Southern Cross Garden Bar, Wellington City

39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Website
04 384 9085
"WEEKDAYS - On Tuesday and Thursday mornings we set aside our gorgeous recently-renovated Guest Room for parents and toddlers to relax in. Sink into one of our comfy couches with a coffee and a muffin while your little one heads for the toy basket. And yes, the rumours are true! On Tuesdays between 10am-12pm we have our Professional Massage Therapist on hand to help you relax and give you a well-deserved break from the kids for a few minutes.... and it's FREE! One of our friendly staff members Vanessa is on hand both days to help entertain the wee ones.
WEEKENDS - World Famous in Wellington kids brunch! Every weekend we offer a spot for kids with free arts and crafts, face painting, cartoons on the big screen and toys galore. Kid-friendly staff members on hand to entertain! Saturdays 10am-1pm and Sundays 10am-2pm." (Information from website)
Website
04 384 9085
"WEEKDAYS - On Tuesday and Thursday mornings we set aside our gorgeous recently-renovated Guest Room for parents and toddlers to relax in. Sink into one of our comfy couches with a coffee and a muffin while your little one heads for the toy basket. And yes, the rumours are true! On Tuesdays between 10am-12pm we have our Professional Massage Therapist on hand to help you relax and give you a well-deserved break from the kids for a few minutes.... and it's FREE! One of our friendly staff members Vanessa is on hand both days to help entertain the wee ones.
WEEKENDS - World Famous in Wellington kids brunch! Every weekend we offer a spot for kids with free arts and crafts, face painting, cartoons on the big screen and toys galore. Kid-friendly staff members on hand to entertain! Saturdays 10am-1pm and Sundays 10am-2pm." (Information from website)
Cafe L'affare, Wellington City

27 College Street, Wellington City
Website and Facebook Page
04 385 9748
Monday–Friday: 7am–4pm / Saturday: 8am–4pm / Sunday: 9am-4pm / Closed: Public Holidays
- Kids Meals: Yes
- Kids Drinks/Fluffies: Yes
- Highchairs: Yes, just ask
Kids toys in the centre of the cafe so you can usually get a table close enough to let them play while you enjoy a coffee!
Website and Facebook Page
04 385 9748
Monday–Friday: 7am–4pm / Saturday: 8am–4pm / Sunday: 9am-4pm / Closed: Public Holidays
- Kids Meals: Yes
- Kids Drinks/Fluffies: Yes
- Highchairs: Yes, just ask
Kids toys in the centre of the cafe so you can usually get a table close enough to let them play while you enjoy a coffee!
Benedict's Cafe, Maungaraki

Website
mike@benedictscafe.co.nz
141 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt
(04) 589 9852
- Kids meals: Yes
- Kids drinks/fluffies: Yes
- Changing Facilities: Yes
Large play area including climbing play gym and train set. "We welcome children and have a playpen to amuse toddlers whilst their parents enjoy a treat. We also have a large traditional rocking horse available. There is ample room in the cafe and store for mothers with prams and pushchairs to get around easily." (Information from website)
mike@benedictscafe.co.nz
141 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt
(04) 589 9852
- Kids meals: Yes
- Kids drinks/fluffies: Yes
- Changing Facilities: Yes
Large play area including climbing play gym and train set. "We welcome children and have a playpen to amuse toddlers whilst their parents enjoy a treat. We also have a large traditional rocking horse available. There is ample room in the cafe and store for mothers with prams and pushchairs to get around easily." (Information from website)
Columbus Cafe, Mitre 10 Porirua

2 Semple Street, Porirua
04 237 0831
porirua.mega@columbuscoffee.co.nz
Monday to Friday 7am-4pm / Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 8am-5pm
Good cabinet selection, great coffee, gingerbread, biscuits etc...
But most importantly - a fenced play area!! :)
04 237 0831
porirua.mega@columbuscoffee.co.nz
Monday to Friday 7am-4pm / Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 8am-5pm
Good cabinet selection, great coffee, gingerbread, biscuits etc...
But most importantly - a fenced play area!! :)
The Peppermill, Porirua

