Karaka Cafe | summer cafe & bar | Taranaki Street Wharf Jervois Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand

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Same vibe, new location.
You will Love it!

15 years. of coffee, Kai, incredible people and Kōrero!

Flashback whānau mā.

15 years of memories, from where we started to where we stand now, and all the moments in between that became known as the Karaka Experience. It has never just been a café. It has been a place of connection, of culture, of kaupapa, and of people.

To our suppliers, partners, and community who stood beside us on this journey, you have been part of our story in every plate, every coffee, every moment.

And to our kaimahi, past and present, this is your legacy too.
From our casual crew, to students who grew with us over the years, to those who gave 5, 7, even 10 plus years, you did not just work here, you built Karaka. We see you, we thank you, and we carry you with us.

From day one, our kaupapa has been simple.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
It is the people. It always has been and always will be.

E te iwi, sadly our lease at Karaka Café comes to an end on 31 March 2026. So as we close this chapter, we are doing it the only way we know how, together!

So join us for our final “Karaka Wai and Karaka Kai” to celebrate what has been an unforgettable journey

Seats are limited, so if you would like to be part of our final days, we would love to see you. Bookings via the link in our bio.

Karaka Wai & Karaka Kai
Saturday 28 March
From 4pm
Nau mai, hoki mai.

To all of you who walked through our doors, shared kai, supported our whānau, and helped shape the wairua of Karaka, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. We are truly grateful.

Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi.
As one net is laid aside, another is taken up.

When one door closes, another opens.

#KarakaCafe

Flashback whānau mā.

15 years of memories, from where we started to where we stand now, and all the moments in between that became known as the Karaka Experience. It has never just been a café. It has been a place of connection, of culture, of kaupapa, and of people.

To our suppliers, partners, and community who stood beside us on this journey, you have been part of our story in every plate, every coffee, every moment.

And to our kaimahi, past and present, this is your legacy too.
From our casual crew, to students who grew with us over the years, to those who gave 5, 7, even 10 plus years, you did not just work here, you built Karaka. We see you, we thank you, and we carry you with us.

From day one, our kaupapa has been simple.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
It is the people. It always has been and always will be.

E te iwi, sadly our lease at Karaka Café comes to an end on 31 March 2026. So as we close this chapter, we are doing it the only way we know how, together!

So join us for our final “Karaka Wai and Karaka Kai” to celebrate what has been an unforgettable journey

Seats are limited, so if you would like to be part of our final days, we would love to see you. Bookings via the link in our bio.

Karaka Wai & Karaka Kai
Saturday 28 March
From 4pm
Nau mai, hoki mai.

To all of you who walked through our doors, shared kai, supported our whānau, and helped shape the wairua of Karaka, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. We are truly grateful.

Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi.
As one net is laid aside, another is taken up.

When one door closes, another opens.

#KarakaCafe

Today’s mahi with our people.
Walk in as customers, leave as whānau.

Always grateful for the hands, the hearts, and everyone who walks through our doors and into the whare 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Today’s mahi with our people.
Walk in as customers, leave as whānau.

Always grateful for the hands, the hearts, and everyone who walks through our doors and into the whare 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

From our kitchen to your table.
Our kaitunu forever cooking up magic 👨🏽‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳

Kei te ua i tēnei rā - it’s raining today.
Small team today, same mahi, getting it done 🧡

Nā @kctaunoabrown_ te waiata 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

From our kitchen to your table.
Our kaitunu forever cooking up magic 👨🏽‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳

Kei te ua i tēnei rā - it’s raining today.
Small team today, same mahi, getting it done 🧡

Nā @kctaunoabrown_ te waiata 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Hawaiki & Arahia are back mic’d up, running a mocktail taste test and keeping us humble 😅
Whole whānau involved, as always 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Hawaiki & Arahia are back mic’d up, running a mocktail taste test and keeping us humble 😅
Whole whānau involved, as always 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Mic’d up with Hawaiki, following his uncles for the day.
Our smallest but mightiest kaimahi.
Never too young to learn the ropes 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Mic’d up with Hawaiki, following his uncles for the day.
Our smallest but mightiest kaimahi.
Never too young to learn the ropes 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Kōrero from our Rangatira - Our Pāpā 🧡
Huge mihi to our tāne for bringing the Kirihimete magic to Karaka Café.
This place has always been built by whānau, for whānau.
He waka eke noa!

