Sequoia Cafe & Eatery

About Sequoia Cafe & Eatery

Inspired by the towering redwood trees near Rotorua's famed redwood forest, Sequoia Eatery is a relaxed, local favourite café delivering freshly prepared brunch, handcrafted drinks, and quality L'affare coffee. Whether fueling up for an outdoor adventure or gathering with friends and family, guests enjoy a comfortable, welcoming environment complete with outdoor dining, a children's playroom, and a dedicated private room for group events.

The kitchen takes pride in crafting generous meals made with fresh ingredients, spanning hearty all-day breakfast plates, artisan burgers, gourmet sandwiches, and wholesome bowls, alongside freshly baked cabinet food made on site. Thoughtful options cater to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, paired with an extensive beverage line-up featuring real fruit smoothies, superfood lattes, frappes, and classic milkshakes. Takeaway options and tailored catering services are also available.

Sequoia Eatery: Wholesome Dining, Crafted Drinks, and Forest Vibes in Rotorua

Drawing its name and spirit from the majestic redwoods bordering Rotorua, Sequoia Eatery has established itself as a welcoming hub for wholesome food and quality coffee. Positioned near the gateway to Rotorua’s renowned outdoor tracks and scenic trails, the café was created around the idea of fuelling adventures while providing a genuinely relaxed and friendly retreat for locals and travellers alike.

Whether stopping in for an early morning caffeine boost or settling in for an unhurried family lunch, the atmosphere is designed to put everyone immediately at ease. The interior balances vibrant energy with comfort, backed by attentive service and genuine hospitality that has turned many first-time diners into regular patrons.

Generous Plates and Fresh Kitchen Flavours

At the heart of the Sequoia Eatery experience is an expansive all-day dining menu that bridges comforting morning staples with contemporary café cooking. Breakfast enthusiasts will find everything from classic eggs on ciabatta and rich Eggs Benedict to the signature Sequoia Breakfast, loaded with eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, hash brown, and baked beans. Those who lean towards sweet starts can indulge in French toast crafted from brioche bread with caramel, fruit, and candied walnuts, or fluffy buttermilk blueberry pancakes topped with fruit coulis, maple syrup, toasted coconut, and almonds.

As the midday rush rolls around, the kitchen transitions seamlessly into generous lunch fare. Hearty burgers take center stage, including an Angus beef burger dressed with house aioli and tangy barbecue sauce, a southern crispy fried chicken burger accented by grilled pineapple, and a flavourful vegetarian corn patty burger. Guests can also select from open focaccia sandwiches—such as the open hoisin pulled pork finished with gochujang coleslaw—fresh pastas, tempura-battered fish and chips, and nutrient-dense options like the Thai beef noodle salad and burrito bowls.

Alongside the made-to-order kitchen menu, a fresh display cabinet sits stocked daily with sandwiches, baked treats, and on-the-go bites crafted entirely on site.

Handcrafted Sips and Superfood Brews

Beverages receive just as much focus as the food. Coffee drinkers can count on expertly prepared cups brewed with L’affare beans, ranging from flat whites and silky lattes to rich mochaccinos and refreshing iced coffees. For an energising alternative, the café serves a trio of superfood lattes made with matcha, turmeric, or beetroot gently mixed with coconut milk and honey.

Those looking to cool down after an outdoor trek or a busy morning can choose from a vibrant roster of drinks. Real fruit smoothies—like the nutrient-packed Green Machine featuring spinach, banana, pineapple, and coconut water, or the tropical Tangy Passion—are blended fresh to order. Indulgent milkshakes in classic flavours like banoffee and lime, along with ice-blended frappes, round out the drink offerings.

Designed for Families, Groups, and Celebrations

Sequoia Eatery is intentionally arranged to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated children’s playroom, allowing parents to enjoy their meals and conversation while little ones stay entertained. On sunnier days, the outdoor dining area offers fresh air and alfresco seating.

For business meetings, corporate lunches, birthdays, or special celebrations, Sequoia Eatery features a comfortable private room designed for functions without losing the warmth of the café’s setting. Backed by takeaway ordering options and an experienced catering team that serves workplaces and events across the region, Sequoia Eatery remains a cornerstone destination for delicious, satisfying dining in Rotorua.

Signature items

• Sequoia Breakfast
• Blueberry Pancakes
• Crispy Chicken Burger
• Open Hoisin Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Green Machine Smoothie
• Superfood Lattes

Menu

Kids Menu

• Kids Bacon Egg on Toast — Bacon and egg served on toasted ciabatta
• Kids Chicken Nuggets & Chips — Crispy chicken nuggets served with chunky chips
• Kids Baked Beans on Toast — Baked beans served warm over ciabatta toast
• Kids Pancakes — Fluffy pancakes prepared especially for smaller appetites

Coffee & Hot Drinks

• L'affare Coffee — Espresso, Macchiato, Long Black, Americano, Flat White, Latte, Chai Latte, Cappuccino, and Mochaccino
• Hot Chocolate — Rich, warming hot chocolate
• Superfood Lattes — Matcha, Turmeric, or Beetroot latte prepared with coconut milk and honey
• Teapot Selection — English Breakfast, Peppermint, Earl Grey, Green Tea, or Lemon, Honey & Ginger tea

