Famous for our scones, coffee, and all-day breakfast since 2010. We’ve built a space where locals feel at home and travellers feel instantly welcome. Tucked just off the beaten path at 47 Helwick Street, we serve locally sourced, ethically produced food, exceptional coffee, and genuine hospitality, with a deep affection for all things Wānaka.
Sit down, relax, and enjoy our table service.

Walk in and you’ll feel it straight away: no nonsense, no pretence, just good people, great food, and a proper sense of community.
We’ve been pouring great coffee and cooking solid breakfasts since 2010. Whether you’re chasing first lifts, heading for the hills, or easing into the day, we’ve got your back — all-day breakfast, seriously good coffee, and doors open from 7am.
Grab a seat in the courtyard, order a breakfast cocktail, and stay a while.
We take breakfast seriously — which is why we serve it all day. We cook with organic eggs, free-range meat, and locally sourced veg, because better ingredients = better food. Simple as that.
Some of our dishes have been on the menu for years, and for good reason. Don’t just take our word for it — ask anyone who lives here.
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Made with organic eggs, free-range meat, and locally sourced fresh produce, including from our very own Fed Alley Garden and trusted local producers.
Our food is made with love.
A local legend. Crispy polenta, spinach, mushrooms, Whitestone halloumi, house-made chilli sambal, and roasted tomato. Vegetarian, but not missing a thing. Some regulars have been ordering this for over 15 years — that tells you everything.
Our version of the old-school classic — spiced rice, NZ smoked fish, a poached egg, lemon, and coriander. Comfort food done right.
No hype needed. Just a really, really good scone. Cheese, date & orange, or classic with cream and jam.
The new kid that’s already earned its place — crispy potatoes, charred corn, avocado, two poached eggs, chimichurri, and tomato. Big flavours, no regrets.
For when you’re not holding back. Seasonal and worth it — think strawberries, pistachio, and lemon cream in summer, or roasted apples, pecan, cinnamon, and maple in winter.
Organic eggs & free-range meats in every dish
Own garden produce from the Fed Alley Garden Project
Single-use cup free – SUC Free Wānaka
Staff who know your name and your coffee order
Part of The Fed Group – Wanaka hospitality at its best
Bloody Mary — house-made vegan mix, NZ tomato juice, spice it your way
Mimosa — Charlie’s OJ + Italian prosecco (yes, it’s as good as it sounds)
Limoncello Spritz — bright, sharp, and made for Wānaka mornings
DRINKS RELATED REVIEW HERE
– Jessica via Google
We’re tucked down an alley just off the main strip, a short stroll from the lake and well worth finding. Look for the signs on Helwick Street and follow your nose.

No bookings required, we welcome walk-ins and run a waitlist on busy days.
Have a question? Want to enquire about private hire or a function? We’d love to hear from you. Please note: We don’t take bookings for regular dining, walk-ins only.
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Our Menu
Private Hire & Functions
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Sustainably-Fed
The Fed Group
Federal Diner is located at 47 Helwick Street, Wanaka, tucked down an alley just off the main strip, a short walk from the lake. Look for the signs on Helwick Street and follow them in.
We’re open seven days a week from 7:00am to 3:00pm. Breakfast is served from 7:00am and lunch from 11:30am. We’re closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
No bookings are required, we operate on a walk-in basis. On busy days we run a waitlist system, so simply arrive and our team will get you seated as soon as possible.
Yes! Our sunny courtyard is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your four-legged companion along. It’s a relaxed, open space, perfect for a coffee and a scone with your pup by your side.
We serve all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch, made with organic eggs, free-range meats, and locally sourced fresh produce. Highlights include our world-famous Wanaka scones (date or cheese), the signature Hawea Flat brunch, build-your-own breakfast plates, wholesome salads, and cabinet treats. View our full menu for everything on offer.
Our scones are legendary in Wanaka, baked fresh daily in date or cheese. Other crowd favourites include the El Huevo Loco, the Bacon and Egg Butty, the Hawea Flat brunch, and our Bounty Smoothie. We also offer great vegetarian options, including halloumi dishes.
Absolutely. Our fully trained baristas serve specialty coffee all day, from flat whites and long blacks to pour overs and more. We’re proud to be one of Wanaka’s top spots for a quality cup of coffee.
Yes we have a great range of vegetarian options on our menu, including halloumi dishes and plant-based cabinet food. Our kitchen uses organic eggs and fresh seasonal produce, so there’s always something wholesome and satisfying for vegetarian diners.
Yes – Federal Diner is available for private hire and group functions in the evenings. Whether it’s a birthday, corporate event, or special celebration, we’d love to help you plan something memorable. Get in touch via eat@federaldiner.co.nz to check availability.
We certainly do! Our sister eatery, Fedeli, handles a wide range of catering options for everything from office lunches and private parties to large-scale events. To view the menus and make an enquiry, please visit the Fedeli website at www.fedeli.co.nz/wanaka-catering/.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We grow some of our own produce through the Fed Alley Garden Project, partner with local suppliers, use organic eggs and free-range meats, and are proud participants in the SUC Free Wānaka movement – meaning we’re completely single-use cup free. We also support local community events like the Festival of Colour.