Our
Sustainability
Story
The Coolest Coffee Shop in New Zealand
+ An Award Winning Floating Burger Bar
A Floating Idea Born in Uncertain Times
Coffee Afloat began during the height of COVID - a time when the world felt uncertain, tourism was paused and many small businesses were fighting to stay afloat. Instead of stepping back, we leaned into creativity. We saw an opportunity to bring something uplifting, unexpected and genuinely local to the Lake Dunstan Trail.
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The idea was simple but bold: build a floating café that could serve great coffee and good food in one of the most beautiful places in Central Otago. A place that made people smile, gave riders a reason to pause and supported the local community at a time when it mattered most.
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What started as a lockdown dream quickly became a reality - and a much‑loved stop on the trail.
Rooted in Sustainability
From day one, sustainability has shaped how we operate. Being on the water makes you think differently — about waste, about impact, and about how to run a business responsibly in a natural environment.
We focus on:
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Minimising waste with compostable packaging and careful stock management
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Low‑impact operations suited to our floating environment
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Responsible sourcing from producers who share our values
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Supporting the trail community by offering a refuel point without adding unnecessary footprint
We’re proud to be part of a region that values its land, water, and people — and we work hard to honour that.
Powered by Local Producers
We know what it’s like to build something from scratch - especially during a pandemic. That’s why we make a point of working with small, independent businesses wherever we can.
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Whether it’s ingredients, packaging, maintenance, or creative work, we choose local operators who share our values. It keeps money in the region, strengthens the trail community, and helps other small businesses grow alongside us.
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Our partners include:
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Local roasters who supply our beans
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Regional growers and producers who help us keep our menu fresh
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Small suppliers and makers whose products bring character to what we serve
Every cup of coffee and every burger reflects the work of people who care deeply about their craft.
Supporting them is part of who we are.
A Story That Caught Attention
Our floating café quickly became more than a quirky idea - it became a story people wanted to share. Over the years, Coffee Afloat has been featured in national and regional media, celebrating its uniqueness and the spirit behind it.
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We’ve appeared in:
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Stuff.co.nz
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NZ Herald
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Local tourism features
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Cycling and travel blogs
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Social media reels and trail guides
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The coverage helped put Coffee Afloat on the map, but the real magic has always been the people who stop by, take a break, and tell others about the floating café they discovered on the trail.
Part of the Journey
Today, Coffee Afloat is more than a café - it’s a moment in the middle of an adventure. A place to catch your breath, enjoy something delicious, and take in the beauty of Lake Dunstan.
We’re proud of where we started, grateful for the community that supports us, and committed to keeping this little floating haven sustainable, local, and full of heart.
POWERED BY
SOLAR & BATTERY
In keeping with the beautiful location we operate in — and out of respect for the lake and landscape that make Coffee Afloat so special — we’ve built our entire operation around low‑impact, renewable energy. Our coffee machine, grinder, fridges, and essential systems all run on a combination of solar and battery power.
Being off‑grid isn’t just a practical choice for a floating café; it’s a commitment to operating in harmony with our surroundings. The lake is calm, the air is clear, and we want to keep it that way. By relying on solar energy, we reduce noise, emissions, and the environmental footprint of every cup we serve. It means your flat white is powered by the same sunshine that lights up the mountains around us — and we think that’s pretty special.
Our setup has evolved over time, and we continue to refine it as technology improves. The goal is simple: deliver great food and coffee while protecting the place that makes Coffee Afloat possible