4 Norrie St, Porirua
(04) 237 8010
Monday-Friday 7.30am- 4pm / Saturday 9am-4pm / Sunday 9am-3pm
- Highchairs: 3
- Changing facilities: YES (in the disability bathroom)
- Children’s meals: YES
- Children’s drinks (fluffies/juice/hot chocolate): $2.50
The Peppermill is open 7 days for breakfast and lunch/brunch and has a very relaxed feel to it. They welcome children and while they don’t have a specific play area for children, they do have children’s books on the counter to keep them entertained. The booth seating makes breastfeeding reasonably comfortable and offers some discretion from other diners. The big plus is the 3 highchairs- great for families with more than 1 little one!
(04) 237 8010
Monday-Friday 7.30am- 4pm / Saturday 9am-4pm / Sunday 9am-3pm
- Highchairs: 3
- Changing facilities: YES (in the disability bathroom)
- Children’s meals: YES
- Children’s drinks (fluffies/juice/hot chocolate): $2.50
The Peppermill is open 7 days for breakfast and lunch/brunch and has a very relaxed feel to it. They welcome children and while they don’t have a specific play area for children, they do have children’s books on the counter to keep them entertained. The booth seating makes breastfeeding reasonably comfortable and offers some discretion from other diners. The big plus is the 3 highchairs- great for families with more than 1 little one!
Scorch-o-rama Cafe & Milk Bar, Scorching Bay

497 Karaka Bay Road Seatoun
Website and Facebook Page
keef@scorchorama.co.nz
(04) 388 4970
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids Meals: Yes
- Kids Drinks/Fluffies: Yes
Right on the waterfront next to Scorching Bay Beach. The staff are warm and welcoming. When we last visited they bent over backwards to keep our toddler happy, nringing out toy boxes and serving his food quickly.
Website and Facebook Page
keef@scorchorama.co.nz
(04) 388 4970
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids Meals: Yes
- Kids Drinks/Fluffies: Yes
Right on the waterfront next to Scorching Bay Beach. The staff are warm and welcoming. When we last visited they bent over backwards to keep our toddler happy, nringing out toy boxes and serving his food quickly.
Cafe Vella, Plimmerton

- Highchairs: 1
- Kids Menu: Yes, kids’ meals are $6 each
- Fluffies: $1.50 and come with a marshmallow & mini chocolate fish
- Changing Facilities: No
Cafe Vella is Plimmerton's busy little cafe, favoured by locals for its good coffee and friendly service. There is a toy box which can be brought out on request, a highchair for the little ones and a kids menu to keep small tummies satisfied. Just be aware it is a small cafe and not ideal for large coffee groups in Winter. In Summer the doors to the courtyard are always open and more seating available.
- Kids Menu: Yes, kids’ meals are $6 each
- Fluffies: $1.50 and come with a marshmallow & mini chocolate fish
- Changing Facilities: No
Cafe Vella is Plimmerton's busy little cafe, favoured by locals for its good coffee and friendly service. There is a toy box which can be brought out on request, a highchair for the little ones and a kids menu to keep small tummies satisfied. Just be aware it is a small cafe and not ideal for large coffee groups in Winter. In Summer the doors to the courtyard are always open and more seating available.
Marina Espresso

3/5 Marina View, Mana (by the Paremata bridge)
233 8028
Bookings and groups welcome
OPEN 7am-4pm 7 Days a week
Cabinet selection, breakfast/brunch menu
- Highchairs: 1
- Fluffies: Free with hot drink purchase
- Changing facilities: ?
Playpen with toys and books to entertain the tots!
233 8028
Bookings and groups welcome
OPEN 7am-4pm 7 Days a week
Cabinet selection, breakfast/brunch menu
- Highchairs: 1
- Fluffies: Free with hot drink purchase
- Changing facilities: ?
Playpen with toys and books to entertain the tots!
Huckleberry Cafe, Northland

