Best Places to Eat Around Tongariro National Park – Cafés, Pubs & Mountain Views

The Best Places to Eat Around the Mountain range from cosy cafés to lively bars, all set around Tongariro National Park and Mt Ruapehu. After a day of hiking, skiing, or exploring the Central Plateau, nothing beats a good meal. Menus here fuel both adventure and comfort, whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down dinner.

Not every night has to be a night out, though. If you’d rather cook in your unit or camper, you’ll find supplies nearby. Tūrangi and Ohakune both have New World supermarkets, while Waimarino (formerly National Park Village) has a superette in the service station with a solid selection of essentials.

Here are some of our top picks for where to eat when you feel like treating yourself.

☕ Ma & Mel’s Coffee Cart – Whakapapa Village

For the best coffee on the mountain, head straight to Ma & Mel’s Coffee Cart in Whakapapa Village. It’s a tiny spot with a big reputation for quality brews, tasty toasties, and service with a smile.

The cart is perfectly placed for a quick stop before setting out on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or a day on the Whakapapa ski field. Regulars rave about the friendly team who always deliver with warmth, making it feel more like a community hub than just a coffee stop. We highly recommend them.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: Right in Whakapapa Village
• ☕ Specialties: Coffee, toasties and baked treats
• 😃 Atmosphere: Small, casual, always welcoming
• ❄️ Best for: A hot drink and bite before the slopes or trails

🍲 Schnapps Restaurant & Bar – Waimarino

A true local favourite, Schnapps Restaurant & Bar is known for its great service and hearty alpine meals. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, making it the perfect place to relax after a day outdoors.

Their vegetarian nachos are legendary — in our books, the best ever. The menu also covers plenty of classics, so there’s something for everyone whether you’re after a big meal or just a drink by the fire.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: Waimarino (formerly National Park Village)
• 🍴 Specialties: Famous vegetarian nachos, hearty pub-style meals
• 🍺 Atmosphere: Rustic, friendly, and welcoming
• ❄️ Best for: Warming up after hiking or skiing with a relaxed meal

🍷 Powderkeg Restaurant & Bar – Ohakune

An Ohakune icon, the Powderkeg Restaurant & Bar has been welcoming skiers, snowboarders and adventurers for years. It’s famous for its lively après-ski atmosphere, generous meals, and rustic alpine vibe.

Whether you want a drink by the fire, a full dinner with friends or just to soak up the buzz, the Powderkeg delivers. It’s the kind of place where stories are shared, laughter is loud and memories are made.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: Central Ohakune
• 🍴 Specialties: Generous pub meals, pizzas and hearty mains
• 🍺 Atmosphere: Lively, social and full of après-ski energy
• ❄️ Best for: A fun night out after a big day on the slopes

🍚 Rice Bar – Ohakune

For something a little different in Ohakune, head to the Rice Bar. It serves up fresh, Asian-inspired dishes that are perfect if you’re craving bold flavours after a day in the mountains.

The menu blends classic favourites with creative twists, offering a welcome change from traditional alpine pub fare. It’s a spot that locals love as much as visitors, thanks to its flavourful food and relaxed vibe.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: Central Ohakune
• 🍴 Specialties: Asian-inspired dishes with fresh, vibrant flavours
• 🍺 Atmosphere: Casual, modern and welcoming
• ❄️ Best for: A tasty alternative to pub meals after outdoor adventures

🏨 Park Hotel – Waimarino

In Waimarino (formerly National Park Village), the Park Hotel is a solid choice for a relaxed evening meal. The restaurant offers a mix of comfort food and classic favourites, with a cosy setting that’s perfect after a long day on the mountain.

It’s popular with travellers staying nearby, but also a welcoming spot if you’re just passing through. The friendly service and dependable menu make it a reliable option around the park.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: Waimarino (National Park Village)
• 🍴 Specialties: Comfort food, hearty mains and Kiwi classics
• 🍺 Atmosphere: Warm, relaxed, and casual
• ❄️ Best for: A reliable dinner close to Tongariro National Park

🌄 Closing Thoughts

In winter, road conditions around the mountain can be hazardous, so it pays to plan your meals in advance. Choose a spot within walking distance of where you’re staying and avoid unnecessary driving in icy or snowy weather.

In summer, the story is different. Nothing beats sitting back at one of these places with a great meal, good company and a cool drink in hand while soaking up the mountain views.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.