Madhatters cafe

17 Leigh Street, Kaeo 0478, New Zealand
+64 9 405 1370
$$$ Cafe
(179 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Madhatters Cafe, an enchanting café located at 17 Leigh Street, Kaeo, New Zealand. This delightful spot is more than just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a whimsical haven that feels like stepping into a storybook. With its eclectic decor and charming atmosphere, Madhatters Cafe invites you to indulge in a culinary adventure where every dish tells a tale.

The café specializes in a delightful array of comfort food and sweet treats that cater to every palate. From the moment you enter, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the tempting scent of waffles and crispy bacon, enticing your senses. Popular dishes such as the fluffy waffles topped with delectable syrup, and the indulgent Truck & Trailer are just a few highlights that have earned rave reviews. Guests have described the eggs benedict as a must-try - perfectly poached eggs nestled atop buttery toast, smothered in rich hollandaise sauce, served alongside crunchy hash browns.

What truly sets Madhatters Cafe apart is its inviting atmosphere, punctuated by friendly and attentive staff who embody the warmth of New Zealand hospitality. Customer Kim Baker reflects on her surprise at the café's welcoming vibe, emphasizing the “fabulous” food presentation and “excellent” coffee. The shaded deck out front offers the perfect spot to relax, sip on your drink of choice, and observe the charming surroundings. It’s an idyllic setting to spend an afternoon, whether you're catching up with friends or simply soaking in the lovely ambiance.

Many patrons, like Diane Povey, have shared their joy over the thoughtful decor, which adds to the overall dining experience. A little hint: don't forget to check out the whimsical washroom, as KarMunn Yee humorously suggests, where the experience may just feel like a delightful “rabbit hole.” For those with dietary restrictions, rest assured – Madhatters Cafe is keen on accommodating various needs, as highlighted by Bob Wallace’s satisfaction with gluten-free options.

In a world that sometimes rushes by too quickly, Madhatters Cafe invites you to slow down, enjoy delicious food, and connect with the community. If you’re journeying north or simply exploring Kaeo, make sure to carve out time for a visit. You’ll leave not just satisfied but with a smile, and perhaps, plans to return.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
179 Reviews
Kim Baker

24 Sep 2025

This was a surprising welcome on the trip North. I didn’t actually eat anything cos I’d just had breakfast but all the food looked fabulous and the coffee was excellent. The staff were really friendly and I really liked their sign on the wall (see photo). Now I know it’s there I’ll make sure next time that I’m hungry and hope they haven’t sold everything. There’s a great little shady deck out front and a courtyard at the back. Fabulous. I’ve been told it’s a favorite w the locals and I’m not surprised.

Diane Povey

16 Sep 2025

Stopped here after googling and reading reviews and definitely wasn’t disappointed! Service is excellent and friendly, place is clean and food was delicious! We got waffles and they were so yummy! Hubby also got the Truck & trailer and he said it was fab. Love all the decor and you can tell the owners care about presentation. Will definitely come back when we pass again. Thank you :-)

KarMunn Yee

13 Sep 2025

The best waffles and bacon I had in a long long long time. Beats some renowned cafes around NZ hands down thank youuuu but that’s not the best part….. The place feels like a storybook come alive, make sure you visit the washroom and get lured into the rabbit hole

Bob Wallace

24 Aug 2025

Fabulous stop, we planned it, Alice fans from Hamilton & Gardens.Great coffee, well looked after for Wendy's GF needs. Bacon egg roll yummy for me, lots to look at, try the hats on, we are Steampunkers but dress up in big hats a lot...thanx

Suwannee Fauvel

27 Jul 2025

Stopped in for a late breakfast. Ordered eggs Benedict, a bacon and eggs with hash browns, a long black and a soft drink. Food was excellent and reasonably priced. Coffee was hot and strong, Service was friendly and polite and food arrived promptly. 5/5 stars. Well deserved.

vinay shriyan

11 Jul 2025

Wonderful place for breakfast. Sorry forgot to mention earlier, the Alice in wonderland theme looked very nice too :). Thanks!

Debi J

17 Jun 2025

Lovely little cafe. Coffee was good. So were the broccoli n cheese balls. Really tasty as were the huge sweetcorn fritters. A must - a quirky find.

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