Wanaka’s Favourite Brunch Spot
All day breakfast

7am – 3pm

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.

Opening Hours
Opening HoursDaily 7am — 3pm
Bookings
BookingsWalk-in only
Food

Welcome to Wanaka’s Top Brunch Spot 

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.

(Insert testimonials)

The Classic’s

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.

The Hawea Flat

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.

The Comfort Kedgeree

Our version of the old-school classic — spiced rice, NZ smoked fish, a poached egg, lemon, and coriander. Comfort food done right.

The Famous Scone

No hype needed. Just a really, really good scone. Cheese, date & orange, or classic with cream and jam.

El Huevo Loco

The new kid that’s already earned its place — crispy potatoes, charred corn, avocado, two poached eggs, chimichurri, and tomato. Big flavours, no regrets.

The Sugar Load

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

Round up your mates or your whānau and settle in. Add a mimosa if you’re feeling fancy, or a Bloody Mary if you’re not.

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

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It

DRINKS RELATED REVIEW HERE

– Jessica via Google

Find Us in the Heart of Wanaka

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.

Find Us in the Heart of Wanaka

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday 7:00am – 3:00pm
Breakfast Service From 7:00am
Lunch Service From 11:30am – 3:00pm
Christmas Day Closed
Boxing Day Closed
New Year’s Day Closed

No bookings required, we welcome walk-ins and run a waitlist on busy days.

Get in Touch

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.

Explore More

Our Menu

Our Menu

Private Hire & Functions

Private Hire & Functions

Gift Vouchers

Gift Vouchers

Sustainably-Fed

Sustainably-Fed

The Fed Group

The Fed Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Federal Diner located in Wanaka?

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.

What are Federal Diner's opening hours?

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.

Do I need to book a table at Federal Diner?

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.

Is Federal Diner dog-friendly?

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.

What food does Federal Diner serve?

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.

What are Federal Diner's most popular dishes?

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.

Does Federal Diner serve specialty coffee?

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.

Is Federal Diner suitable for vegetarians?

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.

Can I book Federal Diner for a private function or event?

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.

Do you offer catering services?

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/.

How is Federal Diner committed to sustainability?

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.