Flavour Meets Artful Presentation

A local icon with a soft pink exterior and a menu full of bold ideas, Comes & Goes blends Asian-inspired flavours with Kiwi café culture in a way that’s both comforting and elevated. Think chicken waffles with a twist, Turkish eggs with chilli butter, and ube or Biscoff lattes that look just as good as they taste. Minimalist yet warm, it’s the kind of space where creativity flows from the kitchen to the plate.

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The Elephant Ear

Coffee in a Plant Lover’s Paradise

Part café, part curated plant store, The Elephant Ear is a lush little escape right on Jackson Street. Opened by a true plant enthusiast, the space is packed with greenery, garden tools, books, and of course, expertly brewed L’affare coffee. With freshly baked scones, sweet treats, and quiet nooks to enjoy your cup among the leaves, this is the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer or take a fiddle leaf fig home with you.

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Belén Plant Bakery

Vegan Baking That’s Anything But Boring

Whether you’re plant-based or not, Belén is a bakery that delights. Known for pushing the boundaries of vegan baking, the Petone location serves up everything from kimchi pies and vegan croissants to crème brûlée doughnuts and Biscoff slices. It’s proof that sustainable choices can be indulgent, delicious, and completely crave-worthy.

Caffiend

A True Local Favourite

A long-time favourite since 2003, Caffiend has the warm, welcoming feel of a true neighbourhood café. Its exposed brick walls, wooden finishes, and steady buzz make it ideal for a relaxed brunch or afternoon coffee. The menu blends comfort with flavour smashed avo, Mexican eggs, or their legendary lamb’s fry stack and is backed by strong, locally roasted Karamu Coffee. This is where you go to feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

LOWERHUTT, NEW ZEALAND – November 30: Visitors Guide November 30, 2017 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/)

G’Day Café Eatery

A Hint of Paris on Jackson Street

For a brunch with a French twist, G’Day Café Eatery hits the spot. With buttery pastries, classic European-style brunches, and rich cakes made in-house, it’s a great choice for something a little indulgent. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee or picking up a cake for a special occasion, this cozy spot always feels like a treat.

LOWERHUTT, NEW ZEALAND – November 30: Visitors Guide November 30, 2017 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/)

Make Petone Your Everyday Escape

You don’t need a special occasion to explore Petone. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a relaxed brunch, or a new café to call your favourite, this neighbourhood has something for every kind of foodie. Come for the coffee, stay for the atmosphere and discover why locals love to linger.

LOWERHUTT, NEW ZEALAND – November 30: Visitors Guide November 30, 2017 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/)

How to Get Here

Petone is only 10 Minutes from Wellington!

Petone is only a 10-minute train ride or drive from Wellington CBD, making it easy to access by multiple transportation options. Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or car, getting to Petone is simple and convenient.

There are several convenient ways to get to Petone from Wellington:

By Car: Petone is about a 10–20-minute drive from Wellington’s city centre. You can take State Highway 2 (SH2) over the Wellington Harbour Bridge and then head north to reach Petone.
By Train: The train ride (HVL, WRL, MEL) from Wellington to Petone is quick and easy, taking at most 15 minutes. All 3 of the HVL, WRL, and MEL lines stop at Petone Station, making them a great option for those without a car.
By Bus: There are also regular buses (#81, #83, #84) that run between Wellington and Petone. The journey typically takes about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic.
By Bike: For the more adventurous, cycling from Wellington to Petone is a popular option, with a dedicated cycle path along the coast, offering scenic views along the way.
By Taxi or Ride-share: You can always take a taxi or use a ride-share service like Uber for a direct and comfortable trip to Petone.