When it comes to eats on wheels, the Wānaka food truck community has nailed it. What was once a small collection of locally-beloved trucks nestled together in a lot on Brownston Street has exploded into a culture that covers nearly every part of the region.
If you’re in the centre of town, head to where Helwick St. meets Brownston St. and hang a left. Just a few hundred metres away is the Brownston Street food truck lot. Here, you’ll find Curbside Coffee & Bagels, Burrito Craft, Firebird and plenty more that’ll leave you spoilt for choice.
Curbside Coffee & Bagels is your breakfast one-stop-shop, and a local favourite. Start your day with one of the best brews in town, and a delicious bagel to keep you fueled all day long.
If you’re looking for a delicious dinner option, Burrito Craft has you covered. From hearty burritos to flavorful tacos, this food truck serves up tasty bites for all, with excellent vegan options too. Just one truck down, Firebird serves up some of the best fried chicken on the block. Offering spice levels for everyone, huge burgers, Hot Boxes, wings, and loaded fries, they’ve got you covered. Pizza Pizza brings wood-fired pizza to the lane, serving thin-base sourdough pizzas made with top-quality ingredients from their beautiful oven on wheels. Over summer, you’ll also find the Dripping Bowl Pop-Up, serving their signature Buddha bowls and smoothie bowls alongside cold-pressed juices, smoothies and ‘Dr FeelGood’ ice creams.
This spot is absolutely gorgeous with fresh landscaping and the creek streaming through. Sit down and enjoy your kai (food) at one of the communal tables, and enjoy the social hum of this vibrant location.
For something a little different, across the street you’ll find the Black Cat Wānaka, adding a splash of colour to the mix as Wānaka’s home of bubble tea.
If you head back just past the Helwick/Brownston intersection, you’ll find two more of our favourite locations – Charlie Brown Crepes and The Coffee Shack. Charlie Brown brings French cuisine to the streets of Wānaka with the most incredible authentic crepes. And The Coffee Shack is an established local favourite, with National Barista Championship competitor Bonnie at the helm of the business. Last (but not least) on the block is Sweet Spot, Brownston’s go-to for hot, fresh donuts and creamy coconut ice cream, all vegan and free from gluten, dairy and nuts.
Just after the Sir Cliff Skeegs Drive and Sir Tim Wallis Drive roundabout, You’ll find the Three Park’s food truck hub. Delhi Hut Food Truck, bringing the vibrant flavours of Indian street food to Wānaka. Their menu is 100% vegetarian and vegan, without ever compromising on taste. You’ll also find Depaso, serving fresh, homemade food with a Latin twist. Think Chilean choripán, South American-style chorizo, seafood chowder and their much-loved garlic bread, all made with bread baked in-house.
And for coffee lovers, Corner Peak Coffee is parked nearby on Sir Tim Wallis Drive, serving specialty coffee roasted locally by Wolf Coffee Roasters in Arrowtown. Pair your drink with a toastie, soup or one of their freshly baked treats, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options always available. With mountain views, outdoor seating and a strong focus on sustainability, it’s a perfect place to pause for ten minutes and take it all in.
If you find yourself heading out towards Gordon Road to stop in at one of our craft breweries, perhaps pay a visit to the new food truck neighbours out there.
Taking residence in Ground Up Brewing’s bay is Brewery Lane, serving up all the crowd favorites – nachos, burgers, pizzas, and sharing plates.
Located a few buildings down, you’ll find Now Bao just outside of Rhyme x Reason Brewery. Known for their fresh, house-made steamed bao buns, Now Bao also serves up coffee, classic burgers, fried chicken, and fries with unique sauces.
Ardmore Street is Wānaka’s newest hotspot for Food Trucks. Here you’ll find Stoked Local, dishing up South American-influenced sanwiches and empanadas, wth a focus on using seasonal and local produce.
Across town on Anderson Road, you’ll find the Good Spot and the Dripping Bowl. Both are well known for incredible homemade snacks and meals, while also serving up a delicious cuppa. The Good Spot has the unofficial best cheese scone in Wānaka, while the Dripping Bowl makes their dishes with incredible fresh local produce.
Just a few minutes’ drive from Wānaka, Albert Town has its own must-stop food truck.
White Rabbit Cakes is a destination in itself for anyone with a sweet tooth. Known for their donuts & cinnamon buns, this much-loved local truck serves up delicious sweet treats alongside great coffee.
Over in Lake Hāwea, the food truck scene is thriving.
At Mo’s, everything is made fresh on site, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options available. Pair your meal with locally roasted See Crow Fly coffee and either take it away or settle into their sunny, sheltered courtyard. Nearby, Wingin’ It serve up crispy fried chicken, loaded burgers and Indian-inspired curries, a style they proudly call “Desi Roots, Kiwi Streets.”
You’ll also find the Food Truck + Bar at The Camp Lake Hāwea, serving breakfast and coffee in the mornings and classic brewpub favourites like wood-fired pizza and burgers in the evenings, alongside local craft beer and wine.