Food & Drink

A Culinary Overview of New Zealand

Drawing inspiration from the country’s Māori, British and Pacific Islander history, New Zealand’s cuisine is defined by fresh, natural ingredients and diverse dishes. 

“The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock-to-plate cuisine,” says Destination Specialist Erin Hutchinson. “Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from meat and seafood to vegetables and fruit.”

In particular, the country is known for its outstanding lamb and dairy products, as well as mānuka honey, which is produced from the nectar of the mānuka tree. Seafood is another staple of every menu, thanks to the country’s extensive coastlines and pristine waters, the latter teeming with green-lipped mussels, Bluff oysters, succulent crayfish, and more.

For a real treat, hāngī is a traditional Māori cooking method involving slow-roasting meat and vegetables (including kumara, akin to a sweet potato) in an earth oven, creating a smoky, flavourful feast. It’s typically washed down with some Kawakawa tea, a traditional Māori drink made from native Kawakawa leaves. 

On the subject of brews, no visit to Wellington, Auckland or other big coffee towns would be complete without sampling a famous New Zealand flat white, a coffee beverage that perfectly balances espresso and velvety steamed milk. 

Still Hungry? Indulge in a bowl of hokey pokey, a sweet treat consisting of plain vanilla ice cream mixed with small lumps of honeycomb toffee.

Unique New Zealand Dining Experiences

Like pizza in Naples or croissants in a French cafe, New Zealand offers its own iconic dining experiences, from beachfront shops serving takeaway fish and chips to succulent roast lamb in a cozy countryside lodge. For something simpler, but just as tasty, visit a local bakery and indulge in a meat pie or a sweet treat

To partake in a traditional hāngī feast, travel to Rotorua, longtime homeland of the Te Arawa. For some of the best wine tastings, venture during harvest season to the Marlborough or Central Otago regions.

If you’re a coffee lover, be sure to make the rounds of the cafes in Wellington, an unexpected centre of artisan coffee culture, for the perfect flat white.

New Zealand Wine

Acclaimed throughout the world, New Zealand’s wine producers are well worth a visit to the country alone, their signature varietals being Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. 

The most illustrious wine-producing regions include Marlborough (on the northeastern tip of the South Island, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc) and Central Otago (in the inland part of the South Island’s Otago region, renowned for Pinot Noir).

In addition, the country is well known for its thriving craft beer scene. Some of the best craft breweries in New Zealand include Garage Project in Wellington, Behemoth in Auckland, Tuatara on the Kapiti Coast and Emerson’s in Dunedin. 

For a New Zealand vacation centred on wine or beer, contact one of our Destination Specialists to plan your itinerary, which can include everything from vineyard tours and cellar door tastings to sampling flights with scenic views.
 

Dining Etiquette in New Zealand

Whether casual or higher end, New Zealand dining is characterized by a relaxed, friendly vibe and emphasis on fresh food. 

“If you’re looking for a great restaurant in New Zealand,” says Destination Specialist Mary Georgiou, “try The Bunker in Queenstown, Plato in Dunedin, Manu in Christchurch, and Oppies Fish & Chips in Rotorua.”

Meals prepared in homes in New Zealand are typically served family-style, with lively conversation a trademark. If you’re taking part in a Māori repast, take your cues from the elder in attendance, who will often bless the meal before eating commences. Younger people often serve the elders who usually prepare the meal. 

In terms of gratuities, tipping is appreciated but not expected in restaurants, even high-end ones. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.

Accommodating Dietary Needs in New Zealand

New Zealand is very accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions, especially in major cities and popular tourist destinations, where most restaurants and grocery stores offer a variety of dietary options. 

These range from vegetarian and vegan to halal and kosher, as well as lactose-, dairy- and gluten-free offerings.

Options may be more limited in more rural areas of the country, but still available with proper planning.

Planning Your New Zealand Culinary Adventure

From farm-to-table experiences to seafood feasts, Māori hāngī dinners to private vineyard meals, your whole New Zealand vacation could be centred around food alone. Book your custom New Zealand food and wine journey with Goway today.
 

FAQs

What food and drink should I try in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, you should definitely try seafood, especially crayfish, oysters and green-lipped mussels. Also, don't miss out on fish and chips, roast or pan-fried New Zealand lamb, hāngī (a traditional Maori cooking method) and paua fritters (made with a type of abalone). For drinks, have a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, one of the country’s excellent craft beers, or the unique Lemon & Paeroa (L&P) soda. 

What is traditional New Zealand food?

Hāngī is an age-old Māori cooking method, while fish and chips and meat pies are longtime New Zealand staples. 

What is a hāngī and where can I try one?

Hāngī is a Māori method of cooking food (typically meat and root vegetables) using heated rocks buried in a pit oven, called an umu.‍ Goway can arrange for visitors to partake in a hāngī meal, prepared by Māori chefs, in traditional Māori centres such as Rotorua. 

How expensive is food in New Zealand?

Food costs in New Zealand vary widely, with options to suit all budgets. Dining out can range from affordable fast food to high-end restaurants, while self-catering offers the most cost-effective approach. Generally, a main dinner course at a restaurant can cost between $30 and $40 NZD ($18 to $24 USD), while high-end restaurants may charge $40 to $100 NZD ($24 to $60 USD) or more for a main course.

What food is New Zealand famous for?

Lamb is perhaps New Zealand’s best known food item. Kiwis consume about five percent of the annual lamb production, exporting the rest.

What is the drinking age in New Zealand?

The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18. Anyone 18 and older can both buy and consume alcohol.

What is New Zealand’s most famous dessert?

New Zealand's most famous dessert is Pavlova, also popular in neighbouring Australia. A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, it’s typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often kiwifruit. 

What is a typical breakfast in New Zealand?

A typical New Zealand breakfast is often simple and continental-style, featuring items like cereal (especially Weet-Bix), toast with spreads (such as butter, Marmite or peanut butter) and beverages including coffee, tea or juice. While a cooked breakfast isn't as common on weekdays, it's a popular weekend option. Sometimes called a “cooked brekkie,” this can include bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans and toast.