This has got to be my favourite place for a lovely relaxed coffee and meal. The setting here is just fantastic, with warm and freindly staff, and superb food.
Sitting in the sun, listening and watch the lovely birdlife, chatting with friendly staff, and enjoying their fantastic food, makes it rather hard to leave!!
If out there on a friday evening their wood fire pizzas are just great!, extremly tastie, and very well priced. Friday night pizzas are a favourite with many of the locals, a very relaxed friendly atmosphere, and a great way to finish off the week.
Even with the gorge closed, its well worth taking the time to visit the Bridge Cafe, and Im sure you will make it a regular place to stop and enjoy their food and lovely setting after being there once. Excellent work Bridge Cafe keep it up!!

I was heading out there then a bus broke down on the Saddle Road , could not get there so went back to Palmy . Hard to get to . Gorge shut , Saddle Road shut .

Since the Gorge closure it is not open often . I think the place has lost its get up and go and is reflected in the food.

Recently called into this cafe after hearing about it from a friend.

The first thing I noticed was the rustic, natural feel about the building and the amazing gardens surrounding the cafe. Great views and a feeling of tranquility. What also surprised me was when I ordered a cup of tea, it came out with an amazing homemade knitted tea cosy….just added to the overall homely feeling of this great cafe!

Me and my partner ordered the Venison Burger and the Kumeroa Kumara Combo. They were extremely well priced and the quality of the meals when they came out was superb. The service also I must say was very friendly and welcoming.


I would definitely recommend this cafe to anyone who is travelling around this region of NZ and who is looking to experience one of NZ’s secrets hidden in the local area of the Tararua’s.