New Zealand burst into the culinary scene with a fusion of local produce, innovation and flair. A multicultural country that blends flavours from all over the world. To blend in as a local, enjoy fish and chips with a side of tomato sauce or a mince and cheese pie is a popular choice.
Kiwi’s love to invite friends and family over for a barbecue. Don’t be surprised if you receive an invite too! Experience a traditional Maori Hangi, a process of cooking in a steamed pit with heated stones. Or are you more interested in wine? Whatever your preference, New Zealand has something for you.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. I enjoy providing travellers with an authentic experience of the unique culture and varied landscapes on offer. I take pride in building you a bespoke itinerary and look forward to helping you make the most of your time in this fantastic country!"
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When you think of New Zealand, you may only think of untouched nature, stunning scenic drives, Maori culture and friendly locals. However, New Zealand also has many culinary delights. New Zealanders love to be standing behind their Kiwi, (the name they give to their barbecue), all day long. New Zealand also has some of the world's best oysters, fine wines and unique Maori cuisine. Are you ready to go on a culinary journey through New Zealand?
From a cosy eatery to a luxury restaurant, New Zealanders are always ready to share a taste of New Zealand with you. They are not only proud of the beautiful sights in New Zealand, but also of their local delicacies. We have listed a number of them for you.
The pearl of the south is called the Bluff Oysters, but they are actually the best oysters in the oyster world. These oysters come from the town of Bluff, also known as the oldest European settlement and the departure point to Stewart Island. Oyster season is from March to August and the Bluff Oyster Festival takes place in May.
When you take a closer look at food in New Zealand, British influences can also be seen. Fish and chips are still a New Zealand delicacy. Visit one of the local fish shops and try the ‘real’ fish & chips! The fresh varieties of fish vary from Hapuku, Cod Terakhi, Roughy and Dory. Not a fan of eating fish? Then the breaded hot dog on a stick is a good option. To finish this dish, drink a ginger beer.
Like the Brits, New Zealanders love savoury pies. These warm handmade puff pastry tarts with meat and/or vegetable filling are found throughout the country. They are available for approximately $4.50 NZD, but just like fish and chips, only the ‘real’ ones are tasty. Award-winning pies can be found at places like The Famous Sheffield's Pie Shop, located approximately 45 minutes drive from Christchurch.
According to the locals, whitebait fritters are very tasty, even if it may not sound like it. Such a fritter is made on the barbecue with raw white fish and a beaten egg. This raw fish comes from the river and can only be caught for two months a year. A unique fish species, for which you pay approximately $70 NZD per kilo. Do you dare to try?
With over 14,000 kilometres of coastline, New Zealand is a haven for fresh and delicious seafood. Savour an assortment of local seafood ranging from lobster, crayfish, whitebait, Mt Cook Salmon, Green-lipped mussels, snapper and more.
In Maori ‘kai’ means food and ‘koura’ means crayfish. Yes, this town lives up to its name and has some of the best crayfish in the world. You can indulge in delicious and freshly caught crayfish from a local street van or in a restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
One of the most famous street vans to savour crayfish is ‘Nin Bins’. Owned and operated by a local family since 1977. Their menu is simple and affordable, serving crayfish and mussels. And with the unbelievable views, it is a true Kiwi experience. Are you ready to savour crayfish by the sea?
Would you like to discover more about New Zealand? Let Kieran inspire you on a virtual journey through New Zealand and answer all of your questions.
Join Kieran at an online presentationThe Maori prepare their dishes in a traditional way. Have an authentic experience tasting local food cooked in a traditional Maori way in an earth oven - called a Hangi. A way for the community to come together, this method of cooking involves wrapping baskets of food in a damp cloth and burying them with fire-heated rocks in a pit. The earth traps the heat and steam, slow-cooking the food to perfection. It’s real food made love.
Are you vegan or vegetarian? No problem, New Zealand has plenty of options for you! In fact, one in ten New Zealanders are vegetarian or mostly eat meat-free. With a fresh and modern outlook on food, you can mostly find at least a vegetarian/ vegan option or substitute at most food places.
Not all restaurants in New Zealand are licensed to serve alcohol, so the 'BYO' (bring your own) rule allows you to bring your own drinks when dining out. And generally, the dress code for dining out is quite informal. So you don't have to dress smartly if you want to have a bite to eat in New Zealand. What is appreciated is tipping. As a general rule, it is customary to give a tip of approximately 10% of the total price.
The supermarkets can be found all over New Zealand and have a wide range of product. During your holiday Downunder, some places are remote and therefore grocery shopping may need to be thought of in advance, before arriving at your accommodation. We will provide you with more information about this for you, prior to your departure.
Please be aware that some places have limited trading hours, especially on Sunday. And on some public holidays, for example, Good Friday, you are not able to purchase alcohol from the liquor store. We recommend planning in advance to avoid any food and drink shortages.
We also understand very well that during your journey through New Zealand, you do not want to eat out every night. That is why many of our hosts look forward to preparing the tastiest meals for you. And many of our accommodations have a kitchen to cook yourself home-made meals. We believe this makes you feel more at home in New Zealand.
Compared to France, New Zealand is a young wine country, but where it took France centuries to create perfect wines, New Zealand has gained a strong reputation in the international wine world in less than 30 years. The country has a dozen wine regions that are spread across the North Island and South Island. But where can you sample the best wines in the country? We have listed the five best wine regions for you:
Are you searching for practical information about travel to New Zealand? It's maybe not the most exciting part of… read more
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
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