Along with all the extraordinary natural landscapes and countless outdoor adventures, New Zealand also offers incredible food. From fresh seafood to high-quality dairy products there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. Having lived abroad in NZ for a year, here is my list of 12 must-eat local foods in New Zealand.
1. Hangi
Hangi is a traditional meal prepared by the Maori method of cooking which involves placing food in a pit dug in the ground along with heated stones. The result is tender meat and vegetables with smoked earthy flavors.
Wander Tip: Rotorua is rich in Maori culture and thus a fantastic place to experience a Hangi.
2. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
When it comes to ice cream, New Zealand is in a league of its own. You will most definitely want to try hokey pokey. It’s a flavor of ice cream invented in New Zealand consisting of honeycomb toffee. It can be found at every ice cream parlor across the country.
Wander Tip: Head over to Giapo in Auckland CBD for an unforgettable ice cream experience.
3. Kiwi Burger
No, there isn’t any sweet/tart kiwi fruit included in this juicy burger. So what exactly is it about the burger that makes it “kiwi” you might ask? Well it’s your standard beef patty, grilled onions, and fried egg but with the additional ingredient of beetroot. It’s a unique New Zealand concoction that works!
Wander Tip: Eat a real Kiwi burger at the iconic burger joint, The White Lady, located in Auckland.
4. Manuka Honey
New Zealand’s world-renowned manuka honey is well known for its numerous health benefits. The higher the UMF the more potent it is but also the more expensive it becomes. This sweet treat is in high demand within the international market and makes an amazing souvenir gift.
Wander Tip: Manuka honey can be purchased at the local supermarkets and specialty shops.
5. Whitebait Fritter
Whitebait fritters are delicious fish omelets and the most common way of preparing whitebait. It’s a New Zealand seafood delicacy.
Wander Tip: The best region to try whitebait fritters is in the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
6. Pies
Savory pies are a New Zealand staple and the ultimate comfort food. They are excellent for when you’re wanting to grab a quick bite or when you’re on the go.
Wander Tip: They’re ideal for road trips as they fill you up and are conveniently sold in gas stations.
7. Pavlova
Pavlova is a sweet meringue-based dessert topped with fruits. Although there is an ongoing debate between New Zealanders and Australians as far as who invented it, it’s still a Kiwi favorite.
Wander Tip: Satisfy your sweet tooth with the acclaimed pavlova at Cibo in Parnell.
8. Green-Lipped Mussels
Green-lipped mussels are native to New Zealand waters and perfect for a fabulous seafood feast.
Wander Tip: The Occidental located in central Auckland offers a great deal on “Monday Mussel Mania”.
9. Real Fruit Ice Cream
Nothing can compare to enjoying an ice cream made with fresh fruits on a hot sunny day in New Zealand. It’s super refreshing!
Wander Tip: Look out for roadside signs from local farms selling real fruit ice cream during the summertime.
10. Artisan Cheese
New Zealand is widely known for its massive dairy industry and is also reputable for making some of the world’s finest artisan cheese.
Wander Tip: For a taste of some cheesy goodness check out Whitestone Cheese in Oamaru.
11. Jaffas
Jaffas are a popular New Zealand candy. They are delightful orange-coated balls with chocolate centers.
Wander Tip: Jaffas can be bought at any local convenience store.
12. Fish and Chips
You can’t go wrong with New Zealand’s classic fish and chips. It’s a top choice for both locals and tourists alike.
Wander Tip: Visit Erik’s Fish & Chips in Queenstown for a simple mouth-watering meal.
*Bonus: Beverages
L&P
L&P (lemon and Paeroa) is a New Zealand lemon-flavored soft drink.
Wander Tip: You can find a gigantic bottle of this fizzy drink in the town of Paeroa where L&P was created.
Flat White
A flat white is the usual go-to coffee in New Zealand. It’s an espresso-based drink topped with a very thin layer of steamed milk. It’s another item on the list that both Kiwis and Aussies claim to have invented.
Wander Tip: Remedy Coffee is a cozy cafe in Auckland serving the best coffee in the city.
Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand has a thriving wine industry with sauvignon blanc as its crown jewel.
Wander Tip: Swing by Marlborough for wine tasting in the country’s famous wine region.
My #1 Pick
New Zealand’s artisan cheese is truly like no other. Their decadent brie cheese was my absolute favorite snack during my year-long working holiday.
So if you’re taking a trip down to New Zealand, you will definitely want to try these 12 must-eat local foods.
For additional content on New Zealand, check out my list of Auckland’s top 10 attractions and read my guide on the NZ USA Working Holiday Visa.
What’s your favorite New Zealand food? Are there any other items you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
