Karaka cafe is named after the karaka grove/trees on the Harbourside side of the premise by the late kaumatua, Sam Jackson.  It is said that Māori bought the karaka seed on waka as they traveled to settle in Aotearoa, enabling them to harvest the karaka berry (orange fruit).  

Karaka cafe is owned and operated by the Retimanu whānau, who are of Māori & Pacifica decent.  Our vision from day one was to promote our culture in a positive light, through the sense of sight, sound and taste.  We aim to boast the taste and aromas of Māori flavours of a hāngi through our cafe style foods and delicious barista coffee - this is what we call the "The Karaka Experience".  

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We are proud to work alongside an awesome management team, vibrant kaimahi, our building owners, Wellington Tenths Trust & Palmerston North Māori Reserve Trust,  here in Te Raukura Te Wharewaka O Poneke  (The Waka House of Wellington)