Burgers & Sandwiches

• Crispy Chicken Burger — Southern fried chicken breast on a brioche bun with cheese, caramelized onion, grilled pineapple, tomato, lettuce, pickled cucumber, and chunky fries
• Beef Burger — Angus beef patty on a brioche bun with BBQ sauce, aioli, cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, and chunky fries
• Vegetarian Burger — Vegetarian corn patty on a brioche bun with aioli, cheese, caramelized onion, tomato chutney, lettuce, and chunky fries
• Club Sandwich — Bacon, egg, tomato, lettuce, and aioli on toasted white bread, served with chunky fries
• Open Hoisin Pulled Pork Sandwich — Gochujang mayo coleslaw topped with shallots, peanuts, and sesame seed mix on focaccia, served with chunky fries
• Open Chicken Bacon Sandwich — Grilled chicken breast, bacon, tomato, cheese, and aioli on toasted focaccia, served with chunky fries

Mains, Bowls & Sides

• Fish and Chips — Tempura-battered dory fish served with garden salad, tartare sauce, lemon wedges, and chunky fries
• Lemon Chicken Pasta — Fettuccine tossed in a creamy white wine lemon sauce with chicken and spinach, finished with parmesan cheese
• Beef Nachos — House-made beef nacho sauce over crunchy corn chips with melted cheese, sour cream, and guacamole
• Thai Beef Noodle Salad — Spiced Thai beef served over herby green salad, crispy wontons, and glass noodles
• Chicken Burrito Bowl — Chicken fajita with lemon herb quinoa, chili bean corn salsa, coleslaw, pickled onion, corn chips, and chipotle mayo dressing
• Vegetarian Bowl — Fajita spiced chickpeas and cauliflower with lemon herb quinoa, chili bean corn salsa, coleslaw, pickled onion, corn chips, and chipotle mayo dressing
• Potato Wedges — Seasoned wedges served with sour cream and sweet chili sauce
• Chunky Fries — Crisp chunky fries served with tomato sauce and aioli
• Loaded Chips — Chunky fries topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon, served with tomato sauce and aioli

Cabinet Food & Catering

• Cabinet Food — Fresh cabinet food prepared and baked fresh on site daily
• Event & Corporate Catering — Tailored catering packages providing hot lunches, wholesome meals, and dietary-friendly food for groups and workplaces

Cold Drinks & Smoothies

• Mr. Mango Smoothie — Real fruit mango blended with yoghurt
• Fruit Burst Smoothie — Strawberry, pineapple, peach, and yoghurt
• Perki Nana Smoothie — Banana, dates, and yoghurt
• Tangy Passion Smoothie — Pineapple, strawberry, passionfruit, and yoghurt
• Green Machine Smoothie — Spinach, pineapple, banana, and coconut water
• Mixed Berry Smoothie — Blend of mixed berries and yoghurt
• Iced Drinks — Iced Americano, Peach Iced Tea, Iced Latte, and Iced Mocha
• Frappes — Blended iced frappes available in Chocolate, Coffee, Mocha, and Caramel
• Milkshakes — Thick milkshakes in Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry, Caramel, Lime, and Banoffee

All Day Breakfast & Classics

• Omelette with Ciabatta Toast — Choice of bacon, cheese, tomato, mushroom; salmon, onion, cheese, tomato; or spinach, cheese, mushroom, tomato
• Bacon Eggs on Toast — Two eggs prepared your way with bacon on ciabatta toast
• Eggs on Toast — Two eggs cooked your way served on toasted ciabatta
• Sequoia Granola — House-made granola served with coconut yogurt, berry coulis, pineapple, peach, and banana
• Sequoia Breakfast — Two eggs your way, bacon, mushrooms, sausage, hash brown, baked beans, and ciabatta toast
• French Toast — Brioche bread topped with caramel sauce, cream, bacon, berry coulis, banana, peach, and candied walnuts
• Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms — Sautéed mushrooms and chicken breast tossed in garlic, herbs, and onion, finished with balsamic glaze on ciabatta
• Eggs Benedict — Two poached eggs on ciabatta toast with streaky bacon or salmon, hash brown, wilted spinach, and hollandaise
• Blueberry Pancakes — House-made blueberry buttermilk pancakes served with banana, peach, berry coulis, maple syrup, toasted coconut, and sliced almonds
• Acai Bowl — Acai, banana, mixed berries, and coconut water topped with Sequoia granola, seasonal fruits, and coconut yoghurt
• Bruschetta — Poached egg, smashed avocado, salsa mix, crumbled feta, and dukkah on ciabatta toast

Frequently asked questions

Does Sequoia Eatery offer takeaway meals?

Yes, takeaway options are available across their menu, allowing you to grab meals, cabinet food, and coffee on the go.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on the menu?

Yes, the menu clearly marks multiple dietary options including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals, plus gluten-free bread swaps.

Is Sequoia Eatery suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The café features a dedicated children's playroom, a kids menu, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Can I book a private room for meetings or events?

Yes, Sequoia Eatery offers a private room suitable for work lunches, meetings, celebrations, and gatherings. Terms and conditions apply.

Does the café offer outdoor seating?

Yes, Sequoia Eatery features an outside dining area for guests who prefer to dine alfresco.

Does Sequoia Eatery provide catering services?

Yes, they provide tailored catering services for corporate groups, workplaces, and special events across Rotorua.

Tips

• {"body":"Located near Rotorua's redwood forest, it is a prime spot to fuel up on breakfast or smoothies before hitting the walking and biking trails.","title":"Fuel Before the Redwoods"}
• {"body":"Pair your meal with a specialty turmeric, beetroot, or matcha latte made with coconut milk and honey.","title":"Try the House Superfood Lattes"}
• {"body":"If planning a group gathering, meeting, or celebration, ask the team in advance about booking the private dining room.","title":"Inquire Early for the Private Room"}

Good to know

• {"wifi":"Free WiFi available for café guests.","family":"Family-friendly setting with children's playroom and kids menu.","dietary":"Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available."}