88Rā Café

1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
+64 7 348 1328
$$$ Cafe
(24 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to 88Rā Café, a charming culinary gem nestled at 1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua. This delightful café offers a unique experience that goes beyond your typical coffee stop, making it a perfect little retreat whether you're visiting the nearby Polynesian Spa or just strolling through the picturesque Lakeside area.

At 88Rā Café, you are welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere where friendly staff are eager to serve you. Many reviews highlight the café's delightful vibe. Customer 'ManWai Yeung' notes how it's "a little, simple café" with a relaxed ambiance, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely drink after your spa experience. The café is an oasis where fresh food and delectable treats abound, making it a delightful stop for both locals and tourists alike.

One of the standout features of 88Rā Café is its renowned gelato. With an impressive selection of flavors that have earned accolades, this café has made a name for itself as a paradise for gelato lovers. Customer 'Victoria Jessop' raves about their "freshly blended smoothies and gelato" being "insanely good." You can indulge in a single scoop of this creamy delight for just $7.5, as noted by customer 'IL Deko,' who emphasizes the smooth and tasty nature of the gelato, despite its premium price. It's a truly worthwhile treat that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Beyond gelato, the café's menu features a selection of tasty quick food options that cater to a variety of tastes, including fresh salads and hearty sandwiches. 'Rachel Jo' particularly enjoyed the slicing pizza and coffee, declaring it a perfect complement to the gelato. If you’re simply looking for a refreshing drink, their smoothies are freshly blended and are just as highly recommended by patrons. This variety ensures there's something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a light snack or a more filling meal.

On your visit, the café's inviting decor and laid-back vibe make it a wonderful spot to relax and unwind. Picture yourself enjoying a cup of stunning long black coffee while savoring the deliciousness of gelato alongside your children—it's a perfect family outing where every member can delight in the flavors on offer. With customer experiences reflecting this joy, it’s easy to see why 88Rā Café is a beloved spot in Rotorua.

So whether you're winding down after a rejuvenating spa treatment or seeking out a sweet escape during your day out, 88Rā Café is ready to serve you with a smile and exceptional flavors. Don’t miss out on treating yourself to an award-winning gelato or a fresh smoothie on your next visit!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

24 Reviews
IL Deko

14 Sep 2025

The gelato is smooth and tasty despite a kinda pricey $7.5 single scoop.

ManWai Yeung

01 Sep 2025

Little, simple Cafe inside the Polynesian Spa (before the paid area). Friendly staff, and tasty quick food. A few salads, sandwiches, a soup, they have enough choices. Was impressed by their huge selection of ice-cream.

Victoria Jessop

20 Jun 2025

You don't have to go in to the Polynesian Spa pools to enjoy the cafe. Their freshly blended smoothies and gelato are insanely good (they have won awards for their gelato) and cabinet food looked fresh and inviting (I only had a smoothie but plan to go back for food with friends). Friendly staff, cool atmosphere and the shop is very nice. Loads of high end goodies to spoil yourself with. Highly recommend.

Rachel Jo

18 Jun 2025

Long black was delicious and sliced pizza was delicious. My kids loved gelato so much. I love this cafe where you can have coffee and gelato after the spa.

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