Pizza and pasta in Italy, beer and bratwurst in Germany, hot dogs and rye bread ice cream in Iceland … every country boasts its unique foods and beverages. And, as Kiwis delight in a bounty of fresh and diverse fare, The Land of the Long White Cloud, aka New Zealand, is no different. With a seemingly endless array of mouthwatering dishes and drinks for visitors to choose from, foodies will delight in the region’s vibrant culinary offerings. Planning a trip to this South Pacific paradise? Be sure to try these fan-favorite foods and beverages while you’re there.
Fresh Seafood and Crayfish
New Zealand is home to some of the most delectable seafood on the planet, and with nearly 9,000 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise why. In the town of Kaikōura, visitors can spend their days perusing oceanfront seafood shacks, including Nin’s Bin, one of the area’s most famous crayfish joints. Other essential stops for dishes of the marine variety include Marlborough and Havelock for green-lipped muscles, and Mount Cook for flavorful king salmon.
Ice Cream, Fruit Salad and Pavlova
Vacationers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth will find New Zealand has no shortage of sugary treats to indulge in. Ice cream lovers can delight in hokey pokey, a creamy vanilla ice cream topped with delectable crunch honeycomb sprinkles. In the winter, pavlova is a traditional Christmas-time dessert with the meringue-based dish topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit finding its way onto nearly every Kiwi’s dining table. Alternatively, for a fresh and satisfying option that’s available all year round, fruit salads made from kiwifruit, feijoas and passionfruit are guaranteed to hit the spot.
New Zealand Lamb
The pride and joy of carnivorous locals, New Zealand lamb is a world-renowned dish, and one of the country’s most popular exports. Traditionally, the meat is served with rosemary and seasonal roasted vegetables, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. As for where to try it, visitors will find tender roast lamb listed on menus throughout the country with Marco Polo Roasts in Auckland and Pedro’s House of Lamb in Christchurch being fan-favorites.
Wine, Beer and More
Did you know wine production in New Zealand is a multi-billion-dollar industry? With no shortage of rolling hills and charming vineyards, regions like Queenstown, Gibbston, Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay are famous for their award-winning wineries. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah are among the country’s most popular pours, and visiting oenophiles can spend countless hours exploring wine trails and attending seasonal festivals dedicated to the beloved beverage. In addition to vino, breweries and cideries are abundant alongside non-alcoholic offerings like Lemon & Paeroa — a booze-free soda made with lemon and carbonated water — and other drinks like kombucha and Feijoa juice.
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World-Class Cheese
As a Wisconsinite, my Spidey senses start to tingle whenever I hear the word “cheese.” Interestingly enough, New Zealand is home to several world-class creameries, cheese makers who churn out delicious curdy creations from cow, sheep and goat milks. Regarding regional specialties, blue cheese, creamy soft cheeses, Whitestone, Puhoi Valley, Kāpiti cheese and sharp vintages are a few of New Zealand’s most popular. Those interested in sampling the cheesy goodness, and maybe even taking some home for themselves, will want to visit The Cheese Barn or Gibbston Valley Cheesery & Deli.
Authentic Kiwi BBQ
Like their neighbors to the west, New Zealanders love “throwing another shrimp on the ‘barbie.’” Whether they’re grilling lamb, beef, fish, chicken or sausages, for Kiwis, barbecue is a family affair, bringing together people of all ages for a delicious meal best enjoyed outdoors. While meat is the star of the show, we’d be remiss not to mention the slew of tasty sides including fresh fruit, potato salad, veggie salads and garlic bread. Travelers looking to indulge in some of the best BBQ New Zealand has to offer can head to Queensland’s Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ, where they’ll enjoy an incredible lakeside lunch complete with all the fixin’s.
Māori Hāngī
Visitors can dine as the original New Zealanders did when they enjoy hāngī a traditional Māori style of cooking where meats and veggies are steam-cooked in a pit oven warmed by heated rocks. Hāngī requires three to four hours to cook and is typically reserved for special occasions. However, if they find themselves lucky enough to dig into the anciently perfected fare, travelers will be treated to exceptionally tender dishes infused with a smoky, earthy flavor. New Zealand Tourism cites North Island’s Rotorua as one of the best places for visitors to experience this cultural feast as its heated geothermal pools and scrumptious hāngī-steamed pudding are sure to impress.
Other Sweet Treats
Did someone say dessert? When the craving for chocolate hits, many New Zealanders will insist, that one, and only one, brand of cocoa confections will do the job: Whittaker’s chocolate. From peanut slabs and caramels to jelly tip chocolate and other sweet creations, Whittaker’s has been crafting the nation’s finest chocolates since 1896. Alternatively, if chocolate isn’t their vice of choice, a Cookie Time Cookie Bar will do the trick with mouth-watering flavors like gingernut, macadamia, white chocolate and more.
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