66 Northland Road, Wellington
Website and Facebook Page
Tuesday-Friday: 8am-4pm / Saturday: 8.30am-4.00pm / Sunday: 9am-4pm
- Kids Menu: Yes
- Kids Drinks: Yes
- Changing Facilities: Yes
Great kids menu and play area!
Website and Facebook Page
Tuesday-Friday: 8am-4pm / Saturday: 8.30am-4.00pm / Sunday: 9am-4pm
- Kids Menu: Yes
- Kids Drinks: Yes
- Changing Facilities: Yes
Great kids menu and play area!
Light House Cinema Cafe, Pauatahanui

www.lighthousepauatahanui.co.nz
- Highchairs: 1
- Changing facilities: Yes
- Fluffies: Yes
The Light House Cinema in Pauatahanaui has a large cafe with plenty of room for large groups. It is a great place to meet up with your coffee group for a coffee, especially before the Mums & Bubs movie on a Tuesday morning. They have a range of pre-made foods such as paninis, pies, cakes and slices as well as coffee, wine and cold drinks.
Note: there is no play area so you may like to take your own toys and books for older babies & toddlers.
- Highchairs: 1
- Changing facilities: Yes
- Fluffies: Yes
The Light House Cinema in Pauatahanaui has a large cafe with plenty of room for large groups. It is a great place to meet up with your coffee group for a coffee, especially before the Mums & Bubs movie on a Tuesday morning. They have a range of pre-made foods such as paninis, pies, cakes and slices as well as coffee, wine and cold drinks.
Note: there is no play area so you may like to take your own toys and books for older babies & toddlers.
The Chocolate Fish Cafe

100 Shelly Bay Rd, Maupuia
Website
Open 7 days 9.30am-4pm (ish)
The Chocolae Fish Cafe is well worth the trip into the city on a sunny day. There is a large concrete and grass area for the littlies to ride the many bikes provided while parents can relax on the deck, inside the cafe or on the big bean bags outside. Inside there is a toy box and blackboard to keep the children entertained if the weather decides to pack in. The menu includes a variety of BBQ and seafood dishes, as well as the standard, excpected cafe fare.
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids Menu: Yes, kids’ meals are available from $4 for a sandwich
- Fluffies: $1 and come with mini chocolate fish
- Changing Facilities: Yes
Website
Open 7 days 9.30am-4pm (ish)
The Chocolae Fish Cafe is well worth the trip into the city on a sunny day. There is a large concrete and grass area for the littlies to ride the many bikes provided while parents can relax on the deck, inside the cafe or on the big bean bags outside. Inside there is a toy box and blackboard to keep the children entertained if the weather decides to pack in. The menu includes a variety of BBQ and seafood dishes, as well as the standard, excpected cafe fare.
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids Menu: Yes, kids’ meals are available from $4 for a sandwich
- Fluffies: $1 and come with mini chocolate fish
- Changing Facilities: Yes
Maranui Cafe, Lyall Bay

Maranui Surf Life Saving Club, The Parade, Lyall Bay
Website
info@maranuicafe.co.nz
04 387 4539
Open 7am-5pm, 7 days a week
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids Meals: Yes
- Kids Drinks/Fluffies: Yes
- Changing Facilities: Yes, in bathroom downstairs
Great atmosphere, friendly staff, beautiful views of the sea. The kids will love spotting planes as they take off and land at Wellington Airport! Just be aware that the cafe gets very busy and you can sometimes wait for 10mins to get a table and 20 mins for food. There is a playground and beautfiul beach for fun and relaxation right on the cafe's doorstep.
Website
info@maranuicafe.co.nz
04 387 4539
Open 7am-5pm, 7 days a week
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids Meals: Yes
- Kids Drinks/Fluffies: Yes
- Changing Facilities: Yes, in bathroom downstairs
Great atmosphere, friendly staff, beautiful views of the sea. The kids will love spotting planes as they take off and land at Wellington Airport! Just be aware that the cafe gets very busy and you can sometimes wait for 10mins to get a table and 20 mins for food. There is a playground and beautfiul beach for fun and relaxation right on the cafe's doorstep.
Cafe Kaizen, Porirua library

