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Te Papa cafésNgā kawhē
Discover two vibrant and cosy cafés tucked among Te Papa’s taonga. Every purchase supports the mahi of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum.
Te Papa Cafe, Level 1
Our award-winning ground-floor café is the perfect place to take a break during your museum visit, with fresh breakfasts, hearty lunches, and a selection of sweet and savoury snacks.
There’s plenty to keep you energised, and tamariki can join the fun with colouring activities and a menu made just for them.
After your meal, step outside to explore Bush City, Te Papa’s living, growing exhibition featuring 1,400 native plants.
Or wander a little further to Te Papa Store, just moments away, where you’ll find a curated range of prints, gifts, and locally designed products inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand’s art, culture, and natural environment.
The creativity and skill of our chefs was recognised in September 2025, when Te Papa Cafe's Head Chef Hitesh Bhoir topped Burger Wellington, the capital's most hotly contested culinary competition. While the burger is no longer on the menu, Hitesh and our talented kitchen team continue to produce delicious meals and cabinet food, including sweet treats from our award-winning pastry chef.
Opening hours: 9.00am–5.00pm daily; closed Christmas Day.
Please note, the kitchen closes at 3.00pm each day.
Te Papa Cafe, 2025. Photo by Jeff McEwan. Te Papa (267156)
Espresso, Level 4
Set in the heart of the museum, Espresso is a relaxing spot to enjoy coffee, tea, chilled drinks, and light bites.
Once you’ve refuelled, you’re just a few steps from exploring Signs of a Nation, Mana Whenua’s Teremoe waka, and The Threshold Gallery in Toi Art.
Eat Your Art Out, 2025. Photo by Victoria Saunders
For a memorable treat, try Eat Your Art Out, a high tea experience that transforms classic favourites into edible art.
Created by award-winning pastry chef Suraj Kolarveettil, who earned bronze at the 2025 NZ Pastry Chef of the Year. Each piece, from the playful Sweet William's Dish to the refined Golden Ratio Scone, is crafted to spark conversation and delight the senses.
Opening hours: 10.00am–4.00pm daily; closed Christmas Day.
Hungry for more?
Free Wifi is available to customers of both Te Papa Cafe and Espresso.
More than 80% of food is made by our talented chefs onsite or sourced from local suppliers, including Caffé Laffare coffee. Any food waste is donated to Kaibosh, New Zealand’s first food rescue charity.
For more information, contact tepapacafeandespresso@tepapa.govt.nz.
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Te Papa stores
At Te Papa Store, our perspective is deeply rooted in our relationship with Aotearoa New Zealand. Choose from our carefully curated selection of products that reflect the essence of the museum.