E te iwi, we’ll see you on Jan 6 for our little reveal.
Meri Kirihimete me ngā whakaaro nui mō te tau hou Pākehā 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Kōrero from our Rangatira - Our Pāpā 🧡
Huge mihi to our tāne for bringing the Kirihimete magic to Karaka Café.
This place has always been built by whānau, for whānau.
He waka eke noa!

E te iwi, we’ll see you on Jan 6 for our little reveal.
Meri Kirihimete me ngā whakaaro nui mō te tau hou Pākehā 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

E mihi ana ki ngā kaimahi ihu oneone o te tau 2025 🤍

Nau mai, te tau hou Pākehā 2026 🙌🏽

To our incredible kaimahi, our loyal customers, our whānau, friends, and suppliers. Thank you to every single person who walked through our whare this year. Big or small moments, busy days and quiet ones. We felt the aroha, the mana, and the tautoko every step of the way.

Ngā mihi nui. Bring on 2026 ✨

#KarakaCafe

E mihi ana ki ngā kaimahi ihu oneone o te tau 2025 🤍

Nau mai, te tau hou Pākehā 2026 🙌🏽

To our incredible kaimahi, our loyal customers, our whānau, friends, and suppliers. Thank you to every single person who walked through our whare this year. Big or small moments, busy days and quiet ones. We felt the aroha, the mana, and the tautoko every step of the way.

Ngā mihi nui. Bring on 2026 ✨

#KarakaCafe

Another day, another legend.
Josh da boss showing us how he’s been holding down the kaupapa through the busy Xmas parties 🤝🏾

#KarakaCafe #KiaOraKaiCatering #WellingtonFunctions

Another day, another legend.
Josh da boss showing us how he’s been holding down the kaupapa through the busy Xmas parties 🤝🏾

#KarakaCafe #KiaOraKaiCatering #WellingtonFunctions

New character unlocked: Nikora. Cracking us up and leading with manaaki, the Karaka way.

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

New character unlocked: Nikora. Cracking us up and leading with manaaki, the Karaka way.

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Kai, kōrero & kotahitanga. Grateful to you Takuta for sharing your wairua, your kōrero, and your kaupapa with us. The mana was felt by everyone in the whare. Mauri ora e te rangatira @takuta_ferris

Kai, kōrero & kotahitanga. Grateful to you Takuta for sharing your wairua, your kōrero, and your kaupapa with us. The mana was felt by everyone in the whare. Mauri ora e te rangatira @takuta_ferris

@pleasurep in the whare!!!!
We’re truly grateful for every face that comes into our whare.
Big or small, everyday or special.
Tēnei te mihi, tēnei te aroha

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

@pleasurep in the whare!!!!
We’re truly grateful for every face that comes into our whare.
Big or small, everyday or special.
Tēnei te mihi, tēnei te aroha

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

A full house, full of mana.
Mana in our kaimahi, mana in every graduate who chose to celebrate with us today.
Ngā mihi nui. We’re grateful! 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Wellington

A full house, full of mana.
Mana in our kaimahi, mana in every graduate who chose to celebrate with us today.
Ngā mihi nui. We’re grateful! 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Wellington

Ka ū te ata, ka mau te rā 💪🏽

Ka ū te ata, ka mau te rā 💪🏽

Nau mai ngā hua o te raumati! �🔥

Pōneke turning it on today 🧡

Nau mai ngā hua o te raumati! 🔥

Pōneke turning it on today 🧡

Service with aroha, always. E kore e whai ki tētahi wāhi atu!

Service with aroha, always. E kore e whai ki tētahi wāhi atu!

Nō mātou te whiwhi nui i tae mai ēnei rangatira ki tō mātou kāmuri i tēnei ahiahi nei! 🧡🧡

Nō mātou te whiwhi nui i tae mai ēnei rangatira ki tō mātou kāmuri i tēnei ahiahi nei! 🧡🧡

Solid service, vibes on, kai on point. Even our handshakes got a shoutout. Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka - the kūmara doesn’t speak of its own sweetness so we’ll let this review do the talking 🧡 Proof really is in the parāoa. Big ups to our team, your mahi makes this all possible!

Want to share the aroha with us? Link in bio

Solid service, vibes on, kai on point. Even our handshakes got a shoutout. Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka - the kūmara doesn’t speak of its own sweetness so we’ll let this review do the talking 🧡 Proof really is in the parāoa. Big ups to our team, your mahi makes this all possible!

