The Wave Cafe

opposite Mount Dury, Main Beach 24 Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
+64 20 4078 4544
$$$ Cafe
(89 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Located in the stunning Mount Maunganui, The Wave Cafe is a vibrant seaside gem that perfectly captures the laid-back charm of beach life. Nestled opposite the picturesque Mount Dury on Main Beach, this charming cafe offers a delightful escape for beachgoers and food lovers alike. Whether you're enjoying a sun-soaked day on the beach or winding down after exploring the local scenery, The Wave Cafe provides the perfect setting to recharge and indulge.

As a favourite amongst locals and tourists, The Wave Cafe shines with its all-encompassing menu, featuring a stunning selection of real fruit ice cream. You can treat yourself to a sumptuous scoop of their regular or large fruit ice cream, available in tempting flavours like strawberry, mixed berry, raspberry, and blueberry. Priced at just NZ$5.00 for a regular scoop and NZ$6.50 for a large, it's an affordable delight that keeps customers coming back for more. For the kiddies (and the young at heart), their Kiddy Tip Top Scooped Ice Cream features classic flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream for only NZ$2.50.

The café is not just about sweets; their toasted sandwiches are heavenly! A customer favourite includes the gooey cheese, caramelized onions, and tomato combo, all smothered in a delicious chutney sauce. The crunchy toast melts in your mouth, making it a must-try for anyone visiting. With options for veggie lovers and those with dietary needs, The Wave Cafe caters to everyone, ensuring you can enjoy flavorful food without compromise.

But it’s not just the food that keeps patrons returning—it's the overall experience. The atmosphere at The Wave Cafe is rich with relaxation, surrounded by the gentle waves of the beach and the soft murmur of nature. You'll feel right at home with the friendly and accommodating staff, as seen in glowing reviews from satisfied customers. One patron, Kim Seaward, said it “doesn’t get much better than real berry ice cream at the beach,” while others rave about the wonderful service and the inviting vibe.

Whether you’re starting your day with an invigorating iced Americano or winding down with a delicious ice cream as you check the surf, The Wave Cafe is the ultimate stop for enjoying some of life’s simple pleasures. So next time you're in Mount Maunganui, make sure to swing by The Wave Cafe—where beachy bliss meets delectable treats!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
Drive-through
Takeaway
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

89 Reviews
Kim Seaward

06 Oct 2025

Doesn't get much better than real berry ice cream at the beach. These were a great size. Didn't try the food and coffee from the van as yet. Only had to wait five minutes to collect after ordering. Shady wait under the trees

Melissa Hayes

15 Jul 2025

I love this food truck cafe!, they have my most favorite toasted sandwich cheese, caramelized onions and tomato and it has the most delicious chutney sauce in it, crunchy toasted and so so delicious melt in your mouth. They staff there are great always so friendly and accomadating like last time I was there I got a ice-cream and a toasted sandwich and they were on to it when they asked me do you want your ice-cream first or after which I might of, but said I will have toasted sandwich first. They also can get quite busy they try to get through the line and getting your food/coffees made. I love too that they are right near the beach so also as well there are bench seats if you need to wait and they call out your name when it's ready. And they usually have some big 2 cushion seats to sit on. I also love their cruzy chilled music playing in the background. They have a very wide range of different sandwiches ice-creams and smoothies. Great display of the menu on the surfboards. So yes definitely grab a bite or something to drink from there, just be prepared to wait a little longer in line when it's especially Summer as will be very busy but you won't be disappointed!

N. A.

10 Jul 2025

Best place to start your day when you arrive in beautiful mount maunganui! Great iced americano- just what my soul was craving love to grab a coffee and explore!

Melita Batten

07 Jul 2025

Absolutely love The Wave Café at Mount Maunganui! Perfect beachside vibes, friendly staff, and seriously good eats. The real fruit ice cream is a must-try — so fresh and full of flavour. Toasted sandwiches are next-level (the chutney + caramelised onion combo is unreal), and their coffee hits the spot every time. Plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options too, which is a big win. It’s the kind of place that just feels like summer. Highly recommend for a chill snack or post-surf refuel.

Katie Cox

04 Jul 2025

I love The Wave Cafe! It is such a great option for a toastie, coffee, smoothie or ice cream! The real fruit ice cream is A plus and the staff are always friendly! Service with a smile at my fav beach spot to check the surf.

A. H.

28 Jun 2025

Best coffee in Mt Manganui! - Lovely staff - Great location - Amazing beach vibes - Very friendly local owner After trying many cafés at the Mount, I personally found The Wave Café the best. Try a regular flat white with oat milk, and you'll agree.

Michael Healey

25 Jun 2025

Great staff, clean and tidy, lady didnt take my correct order. Gave the wrong icecream then packed a grumpy when I said thats the wrong one, I asked for...

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