Parumoana Street, Porirua
04-237 0338
cafekaizen@xtra.co.nz
Monday - Friday 9am-4.45pm / Saturday 10am-4pm / Sunday 11am-4pm
- Highchairs:
- Changing Facilities: Yes, in the Library complex disability toilet.
- Kid drinks: Yes- fluffies $3, fruit juice $2.70
- Kids Menu: Yes- cheese on toast, ricies & milk, mini dogs & fries, sammies etc
04-237 0338
cafekaizen@xtra.co.nz
Monday - Friday 9am-4.45pm / Saturday 10am-4pm / Sunday 11am-4pm
- Highchairs:
- Changing Facilities: Yes, in the Library complex disability toilet.
- Kid drinks: Yes- fluffies $3, fruit juice $2.70
- Kids Menu: Yes- cheese on toast, ricies & milk, mini dogs & fries, sammies etc
The Arena Cafe

Te Rauparaha Arena Complex, Porirua
(04) 237 7494
Open 7 days a week between 9am and 4.30pm
- Highchairs: Yes
- Changing facilities: Yes - in the Arena Complex bathrooms
- Fluffies: Yes
"All food is made fresh daily with a wide variety of cabinet and menu food, great coffees and herbal teas. Items include All Day Breakfast, sandwiches, filled rolls, cakes and slices, lunch snacks, pizzas, toasted sandwiches, soup, hot pies, hot chips, children's meals, cold drinks and ice creams. The Arena Cafe has both indoor and outdoor dining during the summer. We also cater for birthday parties, and as a guide our 6 children party pack is $30.00, and 10 children is $42." (Information from website)
(04) 237 7494
Open 7 days a week between 9am and 4.30pm
- Highchairs: Yes
- Changing facilities: Yes - in the Arena Complex bathrooms
- Fluffies: Yes
"All food is made fresh daily with a wide variety of cabinet and menu food, great coffees and herbal teas. Items include All Day Breakfast, sandwiches, filled rolls, cakes and slices, lunch snacks, pizzas, toasted sandwiches, soup, hot pies, hot chips, children's meals, cold drinks and ice creams. The Arena Cafe has both indoor and outdoor dining during the summer. We also cater for birthday parties, and as a guide our 6 children party pack is $30.00, and 10 children is $42." (Information from website)
Janus Bakerij, Lower Hutt

700 High Street, Lower Hutt
Website
0800 4 JANUS
Note: Apparently the toy area has gone to make way for more adult seating! :o(
"Located just north of Lower Hutt's city centre on High Street - just past the hospital - it is a popular meeting place with many Hutt locals. How about a special treat of brunch, or lunch at Janus? We have a Kids Menu with lots of piping hot children’s favourites. Or they can choose from our large range in the bakery shop. And we make a special Kid Size Hot Chocolate - just perfect for little tummies." (Information from website)
Website
0800 4 JANUS
Note: Apparently the toy area has gone to make way for more adult seating! :o(
"Located just north of Lower Hutt's city centre on High Street - just past the hospital - it is a popular meeting place with many Hutt locals. How about a special treat of brunch, or lunch at Janus? We have a Kids Menu with lots of piping hot children’s favourites. Or they can choose from our large range in the bakery shop. And we make a special Kid Size Hot Chocolate - just perfect for little tummies." (Information from website)
The Borough, Tawa

162-168 Main Road, Tawa
(04) 232 7308
Email bookings@theboroughtawa.co.nz
Website
- Highchairs:
- Changing facilities:
- Children's meals: Kids dine free on Sundays!
(04) 232 7308
Email bookings@theboroughtawa.co.nz
Website
- Highchairs:
- Changing facilities:
- Children's meals: Kids dine free on Sundays!
The Coffee Club, North City Shopping Centre

