Floating Rock Cafe

30 Riverpark Drive, Kuratau 3381, New Zealand
+64 7 386 0806
$$$ Cafe
(135 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Floating Rock Cafe in Kuratau unfolds like a relaxed waterside retreat where locals and visitors pause to enjoy fresh, straightforward fare paired with a laid-back atmosphere. Situated right by the lake, it’s the kind of spot that invites you to settle in after a day outdoors or on the road, with plenty of outdoor seating ideal for soaking up a sunny afternoon or sheltering under cover when the weather turns.

This cafe strikes a pleasant balance between casual comfort and friendly attentiveness. Service here tends to be warm and accommodating, often willing to tweak dishes to suit dietary needs, reflecting a community-minded approach rather than a rigid menu. For example, while the pizza options lean towards classic styles like Margherita and the Lakebed Basil, they’re flexible enough to handle special requests, even for those avoiding dairy.

The food itself centers on comforting, shareable plates: crisp onion rings, crumbed camembert that hold a satisfying crunch, and generous bowls of chips stand out as reliable favorites. Pizzas are cooked in an outdoor oven, capturing a rustic charm that aligns well with the scenic setting. Beyond the food, many visitors appreciate the coffee here – a solid pick-me-up after a morning wander or lake swim, often enjoyed while watching the river nearby.

Floating Rock Cafe tends to attract a diverse crowd—families passing through, locals seeking a relaxed bite, and travelers who appreciate a low-key spot with a community feel. If you find yourself exploring the wider Kuratau area, afternoons and early evenings here feel especially welcoming, when natural light softens and the space buzzes quietly with easy conversation and the casual clatter of plates.

Whether you're dropping in for a quick lunch, sharing a platter with friends, or simply pausing for a coffee break with views, Floating Rock offers its own kind of local rhythm—unpretentious, genuine, and comfortably grounded in its lakeside backdrop.

Highlights
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
What they serve
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine
Best for
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

135 Reviews
Charlotte Everett

03 Jan 2026

Super accommodating, and fantastic friendly service! I messaged a few days in advance asking if they could do a vegan pizza (as there was nothing vegan-friendly on the menu), and they were more than happy to accommodate. In fact, they said they usually have dairy-free cheese, but had some supplier issues, so they could either do a pizza for me without cheese, or I could bring my own as long as it was grated (I took my own). They also usually have a vegan “pinky bar” in the cakes cabinet apparently, but didn’t have any on the day we went. Super friendly and a great service. Made to feel very welcome.

Vasily Kravtsov

15 Dec 2025

Great place, very welcoming host. Pizzas were really nice, and the bowl of chips was really huge.

Pamela Chada

07 Dec 2025

Had a delicious pizza, golden fries and a great cup of coffee. Friendly, prompt service and a beautiful location. Would definitely visit again.

J. Bou

14 Nov 2025

We recently visited Floating Rock Cafe and had a lovely time (16/12/24) We ordered chips, jalapeño poppers, onion rings, prawn twisters, and a few soft drinks. The food was fresh, crispy, and flavorful, with the jalapeño poppers being a standout favorite. The portion sizes were fair but perfect for sharing. The cafe itself has a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring we had a great dining experience. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some delicious snacks. We’ll definitely be back to try more from their menu!

Shannon Hoeg

31 Oct 2025

Great little spot we stopped at while exploring the area to get out of the rain. Our favorite wine was the Pinot gris- it was excellent! We also got a pizza which was made in the oven outside.

William Sinclair

25 Oct 2025

Overall a 4.8 star review, the texture and crunch of the fries was unreal! Nailed it! Could do with a touch less salt, especially as the bowl goes down. The aoli was delicious. The henhouse pizza was very authentic, super thin base, charred edges, and a light but flavourful arrangement of toppings. Again nailed it. The lake man beer was a great accompaniment. Our hosts were friendly and relaxed making a great dinning experience.

Jinhee Jung

27 Sep 2025

Ordered lakebed(back) and hen house pizza (front). Full-size wedges are huge for 2 people, so order a half size if you don't want to get full before you even have the main menu!

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