Want to share the aroha with us? Link in bio

Tēnei wāhi, ēnei tangata!

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Tēnei wāhi, ēnei tangata!

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

New menu. New flavours. Same manaaki. Same aroha.
 A huge mihi to our kaitunu and kaimahi for the hard mahi behind the scenes. Yesterday’s hui was all about tasting, learning and getting excited for what is to come.

Here is a first look at some of the new dishes now on our menu.

Te reka o te kai. Te pai o ngā tangata. Tē hiahia hoki atu!

New menu. New flavours. Same manaaki. Same aroha.
 A huge mihi to our kaitunu and kaimahi for the hard mahi behind the scenes. Yesterday’s hui was all about tasting, learning and getting excited for what is to come.

Here is a first look at some of the new dishes now on our menu.

Te reka o te kai. Te pai o ngā tangata. Tē hiahia hoki atu!

SUMMER MENU LOADING…
Every menu has a story, and our kaitunu have been busy crafting the next chapter. From hāngī classics to Pacific twists, vibrant kai and sweet endings, there’s plenty to get excited about.

Keep an eye out – the full summer menu is on its way, and it’s made for sharing, savouring, and enjoying with whānau! 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke #TheKarakaWay

SUMMER MENU LOADING…
Every menu has a story, and our kaitunu have been busy crafting the next chapter. From hāngī classics to Pacific twists, vibrant kai and sweet endings, there’s plenty to get excited about.

Keep an eye out – the full summer menu is on its way, and it’s made for sharing, savouring, and enjoying with whānau! 🧡

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke #TheKarakaWay

Yeah the boys! When an AB Legend’s in the whare, you bet we didn’t pass up the photo op 😮‍💨

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Yeah the boys! When an AB Legend’s in the whare, you bet we didn’t pass up the photo op 😮‍💨

#KarakaCafe #Pōneke

Nō mātou te whiwhi! What a privilege to have these guys drop in.

Tēnei te mihi ki a kōrua! 🧡

Nō mātou te whiwhi! What a privilege to have these guys drop in.

Tēnei te mihi ki a kōrua! 🧡

Kāore he mea e rite ana - nothing compares!

#Pōneke #KarakaCafe

Kāore he mea e rite ana - nothing compares!

#Pōneke #KarakaCafe

Awesome to have the @lcbnewzealand tauira in today! Heaps of talent, plenty of heart!

Big mihi to our team for always making the magic happen 🫡🧡

Awesome to have the @lcbnewzealand tauira in today! Heaps of talent, plenty of heart!

Big mihi to our team for always making the magic happen 🫡🧡

Hōngongoi - July Dump.

Our tūpuna knew hōtoke was a time to pause, reflect, and nourish the wairua. That’s been us, small crew, big mahi, still showing up with aroha. Less hustle, more heart!

Here’s a look at what’s been happening behind the scenes

Hōngongoi - July Dump.

Our tūpuna knew hōtoke was a time to pause, reflect, and nourish the wairua. That’s been us, small crew, big mahi, still showing up with aroha. Less hustle, more heart!

Here’s a look at what’s been happening behind the scenes

Absolute scenes at Karaka today.

Big love to all the whānau who came through. Koia kei a koutou! 🧡

Absolute scenes at Karaka today.

Big love to all the whānau who came through. Koia kei a koutou! 🧡

Nau mai a Tama-Nui-te-rā, nau mai ngā tamariki!

Kura is out, sun is on & we’re ready for you, e te iwi 🔥

Nau mai a Tama-Nui-te-rā, nau mai ngā tamariki!

Kura is out, sun is on & we’re ready for you, e te iwi 🔥

Gather your people, share some kai, and take a moment to honour those who came before us. This season, we’re serving up our limited-time Rēwena Pancakes - these are hearty enough to warm your puku!

Available now until Sunday - only at Karaka Café 🧡

#KarakaCafe

Gather your people, share some kai, and take a moment to honour those who came before us. This season, we’re serving up our limited-time Rēwena Pancakes - these are hearty enough to warm your puku!