- Highchairs: at least 2
- Changing facilities: Yes, the shopping centre has a fantastic parents room just metres from the cafe
- Fluffies: Yes- $1
- Kids Meals: Yes- Kids Club Combo meals are $10 with options such as fish & Chips, grilled cheese sandwich & chips and pancakes & ice cream on offer.
A great place to meet up with friends before, during or after a visit to the shops! An extensive range of well-priced cafe meals, including a $12 lunch menu and prepared cabinet foods. The positioning of the shopping centre's Parents Room is an added bonus!
- Changing facilities: Yes, the shopping centre has a fantastic parents room just metres from the cafe
- Fluffies: Yes- $1
- Kids Meals: Yes- Kids Club Combo meals are $10 with options such as fish & Chips, grilled cheese sandwich & chips and pancakes & ice cream on offer.
A great place to meet up with friends before, during or after a visit to the shops! An extensive range of well-priced cafe meals, including a $12 lunch menu and prepared cabinet foods. The positioning of the shopping centre's Parents Room is an added bonus!
Denny's, Porirua

2 Semple Street, 04-238 2536
- Open 24 hours/7 days a week
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids menu: Yes- extensive!
- Open 24 hours/7 days a week
- Highchairs: Yes
- Kids menu: Yes- extensive!
Ground Up, Pauatahanui

15 Paekakariki Hill Rd, Pauatahanui
(04) 234 1082
- Highchairs:
- Changing Facilities:
(04) 234 1082
- Highchairs:
- Changing Facilities:
McDonalds, Porirua

Porirua: 1 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua / (04) 237 4157
Mana: State Highway 1, Mana / (04) 233 0909
North City: North City Shopping Centre, Titahi Bay Rd, Porirua / (04) 237 4757
The Kenepuru Drive McDonalds features a McCafe and Playland for the children. All have high chairs and changing facilties available. (The North City changing facilities are located in the shopping centre Parents Room). Happy Meals! Need I say more?
Mana: State Highway 1, Mana / (04) 233 0909
North City: North City Shopping Centre, Titahi Bay Rd, Porirua / (04) 237 4757
The Kenepuru Drive McDonalds features a McCafe and Playland for the children. All have high chairs and changing facilties available. (The North City changing facilities are located in the shopping centre Parents Room). Happy Meals! Need I say more?
Firemans Arms, Petone

313 Jackson Street, Petone
Phone: 04 568 7700
Email: firemansarms@xtra.co.nz
Open 7 days from 10am
Locally owned and operated, The Fireman’s Arms is the perfect place to relax during the hot summer days in the enclosed and private garden bar. Fire Brigade memorabilia and photos adorn the walls in this family friendly bar and café.
An extensive and value for money menu with everything from children’s menu, snacks, main meals, pizzas as well as weekend brunches. The Fireman’s Arms has a wonderful atmosphere with classic jukebox sounds,indoor and outdoor pool tables, gaming machines,mini putt and is orientated towards families, with a large selection of toys to keep the kids entertained. (info from website)
"...cheap, decent food and a large beer garden to run about plus, pitch n putt, fuse ball and more. Very cool" - Local parents recommendation
Phone: 04 568 7700
Email: firemansarms@xtra.co.nz
Open 7 days from 10am
Locally owned and operated, The Fireman’s Arms is the perfect place to relax during the hot summer days in the enclosed and private garden bar. Fire Brigade memorabilia and photos adorn the walls in this family friendly bar and café.
An extensive and value for money menu with everything from children’s menu, snacks, main meals, pizzas as well as weekend brunches. The Fireman’s Arms has a wonderful atmosphere with classic jukebox sounds,indoor and outdoor pool tables, gaming machines,mini putt and is orientated towards families, with a large selection of toys to keep the kids entertained. (info from website)
"...cheap, decent food and a large beer garden to run about plus, pitch n putt, fuse ball and more. Very cool" - Local parents recommendation