The General Store Waitomo

15 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
+64 7 878 8613
$$$ Cafe , Bar , Breakfast restaurant , Brunch restaurant , Coffee store , Diner , Grocery store , Lunch restaurant , Pub , Store
(286 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to The General Store Waitomo, a delightful café nestled in the heart of Waitomo Caves, New Zealand. With a charming atmosphere and a commitment to quality, this café stands out as a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers.

Upon entering The General Store, you'll be greeted by friendly smiles and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and home-cooked meals. The warm and cozy vibe is perfect for taking a break from your explorations of the stunning surrounding landscapes. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick snack or a leisurely lunch, you'll feel right at home here.

The menu boasts an array of options that cater to both adults and kids alike. For families, the Kids Meals offer tasty choices like the classic American Hotdog and comforting Chicken Nuggets, all priced at a wallet-friendly NZ$15.00. For the burger enthusiasts, The General Store serves an array of mouth-watering burgers that include the juicy Cheeseburger and the hearty Steak Burger, ensuring there’s something for every taste. A highlight is undeniably The OG Burger, which promises a truly indulgent experience.

But it’s not just the burgers that steal the show. Diners rave about the Cheesy Garlic Bread, the Crispy Cauliflower Bites, and the delectable Chilli Beef Nachos – all perfect for sharing (or keeping to yourself!). And don’t miss out on the house specialties like the Sticky BBQ & Speights Pork Ribs, which come steeped in rich flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Real customer experiences speak volumes about the café's charm. Earl Brent praises it as “a hidden gem,” appreciating its clean and well-organized feel that sets an inviting tone. Others, like Gregory Mather, elevate the café by declaring it home to the “best bacon and egg pie” he’s ever had. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, the feedback consistently highlights the exceptional quality of food and the outstanding service. As Eureka VG notes, the comforting atmosphere and superb staff contributions create a unique dining experience that hits all the right notes for taste and quality.

In summary, The General Store Waitomo isn’t just another café; it’s a wholesome spot where wonderful food meets genuine hospitality. Perfect for families, road-travelers, and locals alike, it is a place to recharge and enjoy the vibrant community spirit of Waitomo Caves. Make sure you stop by and indulge in one of their delicious offerings – your taste buds will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

286 Reviews
Earl Brent

06 Oct 2025

Absolutely Excellent – A Hidden Gem! Waitomo General Store is truly a standout spot in the area. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warm smiles and genuine Kiwi hospitality. The staff are incredibly friendly, helpful, and make you feel right at home. The store itself is clean, well-organised, and has a welcoming, cozy vibe. Everything is spotless and well presented – it’s clear they take great pride in their space. Now let’s talk about the food – absolutely delicious! Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or a hearty meal, the food is fresh, well-made, and satisfying. And the real highlight? The coffee. Without a doubt, it’s some of the best I’ve had – smooth, rich, and perfectly brewed every time. A true treat for any coffee lover. Waitomo General Store is more than just a local stop – it's an experience. If you’re passing through or staying nearby, make sure you stop in. You won’t be disappointed

Ben Svehla

23 Sep 2025

Had a fantastic home made bacon and egg pie here and a latte, beaut thanks

Eureka VG

19 Sep 2025

Waitomo General Store is a gem in every sense! The food and coffee here are beyond delightful, consistently hitting the mark for taste and quality. Whether it's a hearty meal or a caffeine fix, this store delivers. The staff members are the true stars, providing excellent customer service that makes every visit a pleasure. Their friendly and welcoming demeanor adds to the overall positive atmosphere, creating a sense of warmth that complements the delicious offerings. Waitomo General Store is more than just a convenience stop; it's a culinary haven with a team dedicated to ensuring your experience is not only satisfying but truly exceptional. Highly recommended for food enthusiasts and coffee lovers seeking a memorable and delicious stop in Waitomo.

Gregory Mather

16 Sep 2025

Over all a great place to stop. Nothing bad about it at all. The best bacon and egg pie I've ever had.

Philip Gibbs

10 Sep 2025

What an awesome place to have lunch. Great food, service and music.

life

10 Sep 2025

Terrific store for Waitomo - great out door seating in the warm sunshine, young friends hard working staff. Their chicken and beef burgers delicious as were their loaded nachos & vegetable frittata. They sell a few items eg detergents, clothing jewellery, snack food, chips aswell, We went there twice for lunch and loved it ! Really lovely people

Emma Taylor (Emzoes)

25 Aug 2025

Great coffee and meals! Came here before going to the caves and had a coffee then later that night around 5pm we popped down and got burgers (they close at 6pm). My gosh so tasty

Kreutz Diego

18 Jul 2025

A simple and good place to stop for a breakfast in a rainy day. Food is good and the price is okay for NZ. I had a bagel with bacon and cheese and a large cappuccino. Liked it.

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