Available now until Sunday - only at Karaka Café 🧡

#KarakaCafe

Ngā whetū o Matariki are shining bright at Wharewaka today 🌟 Wharewaka’s packed with flavour and flair today for the Matariki Market. They have brought the goods e te iwi - kai, crafts, kōrero and all the funky little finds you didn’t know you needed. Here ‘til 3pm 🔥

#MatarikiMarket

Ngā whetū o Matariki are shining bright at Wharewaka today 🌟 Wharewaka’s packed with flavour and flair today for the Matariki Market. They have brought the goods e te iwi - kai, crafts, kōrero and all the funky little finds you didn’t know you needed. Here ‘til 3pm 🔥

#MatarikiMarket

Hearty kai & aroha served fresh today.
Big mihi to the rangatahi who came through, and to our kaimahi who serve aroha with every plate 🧡

Hearty kai & aroha served fresh today.
Big mihi to the rangatahi who came through, and to our kaimahi who serve aroha with every plate 🧡

3 Days until Pipiri (June). - a season of reflection, reconnection, and good kai. Come in, warm up, and honour the Māori New Year with us 🧡

Fresh soup daily - made with aroha and served with fry bread, sourdough, gluten free or plain white bread 🙌🏽

3 Days until Pipiri (June). - a season of reflection, reconnection, and good kai. Come in, warm up, and honour the Māori New Year with us 🧡

Fresh soup daily - made with aroha and served with fry bread, sourdough, gluten free or plain white bread 🙌🏽

Big mihi to today’s crew! The heart of the whare. You showed up, stood strong, and held the kaupapa down! It’s not just the kai, it’s the people behind it. Ngā mihi e te whānau 🧡

Big mihi to today’s crew! The heart of the whare. You showed up, stood strong, and held the kaupapa down! It’s not just the kai, it’s the people behind it. Ngā mihi e te whānau 🧡

Tēnei wāhi, ēnei tangata! Nothing like a sunny Friday & a good yarn over Kai. Kei konei te Wairua o te hapori 🧡

Tēnei wāhi, ēnei tangata! Nothing like a sunny Friday & a good yarn over Kai. Kei konei te Wairua o te hapori 🧡

Whānau, Kai, & the Wairua behind it all. This is the Karaka Way 🧡

Whānau, Kai, & the Wairua behind it all. This is the Karaka Way 🧡

We had the absolute pleasure of hosting some incredible rangatahi for lunch, full of laughter, kōrero, and good kai.
Nau mai te tupu, nau mai te ao hou 🙌🏽🧡

We had the absolute pleasure of hosting some incredible rangatahi for lunch, full of laughter, kōrero, and good kai.
Nau mai te tupu, nau mai te ao hou 🙌🏽🧡

Winters rolling in, and so is the Kai.

Winter menu drops this Saturday - Kai that hits. Vibes that stick.

Winters rolling in, and so is the Kai.

Winter menu drops this Saturday - Kai that hits. Vibes that stick.

BREAKING NEWS: Mum’s not flipping pancakes this year... WE ARE.

Our Rēwana Pancakes - golden, fluffy, and stacked with aroha - were originally just for the VIP Mums in our Mother’s Day package. But due to popular demand (and jealous kids at the table)... we’re opening them up for everyone!
Now anyone can order our limited-time pancakes on Mother’s Day 11th May.

Book the full package for Mum, or just treat yourself to a pancake moment.

Link in bio.

BREAKING NEWS: Mum’s not flipping pancakes this year... WE ARE.

Our Rēwana Pancakes - golden, fluffy, and stacked with aroha - were originally just for the VIP Mums in our Mother’s Day package. But due to popular demand (and jealous kids at the table)... we’re opening them up for everyone!
Now anyone can order our limited-time pancakes on Mother’s Day 11th May.

Book the full package for Mum, or just treat yourself to a pancake moment.

Link in bio.

Mana Wāhine Brunch - Celebrate Māmā the Karaka Way

This Mother’s Day, we honour the beautiful strength and aroha of all our māmā.

Join us for a day of kai, waiata, and VIP manaaki -
🧡Mimosa on arrival - kuīni treatment right from the get go
🧡A special Karaka Café gift just for her
🧡Our Special Rēwana Pancakes (for our māmā)
🧡Live acoustic vibes with our local artist, @pati.taii
🧡VIP set-up
Seats are very limited — once we’re full, we’re full!
📅 Sunday 11 May | 🕘 From 8:30AM | 📍 Karaka Café

Gather the whānau, spoil your mana wahine, and create memories she’ll carry with her
Book now - link in bio or call us!

