Around the world on Waiheke Island
Japan
Japanese Hospitality, Reimagined on Waiheke
Japan is known for its attention to detail, thoughtful hospitality and a deep respect for ingredients. At Floating Café Koko, those traditions arrive at Waiheke Marina with a distinctly island flavour.
Owned by a Japanese family, Koko brings together the craftsmanship of Japanese cooking with fresh, relaxed waterfront dining. Their signature rice breads are baked in-house daily, creating a light and unique alternative to traditional loaves, while their sandwiches showcase ingredients prepared with extraordinary care.
At the heart of many dishes is a traditional awasedashi broth, slowly crafted using 18-month-aged bonito and prized Rishiri kelp. Meats are cooked gently at low temperatures until perfectly tender, resulting in layers of delicate flavour and texture that make every bite memorable.
Alongside Koko's Japanese-inspired menu, visitors can experience one of Waiheke Marina's most charming activities – hand-feeding fish from the marina boardwalk. It's a simple pleasure loved by children and adults alike and adds an extra touch of fun to a leisurely lunch by the water.
Whether you're stopping in for a beautifully made sandwich, a coffee in the sunshine, or introducing the family to fish feeding at the marina, Floating Café Koko offers a taste of Japanese hospitality that feels perfectly at home on Waiheke Island.
Experience Japan, right here on Waiheke Island.
Discover Japanese Art This Winter
From 17 July to 30 August 2026, Waiheke Community Art Gallery presents Futatsu no Sekai / Two Worlds, a powerful exhibition by Dame Robin White and Japanese artist and calligrapher Taeko Ogawa.
Developed over more than five years of collaboration, the exhibition explores friendship, cultural connection and the universal themes of peace, compassion and environmental responsibility. Created in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, the works reflect on shared histories while looking towards a more hopeful future.
Featuring paintings, calligraphy, collaborative works and behind-the-scenes insights into the artists' creative process, Futatsu no Sekai / Two Worlds offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience contemporary Japanese art and culture on Waiheke Island.
Whether you're enjoying authentic Japanese flavours at Floating Café Koko, feeding fish at the marina, or immersing yourself in this internationally touring exhibition, Waiheke offers a uniquely Japanese experience—without ever leaving New Zealand.
Experience Japan, right here on Waiheke Island.
