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Hydro Eatery
Review
About
Hydro Eatery the newest cafe to Turangi. Serving fine Mojo coffee, Breakfasts, Brunches, Lunchs and Afternoon munches. All food home-made on site. GF options. Great Food, Great Service, Relaxed,comfortable atmosphere. Come in and see us! Open from 8am to 4pm
Features
CUISINES
Cafe, New Zealand
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Seating
Table Service
Takeout
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Is this a cafe?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 3:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Monday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
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4.3
246 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
67
Average
14
Poor
12
Terrible
9
snowclaws
43 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Lovely food, well presented. Eggs benedict was served on a potato rosti and perfectly poached eggs. Bagel stack was huge and also perfectly cooked.
Coffee was fine - would happily return
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy
Auckland3 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
We visited in the middle of their lunch rush and the place was packed with a large queue at the counter, but the counter food looked so great we were prepared to wait. And we are so glad we did! This cafe surpassed all our expectations. In spite of being so busy we received excellent service; staff were happy and friendly, our coffees arrived promptly and our meals weren’t too far behind. Our meals were delicious. We had the Mexican Stack and Breakfast Quiche. Both came with a tasty relish and the best side salad we’ve ever had at a cafe. Two thumbs up!
Written 10 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cup1993
Hanmer Springs91 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
We usually stop in Turangi to stretch our legs, grab a bite to eat, and I’m usually forced to eat junk.
Not this time! For some reason I’d never noticed Hydro but, thankfully, I did this trip. Lovely staff, fresh food and very reasonably priced.
Unfortunately I didn’t take a picture, would’ve said it all.
Written 19 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
philip d
Oxfordshire16 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
We are travelling this amazing country and really enjoying the places the locals frequent. We visited yesterday morning, influenced by the positive Trip Advisor rating and we had an amazing time. Staff were really attentive and the food was both great and good. Within our group, one ordered waffles and another pancakes. The former were disappointing, almost certainly not made fresh or on the premises. Disappointing. The pancakes were ‘home made’ and very yummy. We decided to come again this morning, oh dear ‘what a difference a day can make’. The staff were almost entirely wrapped up in their own self-importance, laughing and giggling loudly and running about whilst also not focused, not concentrating. Our order which was delicious, was served on the wrong bread. We were double charged for a coffee which to their credit they discovered and brought the refund to the table. During the meal I went up to the coffee station which wasn’t at all busy and asked if I could have a second coffee, as I had the day before. My order seemed accepted. When it didn’t arrive some 10 mins later I popped up to check and was told it had to be paid for first. Not the case the day before. When I pointed that aspect out, keen to get back to my breakfast and I pointed out that the cash for the wrongly double charged coffee was on the table, I was firmly told by the young lady that she was ‘the assistant manager’ and I’d have to pay. I’d have to go and get the cash. All unnecessarily aggressive and unfriendly. This stance totally destroyed the positive experience. Such arrogance has no place in hospitality and was totally at odds with our experience in New Zealand. The owner may choose to observe, maybe he/she doesn’t care, time will decide. Custom is earned and should never be taken for granted
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minal P
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • family
WONT RECOMMEND AT ALL 😡😡😡
I hardly give bad reviews but this was heightened.
Went with whole family, the staff was extremely Rude and not helpful at all. All of being vegetarian the manager of the cafe said they don’t do anything vegetarian. She won’t even help to see if we can order anything from the menu that even kids can eat. Our kids got little confused choosing their juice the manager made face like she had to cancel the whole order. Very very bad experience. Won’t recommend anyone to go. Ordered coffee and she made us wait 15 mins to give us coffee and then she didn’t even apologise for the delay.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scarlett
Masterton3 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
We came here after seeing the many great reviews for a quick breakfast before driving home.
We all ordered meals and it came to $50 which was quite pricy for the 3 of us but we were hungry and decided to give the Hydro Eatery a chance!
My sister ordered the waffles and they were extremely dry and hard. $18 down the drain.
Also my hot chocolate was extremely weak and only came with one marshmallow (not a big deal for me because I’m not that precious about marshmallows but having worked in a cafe for 2 years I know some people can get really annoyed about small things like that!).
But that’s where the negativity ends because they really redeemed themselves with my Mum and I’s breakfast!
I asked for extra crispy bacon which they happily did for me! The fried eggs were also not too runny that it’s raw and gross but not too cooked that it’s horrible and dry! 10/10 from me for the cooked breakfast!
My Mums meal was also lovely and somewhat adorable for $12 and she really enjoyed it!
Also this is the cheapest place I’ve ever seen for eggs on toast! Only $9! And only an extra $4 for bacon! ($13 for bacon and eggs on toast!).
