Waikino Station Cafe

Cake was lovely but service was truly the rudest I have ever experienced. They cleared one of the kids masks away and when I asked if we could please have it back I was told they couldn't find it, which is no big deal, it's only a face mask. I then asked if they had a disposable one we could use because the sign said we'd need it for train trip home. I was told very aggressively they did not and we could sit on the uncovered carriage. When I pointed out that it was pouring with rain, the person's reply was "its not my fault". I never said it was, I just needed some help to make sure we could get home safely without getting soaked. Fortunately they lovely train driver let us on anyway, gave the kids a stamp and generally cheered us up after such an unpleasant encounter.

Had to wait almost an Hour for Teas and Coffees, the poor waitress was serving customers queing out of the door making the drinks and also cleaning tables, when i asked about the Tea and Coffee after 45 minutes it still took 15 minutes to make, poor owners also asking for Donations for the non existent toilet roll.

Food was nice but the duty manager on Tuesday February 1st, when we were there, was absolutely horrid!

I asked her if she actually wanted to argue with us about the pub down the road being shut, when we asked her a polite question! She clearly had no intention of being helpful.

I had intended to call Margaret who owns the spot to advise her that this woman was totally out of line with her comments to our group, so I hope Margaret has seen this and able to address her lack of personal skills, with respect to Margaret's buisnes here.

The food was tasty and fresh.

The location is sweet too.

At the end of the day, there are drinks in the cabinet that would have been enjoyed by our group had the reception been nicer.

New Zealand, year 2022 and still warm up pies in a microwave? Come on.you can do better. Some of the staff at the till was not friendly as usual.

A 10 minute queue to order, 15 minutes to heat a panini, bap and two pies which arrived 5 minutes after missing the train.

To give some context, the queue placed us third in line and the lady behind us handed her partner the an ice block as the queue was moving so slow, it would have melted before being paid for. The food ordered was all from the cabinet where the sign said to order from if catching the train.

While ordering our food we asked where to buy tickets and were told the next door would open soon, although it didn't, so we approached the friendly train driver, who advised that tickets can be purchased on arrival at the other end.

Delays happen, however, if the food is taking longer than the time remaining before the train departs, this should be communicated.

Thankfully, we drove to Waihi arrived in time to buy tickets, and had a lovely train ride, thanks to Sam, the friendly young host who made the trip interesting and fun for our kids.

Tried there Coffee the other day. Overall quite good, but had there takeway Coffee here today and sadly it was so hot and bad, i ended up leaving it on the table

Coffee was nice but took so long for food to arrive. Not impressed with service either. Also, food was not delicious, eggs were over cooked and tomatoes weren't cut properly.

Great spot to stop even if train isn't operating. Staff grumpy we had own food with their coffee outside. Understand that inside but a bit anti tourist outside.

Food expensive 2 basic no frills panini's 2flat whites $42 i wont be lunching there again anytime soon.customer service was good but pity the experience didnt do anything to compliment the excellent train ride

Lovely setting and enjoyed watching the kids getting on the train. The food looked good but was slow to arrive, way after coffee

Lovely historic building and nice food. Only downside was the staff member who was very rude when we asked if the gluten free toasted sandwich could be cooked safely for our coeliac daughter on a separate clean pan. Totally cranky about it which left a sour taste in our mouths. She did eventually offer to cook it on baking paper on the shared pan which we were totally happy with, but it wouldn't have been difficult to do that with some good grace and without making us feel like second class citizens. Second time here - we love the rail trail and train - and the same thing happened the last time. Such a shame.

Pros: great location, convenient parking, many tables inside and outside, good atmosphere, and fantastic coffee.

Cons: very crowded near the train time, no iced coffee, a bit pricey cabinet food which was very basic and not appealing, uncleaned tables.

Conclusion: I would go back there just for coffee if I were in the area.

Waited over an hour for food. Told it would be only 1/2 an hour when ordering. We know your busy, but you have charged us extra for coming on a public holiday so you should use that money to make sure you have enough staff. Ruin family day out and think twice before recommending or coming again.

The station gives the nostalgic feeling.
The inside of the cafe is warm and cozy with the fireplace.
Comfy seating inside, two cafes and friendly staff

Great burgers and good prices. Super cute place, highly recommend stopping and grabbing a bit. There is a walk at the old rail tunnel a bit farther North

Somewhat underwhelming with staff struggling to cope with the influx of people off the scenic train

A lovely morning tea punctuating our train journey. Quaint cafe. Food usual cafe fare. Nice olde worlde vibe.

Historical stop on the railway line that used to run all the way through the Karangahake Gorge. You can grab a coffee before you ride the train through to Waihi.

Very good cafe all round, most in NZ are shocking and present terrible manufactured food which is all sugar and inedible, well done Waikino Cafe

A great cafe in a unique setting. Go back in time, with pictures inside showing large-scale mining in the early 1900's.