Get A Taste of New Zealand

Known for its endlessly stunning landscapes, pristine waters and adventure experiences, Maori culture, award-winning wineries and chilled lifestyle, New Zealand also serves up fabulous food.

Here’s our list of New Zealand favourites_

Abundant Seafood

When you are surrounded by pristine coastlines, clear blue seas and cool waters you know the seafood has got to be world-class. When in New Zealand you must eat kai moana – the foods of the sea. Fresh crayfish, green lipped mussels, crab, flounder and whitebait fried in fritters are a New Zealand staple. Dig your feet into the sands at low tide to uncover a bounty of pipis and cockles. Try a paua fritter, eat grilled snapper or smoked fish from road side stalls. Fish and chips? They do it best in New Zealand.

World-class Lamb

New Zealand is known to have more sheep than people. They also have the best roast lamb in the southern hemisphere, if not the world! New Zealand lamb is renowned for its succulent and tender meat, best served with crisp roasted potatoes and kumera and a side of peas. Douse your plate with freshly made mint sauce and a rich gravy and you have the most satisfying warming dish. It’s New Zealand on a plate.

Free-range Venison

Did you know New Zealand produces fine venison? It exports it to around 50 countries, Germany being the largest market, with Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA following. Deer farming is open field and free range. It’s not so gamey in flavour, lending itself to a healthy, low fat, steroid and hormone free meat. Venison is widely available in supermarkets in New Zealand but best served by a chef who knows how to deliver a succulent plate of tender fillets, vegetables and matching wines.

A Maori Hangi

The traditional method of cooking for the Maori, the hangi is a must-try food experience. Watch as the steam escapes as the pit, in which the food has been slowly cooking for up to four hours, is uncovered. Breathe the smoky aromas of pork and mutton being lifted from baskets where it has been wrapped in muslin and flax leaves. Served succulent and falling off the bone together with perfectly cooked earthy potato, cabbage, and kumera and a chunk of Maori bread, it’s a feast for all.

Fish and Chips

We mentioned them before, but they need a spot of their own. New Zealand fish chips would knock any contender off the podium for first place. Succulent fillets of locally caught fish are cut into thick fillets before being dipped into batter and fried to a golden brown. You’ll find hoki, blue warehou, blue cod, or shark, all served up as ‘fish’. With a crisp but bready cover and served with fried chips and tomato sauce, you’ll be wanting a serve every other day.

Cheese

New Zealand’s lush green dairy farmlands are fertile beginnings to great cheese. The Waikato region is the heart of New Zealand’s dairy industry and where you find the renowned Mainland cheese factory. From the Bay of Islands to Otago you will find artisan cheesemakers, producing edam, gouda, goats’ cheeses, ricotta, mozzarella, feta and creamy camemberts. Whether you pick it up at a supermarket, artisan shop or a farmer’s market a New Zealand cheese board is a must, more than once!

Ice Cream

In New Zealand you just don’t do the Hokey Pokey – you savour it. In a cone. A double scoop, or maybe a triple, chocolate dipped, then add nuts or sprinkles, if you want. The Kiwi’s have been producing fabulous, creamy ice cream before ice cream became a thing. Today you will find gelato and artisan brands dotted around the country. Don’t forget to pop into the local dairy for a traditional scoop, try the boysenberry or kiwifruit. It’s ice cream like no other.

We can’t serve you up the whole New Zealand menu but here are some favourites to add to your must-have food experiences when you tour New Zealand.