Worth a visit but avoid the waffles and ask for an extra strong Hot Chocolate with extra marshmallows (if marshmallows are your thing).
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily M
7 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
My friend and I both ordered cabinet food and they got both our orders wrong. My friend ordered a chicken panini and they asked him two times at the counter to check which one he wanted but still got given the wrong one. I ordered a spinach and feta filo and got given a mushroom filo - I don't like mushrooms and this was full of them so couldn't eat it. I gave it to my friend and he said it was cold on the inside.
Service was not great, the waitresses were on their phones behind the counter and didn't seem to care.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
Turangi44 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Second time we have been here for breakfast and honestly what a disappointment. The wait for food was unreasonable considering how empty the place was and that we ordered fried food
The crispy chicken burger, kids hot dog and fries along with the Reuben sammie.
When food finally arrived everything was under seasoned. The chips were cold in the middle and not even crispy on the outside not to mention the Corn beef in the Reuben sammie is the gristliest corn beef I’ve ever had. I literally couldn’t even bite threw it, I then tried to cut through it with my knife and after aggressively tackling this I decided to give up as it was certainly not an enjoyable eating experience.
I then proceeded to the counter to inform the staff that the food was subpar at best and the girl at the counter (who has the luscious long hair - which im sure should be tied back) scrunched her face in return to my comments about the food. I really hate complaining guys, but not as much as I hate paying a premium for food & service of a subpar standard. If I wanted a below average breakfast I would have just got my kid to cook for me & saved the dosh. I came to you guys at the counter as an opportunity to rectify the situation, thus I know is important because I, myself am a pastry chef. How are you supposed to do better as a team and business if no one gives you the opportunity. In the end the only comment I got from the wait staff was I’ll pass your criticism on to the chef. No apology, or anything.
Hydro you’re not doing any favours if you want repeat business..
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen A
18 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
Called in Friday 30th for lunch and ordered 2 POACHED EGGS&bacon on toast
(Warmed bread!!) Eggs were hard.coffee was good bacon could of been cooked longer.Who would let hard eggs go out! 3 mins is all they take chefs! Lot of money for a big let down.🤨
Written 30 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nyanne P
New Zealand15 contributions
Mar 2021 • friends
We were looking forward to coffee and a great breakfast after the Tongariro crossing and we were not disappointed.
The eggs Bene with a generous serving of salmon on home made hash Browns,,, delicious !💯 I was tempted to ask for the recipe. The staff are ovely and art work on the walls a credit to an obviously talented community
thank you🙏 highly recommend this restaurant /cafe
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nancyolah
664 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Looking for an alternative to the overpriced breakfasts at Chateau Tongariro?
About 30 minutes away, in the town of Turangi is Hydro Eatery. The menus for breakfast and lunch are on their blackboards, along with a separate board for drinks. Their food is well prepared, fresh, and delicious.
Our bill was $44 NZD (about $27 USD) for the following:
- Thick pancakes with raspberry compote, lemon curd, ricotta, and pistachios
- Avocado toast on a thick slab of well toasted rye bread, poached egg, two large pieces of avocado, along with lots of smashed avocado, halved grape tomatoes, feta, balsamic glaze, and micro greens
- A perfectly made large flat white and a large cappuccino, heavy on the cinnamon
Refreshed and refueled, we got on our way to Whakatane!
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatbum
Christchurch33 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
Had lunch here last week & it was very tasty & cooked to perfection. I often choose Calamari when out for lunch, never have I ever only been served 3 pieces. I’m not a huge eater, but I left hungry & felt a bit ripped off to be honest. I don’t usually bother writing a review, but nearly a week later I’m still feeling robbed. Coffee was ok & service friendly.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen Shieff
5 contributions
May 2023 • friends
Blackboard menu offers wide variety and value for money. Only cafe in the area with an outlook. Efficient staff who know about looking after customers. Good coffee and moccachino. Nice experience.
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NEIL N
31 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
We lunched here twice over three days. Good variety of counter food, and a la carte breakfast, lunch, dinner menus. Poached eggs on toast with bacon good value, eggs bennedict with salmon excellent, smashed avocado on toast great, also tasty counter food (Mexican in this case) well heated and served and very good coffee. Whats not to like.
Written 7 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mitsilad
Wellington264 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
We were driving from Wellington to Auckland and stopped for a coffee. It was busy but they did not indicate that there was a substantial delay. When I was asked when our coffee was coming they were indifferent.
What arrived was very pale, weak and it was hard to taste the coffee. My wife's coffee was only slightly better
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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