Colenso Country Cafe & Country Shop

Horrific service. Waited in line for 20 minutes just to be bluntly told that there was a long wait on heating cabinet food. Not cooking food. But heating food that was in a cabinet. It's not what you expect on a long weekend.

Such a rip off! Been coming to Colenso for years and don't know what's happened. Paid $44 for 2 person platter - consisted of 2 small pieces of toast, 2 small biscuits, 3 pieces of ham, 2 pickles cut in half, 4 thin slices of v average cheese, some almonds & 4 olives! And 2 tiny pots of relish. Couldn't believe it as have had this platter so many times before and it has been at least twice the size. Rather go up the road to Mercury Bay estate and have a proper platter there! Might go back for a muffin, wouldn't recommend anything else! So sad when a good place goes this way.

Beautiful setting with so much potential but unfortunately we were let down. Indoor area to line up to order is tiny and you cannot see food in the cabinet until you are first in the queue. Very limited in food choices especially for your picky eater or person with allergies. Medium coffee size was more of a small but was a nice coffee. Felt very ripped off with the children's meal. $7 for a sandwich and fruit, came out with 2 pieces of sourdough bread which was tough and my 4 year old struggled to eat. Bread came with a massive chunk of butter on it and we had to spread ourselves (had to make our own sandwich.what's the point of going out for lunch then?) Cabinet food was very average and came out overheated which ruined the taste. Toasted sandwiches were bland and only 2 flavour options. Also food in the cabinet was not all avaliable so when I thought I had made up my choice then I got caught out at the front of the line and had to hold up other people trying to make another choice. Lastly when asking staff for help/ support with the menu and what was avaliable we were met with a very blunt and rude response. I understand it was a busy time but it is never okay to treat a paying customer that way. Will not be returning.

No selection unless you want the "prepared in advance" items.
Asked for a large Coffee and if that was large then other cafes must be using giant cups. Hadn't been in years and thought that it had improved with new owners... Sorry but won't be back.

Great homemade food and a beautiful garden to sit in.
A valuable tip- the staff are very young and although lovely need a lot more training. As my partner and I ate breakfast we watched the staff circle the garden with food searching continuously for the right table.
Also, upon arrival as you enter the main part of the cafe the staff acknowledge you and don’t even give you a menu or point you in the right direction for one or where you can sit. I ended up taking the all day menu and didn’t realise there was a breakfast menu (which was what I was after). I think if the staff better trained this cafe could be incredible!

A pleasant orchard environment to eat outside. Usual cafė food and the coffee was ok. I wouldn't rush back but would give it a second go.

I have wanted to stop at this cafe and gift shop on the way to Whitianga for ages and finally I did. It did not disappoint. There was a good range of GF, vegetarian and even some vegan food. It was a sunny day so great to eat outdoors, walk around the garden and a place for the kids to play too. The staff were welcoming and helpful and I will definitely stop in again.

Food and coffee get a tick from me. Great atmosphere and friendly staff.
Look forward to returning.

An absolute must stop, country style, great service and hospitality, we always call in when up that beautiful part of nz.

Lovely setting lots food to choose from, glad to see it has had a makeover. Coffee needs to be served hot.

Colenso cafe is a lovely spot to go for lunch on a fine afternoon. Beautiful gardens and orchard where you can while away the time in a relaxed environment. The food options are a little different than the usual fair but excellent none the less. Service is excellent and staff are friendly and helpful. We worth stopping here on your travel around the Coromandel.

Pleasant outdoor seating under beautiful fruit trees, plenty of parking, and staff are lovely! Gets very busy over the summer season and so be prepared to wait a bit. Not the biggest menu, but cabinet food is delish! Coffee is fairly average, but is a good spot to stop en route to your next destination.

Country Charme in cosy atmosphere with delicious food and drinks not to forget the beautiful retail part for interior of all kinds.
A slightly bigger variety in the food cabinet would be appreciated.

Nice selection of home cooked foods plus quirky gift shop in pleasant garden surroundings. Road side parking is narrow and dangerous on side of busy road. Recommend using off road carpark in the grounds.

Were there for breakfast. Good selection, everything homemade. It tasted great and the service was very friendly.

Lovely cafe and gift shop. They have very nice cake and good coffee! Definitely recommend, the place is beautiful.

Good menu options and cabinet food. Hubby pleased with the highly ecommended Shakshuka eggs. Spinach and Feta filo was nice and light. Definite drawcard was to try the vanilla slice which didn't disappoint. Heaps of seating and lovely gardens.

We love this spot, a real gem for great coffee, super staff and yummy food, a countryside retreat for those in the know

I do not usually give 5 star ratings. This easily overlooked cafe is an exception. It combines a lovely rural setting, great coffee and food at ordinary prices.

Wonderful discovery on the way to Whitianga, excellent fresh food, tasty coffee and smooth service, I'll be back