The Teahouse occupies a rare cafe setting beside the main lake in Pukekura Park, where greenery and water are part of the visit rather than background decoration. The building opened in November 1931 as a golden-wedding gift to New Plymouth from former mayor and mayoress C. H. and Ann Burgess. Its latest chapter began after a 2024 refurbishment, with experienced local hospitality operators Marnie and Simon Johnston-Saywell taking on the landmark.
Brunch covers familiar cafe dishes but gives them house-made details. Eggs come with tomato kasundi on buttered ciabatta, while creamy balsamic mushrooms add pesto and feta. Both Benedict and Florentine pair poached eggs and hollandaise with potato stovies, and the full Teahouse breakfast gathers mushrooms, cheese kranskies, bacon, eggs, roast tomato, chutney and toast onto one substantial plate.
There is a lighter and sweeter route through the menu as well. Avocado smash is finished with a poached egg, kasundi and a seed blend, while an Asian chicken salad combines vermicelli, slaw, coriander and mint. Fried calamari and polenta fries cover savoury snacking, and cinnamon-sugar churro waffles with house-made salted caramel, ice cream and cream turn brunch into dessert without needing a separate evening service.
Counter ordering keeps the cafe practical for people moving through the park, whether they stop for a full meal or only tea and coffee by the lake. A children's selection includes toasties, mini hot dogs, nuggets and a smaller churro waffle, making family visits straightforward. Gluten-friendly bread and some dishes made with gluten-free ingredients are available, though the kitchen clearly notes that it also handles gluten and cannot prevent cross-contact.
Address: 10 Fillis Street, Pukekura Park, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand
Been to The Teahouse? Be one of the first to rate it.
+ Log your visit
