Tuatua

Commonwealth Walkway, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
+64 27 337 1108
$$$ Cafe
(53 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

If you're wandering down the scenic Commonwealth Walkway in Wellington Central, you absolutely must take a break at Tuatua, a delightful eco-friendly café that captures the essence of the vibrant waterfront. Nestled near the iconic Te Papa Museum, this charming spot is more than just a café; it's a haven for sustainability enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.

Tuatua stands out not only for its admirable zero-waste ethos but also for the superb quality of its offerings. As a customer will tell you, it's a place where you can enjoy a brilliant cup of coffee while soaking in the mesmerizing views of the harbor. Those who have stopped by rave about the deliciously crafted beverages and light meals. Imagine sipping on a perfectly brewed coffee paired with a slice of decadent cake, all the while feeling good about your choices thanks to their responsible practices, including homemade dairy-free milks and coffee grounds straws!

Clients like Allen Peterson commend the relaxed atmosphere, especially when enjoyed outdoors, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the waterfront. He notes, “It is a great little place, with a vibe that perfectly matches its panoramic views.” And he isn’t alone—Ed Dark echoes this sentiment, noting it as a “wonderful waterfront zero waste eco café” with friendly staff that genuinely enhance your experience.

Looking for something heartier? Caroline Pollard loved the gluten-free and dairy-free French toast, which paired wonderfully with a delicious macadamia coffee. Although there might be a slight wait for food, every moment is worth it as you take in the stunning scenery around you—a little gem indeed!

Travis Nobles sums up the appeal perfectly: this café's commitment to minimizing waste is commendable and refreshing. "Hope to see more cafes taking this kind of responsibility," he says, reflecting a growing desire for conscientious consumer choices.

In a world overflowing with options, Tuatua stands out as a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great coffee and a laid-back ambiance. Whether you pop in for a quick caffeine fix or choose to sit back, relax, and enjoy the mesmerizing waterfront view, Tuatua promises a memorable experience that’s both delightful and responsible.

So, whether you're a legacy local or a curious traveler, make sure to add Tuatua to your Wellington itinerary. You won't just be indulging in superb coffee and light bites; you’ll be participating in a movement that makes dining a little more beautiful and a lot more eco-conscious.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

53 Reviews
Allen Peterson

06 Aug 2025

Tautau Cafe is on the esplanade, close to Te Papa Museum. It is a great little place. Atmosphere sitting outside with the people passing, the view and the vibe. The cafe is well stocked for snacks and coffee. The two girls running it were fast and efficient. Yes, well recommended. Thank you :)

Ed Dark

28 Jul 2025

Wonderful waterfront zero waste eco cafe. With beautiful coffee, cakes and light food. All the staff were super friendly and happy. Definitely worth stopping by.

Elizabeth

14 Jul 2025

Grab a coffee here at lunch time and enjoy the waterfront Eco friendly options, love the coffee grounds straw. Amazing! Friendly team Great coffee

Caroline Pollard

07 Jul 2025

A little gem! Devoured GF & DF French toast & mighty fine macadamia coffee. We did have a considerable wait for food, but were warned and had an amazing view to enjoy. Staff very friendly

Travis Nobles

22 Jun 2025

Love the zero waste ethics here! Plenty of options if you didn't bring your own mug, no takeaway mugs here! They make their own dairy free milks too, so no tetra-paks either. Hope to see more cafes taking this kind of responsibility for providing options to reduce waste. All that plus the delicious coffee, beautiful waterfront views and cool DIY vibe make this unique cafe a must-visit.

Ethan Thomas

17 Jun 2025

Great cafe by the bay! We stopped in while walking around wellington and had some coffee (the long black was excellent), a bagel, and a croissant with chocolate. The staff was very friendly and brought our coffee and food to us quickly. The view was quite nice sitting at one of the small tables out front.

Anbazhagan Rajaraman

15 Jun 2025

Great place for a coffee while enjoying the views of the waterfront! Love their cheese scones too. Eco friendly that they don't use takeaway cups.

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