Mana Wāhine Brunch - Celebrate Māmā the Karaka Way

This Mother’s Day, we honour the beautiful strength and aroha of all our māmā.

Join us for a day of kai, waiata, and VIP manaaki -
🧡Mimosa on arrival - kuīni treatment right from the get go
🧡A special Karaka Café gift just for her
🧡Our Special Rēwana Pancakes (for our māmā)
🧡Live acoustic vibes with our local artist, @pati.taii
🧡VIP set-up
Seats are very limited — once we’re full, we’re full!
📅 Sunday 11 May | 🕘 From 8:30AM | 📍 Karaka Café

Gather the whānau, spoil your mana wahine, and create memories she’ll carry with her
Book now - link in bio or call us!

Ānaaa, that’s a wrap whānau! Our last Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai for the season, and what a way to finish. Big mihi to The Groove Hut for bringing that Taranaki fire. To all our incredible live performers and our loyal Karaka whānau, thank you for the vibes, the waiata, and the good times. Ngā mihi nui! 💛

Kua ea! Ka hoki anō i te Raumati!

Ānaaa, that’s a wrap whānau! Our last Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai for the season, and what a way to finish. Big mihi to The Groove Hut for bringing that Taranaki fire. To all our incredible live performers and our loyal Karaka whānau, thank you for the vibes, the waiata, and the good times. Ngā mihi nui! 💛

Kua ea! Ka hoki anō i te Raumati!

Kia mākona! Straight outta the kitchen! Rēwena Bread Edition with our kaitunu, Jodi. Fresh, fluffy, and full of aroha! 🍞✨

#KarakaCafe #RēwenaBread #RēwanaStarter

Kia mākona! Straight outta the kitchen! Rēwena Bread Edition with our kaitunu, Jodi. Fresh, fluffy, and full of aroha! 🍞✨

#KarakaCafe #RēwenaBread #RēwanaStarter

Nau mai te Rāmere!

Nau mai ki tō mātou ao, tō mātou nei wharekai! 🧡

Nau mai te Rāmere!

Nau mai ki tō mātou ao, tō mātou nei wharekai! 🧡

@pati.taii has blessed our stage with soulful melodies, smooth acoustic vibes, and that unmistakable island groove. From heartfelt originals to timeless covers, his music has set the perfect tone for so many special nights at Karaka Café.

Here’s a look back at some of our favourite moments with Pati. Ngā mihi e kare. Thank you for sharing your gift with us! ✨

Who else is ready for another Pati Tai'i session? 👀🎤

@pati.taii has blessed our stage with soulful melodies, smooth acoustic vibes, and that unmistakable island groove. From heartfelt originals to timeless covers, his music has set the perfect tone for so many special nights at Karaka Café.

Here’s a look back at some of our favourite moments with Pati. Ngā mihi e kare. Thank you for sharing your gift with us! ✨

Who else is ready for another Pati Tai'i session? 👀🎤

Kua tae mai te wā – our final Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai live session is here! 🎶🔥 (for this season, back next summer)

We’re wrapping things up with The Groove Hutt, a powerhouse trio bringing smooth R&B and reggae grooves straight from the shadow of Taranaki Maunga. Deep bass, silky sax, and electrifying guitar – pure magic.

Come for the waiata, stay for the kai, inu, and the vibe that makes Karaka home. You don’t wanna miss this one!

📅 Saturday 29th March
📍 Karaka Café
⏰ 5PM-7:30PM

Tag your whānau, grab a seat early!
Link in bio!

Kua tae mai te wā – our final Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai live session is here! 🎶🔥 (for this season, back next summer)

We’re wrapping things up with The Groove Hutt, a powerhouse trio bringing smooth R&B and reggae grooves straight from the shadow of Taranaki Maunga. Deep bass, silky sax, and electrifying guitar – pure magic.

Come for the waiata, stay for the kai, inu, and the vibe that makes Karaka home. You don’t wanna miss this one!

📅 Saturday 29th March
📍 Karaka Café
⏰ 5PM-7:30PM

Tag your whānau, grab a seat early!
Link in bio!

Posting up some of our favourite moments from our Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai Sessions! First up @sianne_dougherty blessing us with her soulful sound, setting the vibe just right.

