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Hours
Tue
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wed
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thu
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fri
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sat
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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Ratings and reviews
5.0
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Cafe, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Brunch, Drinks
features
Is this restaurant good for local cuisine?
Details
About
Third Wheel Vending is a small, cosy cafe tucked away in Paihia serving up specialty coffee and home baked goods. With a focus on delicious brews of Flight Coffee (roasted in Wellington), Third Wheel is fitted out for relaxing and catching up coffeehouse style. You'll find it down the lane next to the Swordfish Club, a stone's throw from the main street of Paihia and the beautiful waterfront. Owners Tom and Emma have blended their passion for quality coffee with another passion - bicycles. You'll see the counter tops of Third Wheel are indeed set up on tricycles (the cafe's namesake).
CUISINES
Cafe, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating
Contribute
5.0
160 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
northvantraveller196
North Vancouver40 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
Outstanding coffee, people and the baking....the baking is outstanding. Dropped in for coffee and muffins twice this weekend and recommend this small cafe to everyone although you May need to be patient and soak up the vibe.
Written February 22, 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.
Leah
Auckland49 contributions
Jul 2020 • solo
Visited this cafe last weekend. It’s kinda busy (as expected due to its popularity), you have to wait 10-15mins for your coffee to be served (even for takeaways) but it’s worth the wait. Coffee is good! Also tried their savoury muffin and it didn’t disappoint. Recommended to try this if you’re looking for good coffee when visiting Paihia.
Written July 14, 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.
SLK
New Zealand93 contributions
Mar 2020 • solo
Best coffee in Paihia . As a former employee of one of the worlds top coffee producers I was so impressed when my precise order was no problem and made by Tom to perfection. No over sizing and gimmicks here just very very good coffee.
I hesitated to add this review because it is a locals secret and very popular. Not only is the coffee great they do a very appetising range of savoury and sweet foods. I’m not vegan or Gluten free but have been tempted by this rang and found them very good. They have very reasonable pricing for the quality of food. Staff are amazing and have a warm welcoming attitude.
So in return be the same no big city attitude please.
Written March 21, 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.
djmcc50177
Christchurch17 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
It pays to ask the locals for their thoughts on good restaurants and cafes and where to find good coffee places.
So We followed the advice of our Super Host and tried our her favourites.
For Me, the Third Wheel Coffee Co. suited just fine.
The cafe is a bit funky and colorful and the service staff were all very pleasant and efficient.
The coffee was easily the best that we have tasted over the l four weeks spent in Northland as were the sweet treats we ordered.
This is obviously a popular stop with outside seats, tables and various seating styles.
I can't wait to go back again as it was a rewarding experience and most enjoyable.
If you are in Paihia, use the Third Wheek Coffee Co , try them out as I think that they are the Benchmark Cafe in this town.
If you support them , note that they have a coffee loyalty card system.
Written August 2, 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.
Ian
Torquay1644 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
up a side alley and grotty alley. Always best places to go any where in the world as they have to try harder. Away from the waterfront where they take your money from tourists for often not very average food at best and you're paying for the view. Go where the locals go. Here you will find great food and coffee. Sit in the small eclectic café or out in the alley where you have comfy sofas with shades and potted plants. They even write your table number on the coffee saucer. Simple but clever. Lovely team. Sea glimpses!
Written March 6, 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.
kozkan
387 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Everyone has extolled the virtues of the great coffee here, so although I will definitely add my vote to that, you really need to know that the food here is lovely! Made fresh every day (how early do they need to start that!??) and changing regularly I would imagine. Come anytime and be tempted by shear deliciousness! We tried the vegetarian pizza and the base was light and airy - no stodginess here! Just melt in the mouth come back for more flavours. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the individual tastes of each vegetable there to compliment the whole mouthful - I would go back for JUST that! We also had the date scone and the rhubarb, apricot & coconut tart. Loved that the tart held the distinctive flavours of the fruit.
We are foodie fans from Melbourne where taste sensations are varied, glorious and celebrated, so our benchmarks are high! If we lived here, we would be regulars.
You can see it looks like a locals place to go, relax, read the paper and take advantage of Tom, Emma and Genevieve’s food & coffee talents. So definitely GO and enjoy!
Written February 28, 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.
Belvederian
Boston62 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
In town for an extended family multi-day gathering. Asked a couple who were walking along the promenade where they got their coffee - they pointed me here and I'm so glad they did. The food is fantastic - with a great selection. The coffee really really good. Can't say enough about how friendly and helpful the staff are. And a terrific sound track at all times. A real gem.
Written April 23, 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.
CraigH0901
Adelaide1241 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
This is a little off the track. In a laneway off the end of Marsden Road - you have to look for it to find it. When you do, well worth the hunt. Fantastic coffee and freshly made baked items. A full cafe during the week and on weekends, it operates with outdoor seating only. Great service - really friendly. Wouldn't go here on a rainy weekend day unless you're grabbing a coffee on the run - due to the uncovered seating.
Written February 23, 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.
WWR4eva
22 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
Wow, I couldn't decide what to eat because it all looked so delicious. Settled on the best bran, apple & sultana muffin I've ever had coupled with a perfect flat white. Back later in the day for another coffee, sausage roll (lentil & cauliflower - don't knock it till you try it - was great) and savory muffin. YUM!
Written September 10, 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.
shellshockt
Auckland35 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Sit yourself down on a comfy seat out in the alleyway, sip your (always perfect) coffee (in my case an espresso), enjoy friendly chit-chat with the locals and breathe... you're on holiday.
Third wheel cafe never fails to disappoint, you might find it hard to locate though, but hey, that's part of it's charm.
Enjoy!
Written July 18, 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.
Catherine J
4 contributions
Jan 2021 • couples
Great little hidden gem in Paihia.
Excellent coffee and great tea selections.
Lots of mouthwatering treats to tempt and nourish. Set back from the waterfront tucked down an alley between the Greens Restaurants - look for the whale and head down past to find a breach breakfast /brunch or lunch!
Written January 21, 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.
suzieC53
Auckland9 contributions
May 2021 • none
Google was a bit off base with helping us find our way here but well worth persevering..
Great coffee and delicious selection of homemade food to choose from. We had the cauliflower and lentil "sausage" roll and cheese scone. Called in a couple of days later for takeaway coffee and the food cabinet looked awesome. Lovely staff and interesting artwork make this cafe a joy to visit.
Written May 21, 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.
njp67
Taupo279 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
Visited for morning tea based on reviews and we weren't disappointed. It's tucked down a side alley but worth finding! Our long blacks were really good, hot and strong. The cabinets were full of tasty sweet and savoury treats. The savoury muffin was the best I've ever tasted! Definitely worth a visit!
Written February 20, 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.
zdwatson
Auckland Central12 contributions
Jan 2021 • couples
Tucked away down a side street but well worth the effort. Delicious coffee and cabinet food with friendly service and a buzzing atmosphere.
Note that there is no separate menu, only what is available in the cabinet.
Written January 30, 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.
sandra f
Philadelphia35 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
The title says it all! Flight coffee: awesome. Food, salty & sweet: awesome (scones, muffins, bars, frittata etc.) and fresh. People : super super nice and welcoming. Place: eclectic indoor and outdoor sitting areas. I wish it could be open 7/7, I’d be there every day.
Written November 13, 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.
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