Visit
Kai me te Inu
Eat and drink
Fuel your mind – and your body. We believe kai and kōrero belong alongside books and learning. That’s why we’ve created welcoming spaces where you can enjoy delicious food and drink, share conversation, and feel at home. You can also bring your own food and drink to several spaces across the library – we only ask that it is cold food and that you use the bins provided.
Ground floor cafe
Central Ground Café
Located just inside Te Ngākau Tomokanga, our new café is the perfect spot to start (or end) your journey through Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui – as well as a great pit stop during your adventures. There’s space to relax, refresh and be grounded.
Times
Ngā Kaupapa
Cafe opening hours
We’ve got everything you need and crave - fresh coffee, baked goods, light meals - and a range of seating that makes it a great place to sit quietly, meet up, or do a bit of work.
- Fresh daily: Proudly serving local Wellington roastery Flight Coffee, speciality drinks, premium teas, and hot drinks.
- Kitchen and cabinet: A full brunch menu alongside an extensive selection of daily cabinet treats, including freshly baked goods, savoury pastries, and delicious daily salads.
- Comfy spaces: Seating for groups or solo visitors to read, work, meet or unwind.
Eat and drink
Te Whare Kai
Kitchen
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui also has a Te Whare Kai | Kitchen on Te Papa Waenga (Mezzanine Level). This is available for use by groups who are using Te Whare Ngārara | Community Room 1, Te Kiri-o-Tāne | Community Room 2 or Te Huarewa Toi | Exhibition Gallery. If you’re booking a space and would like to use the kitchen, please let us know in your enquiry.
Ngā pātai auau
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink. We ask that food is cold (no hot foods) and that you dispose of rubbish responsibly. Please take extra care around equipment, collections and shared spaces.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is an alcohol-free public facility. Alcohol is not permitted in public areas of the building, including library spaces, foyers, and other shared areas.
Alcohol may be permitted as part of a private, organised event in a booked event space, provided all relevant licensing requirements are met.
Yes. Central Ground Te Wharekai | Café is located on the ground level and is open 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday.
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