Karaka Café is the place for live music, mean kai, and good vibes by the water. Keep an eye out, your fave local artists might be next!

Posting up some of our favourite moments from our Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai Sessions! First up @sianne_dougherty blessing us with her soulful sound, setting the vibe just right.

Karaka Café is the place for live music, mean kai, and good vibes by the water. Keep an eye out, your fave local artists might be next!

Pōneke turning it on today! Big vibes, mean kai, and icy cold drinks to match! It’s a huge week for us and an even bigger weekend for Wellington with Homegrown kicking off this Friday! Kei whea mai! 🔥

Pull up, soak up the sun, and fuel up with the best before the festivities begin!

#KarakaCafe

Pōneke turning it on today! Big vibes, mean kai, and icy cold drinks to match! It’s a huge week for us and an even bigger weekend for Wellington with Homegrown kicking off this Friday! Kei whea mai! 🔥

Pull up, soak up the sun, and fuel up with the best before the festivities begin!

#KarakaCafe

A kiwi classic, the Karaka way - Pork & Pāua Sausage Rolls with Horopito Apple Sauce! 🙌🏽

Whānau, it’s time to taste something epic 🔥

A kiwi classic, the Karaka way - Pork & Pāua Sausage Rolls with Horopito Apple Sauce! 🙌🏽

Whānau, it’s time to taste something epic 🔥

Haramai tētahi āhua! 🙌🏾✨ We love hearing feedback like this.. not just because it’s kind words, but because it reflects what we’re all about: manaakitanga, connection, and genuine hospitality.

Big ups to our crew for always bringing the energy, and a big mihi to our customers for making Karaka Café feel like home.

Haramai tētahi āhua! 🙌🏾✨ We love hearing feedback like this.. not just because it’s kind words, but because it reflects what we’re all about: manaakitanga, connection, and genuine hospitality.

Big ups to our crew for always bringing the energy, and a big mihi to our customers for making Karaka Café feel like home.

“He kai kei aku ringa” – There is food at the end of my hands.

This whakataukī speaks to resilience, hard mahi, and self-sufficiency, values that our bro Torrence has shown since day one.

He started with us in 2020 as a casual waiter, moved into the kitchen as a kitchen hand in 2021, and by 2022, he was all in - starting his chef apprenticeship. Now in 2025, after years of grafting and learning, he’s officially a qualified chef with an NZ Certificate in Level 3 & 4 Cookery!

Torrence has put in the mahi, embraced the flavours of our Māori and Pacifica heritage, and proven that if you back yourself, anything’s possible. We’re bloody proud, e hoa! - Kia poho kererū ana!

Next time you pop in for a kai, give our newest chef a big “ka pai, e hoa!” he’s earned it 🧡

“He kai kei aku ringa” – There is food at the end of my hands.

This whakataukī speaks to resilience, hard mahi, and self-sufficiency, values that our bro Torrence has shown since day one.

He started with us in 2020 as a casual waiter, moved into the kitchen as a kitchen hand in 2021, and by 2022, he was all in - starting his chef apprenticeship. Now in 2025, after years of grafting and learning, he’s officially a qualified chef with an NZ Certificate in Level 3 & 4 Cookery!

Torrence has put in the mahi, embraced the flavours of our Māori and Pacifica heritage, and proven that if you back yourself, anything’s possible. We’re bloody proud, e hoa! - Kia poho kererū ana!

Next time you pop in for a kai, give our newest chef a big “ka pai, e hoa!” he’s earned it 🧡

E rua ngā Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai e toe ana!

Don't miss out on soulful tunes, delicious kai, and the best vibes in Pōneke this Saturday!

Grab your crew, sip, eat & soak it all in... before this Raumati season wraps up!

E rua ngā Karaka Wai, Karaka Kai e toe ana!

Don't miss out on soulful tunes, delicious kai, and the best vibes in Pōneke this Saturday!

Grab your crew, sip, eat & soak it all in... before this Raumati season wraps up!

Pōneke, ka nui tāku aroha ki a koe! 🧡

#wellingtonnz #karakacafe #pōneke

Pōneke, ka nui tāku aroha ki a koe! 🧡

#wellingtonnz #karakacafe #pōneke

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We’re not disappearing… just shifting gears.

Catch our final message on Instagram @Karaka_Cafe

And what’s next?
You will want to stick around for that -

We Can't Wait to Share!

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