New Zealand Food: Famous Dishes to Try in Auckland, Queenstown, and Wellington
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of New Zealand cuisine! This foodie paradise is packed with incredible flavors, from traditional Māori dishes to fresh local ingredients and globally inspired eats. Whether you're visiting for the first time or you're a seasoned traveler, there's no shortage of mouthwatering experiences to discover. With its unique blend of cultures, pristine produce, and creative chefs, New Zealand promises to take your taste buds on a one-of-a-kind journey.
In this guide, we'll take you on a tasty tour of Auckland, Queenstown, and Wellington, highlighting must-try dishes, iconic flavors, and food tours that will make you fall in love with Kiwi cuisine.
Famous New Zealand Food to Savour
New Zealand's Traditional Dishes
Hāngī: A traditional Māori feast cooked underground, featuring tender meats, root vegetables, and smoky flavors. For an authentic experience, visit cultural centers like Rotorua or partake in a Māori cultural evening.
Kūmara (Sweet Potato): A versatile ingredient central to traditional dishes like hāngī and modern twists like kūmara fries.
New Zealand's Local Iconic Favourites
Pavlova: This airy meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits is a New Zealand staple, though its origins are humorously debated with Australia. Perfect for sweet lovers!
Ice Cream: Dairy is one of New Zealand's largest exports for a reason. A must-try would be the Hokey Pokey, a quintessential Kiwi treat made with creamy vanilla and crunchy caramelized toffee pieces.
Whitebait Fritters: A coastal delicacy made from small, translucent fish mixed into an egg batter and lightly fried to perfection. Typically enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
New Zealand's Local Produce
Green-Lipped Mussels: Unique to New Zealand, these mussels are a seafood delicacy enjoyed steamed, in creamy chowders, or with garlic butter.
Manuka Honey: Famous for its health benefits and unique taste, manuka honey is often used in desserts, teas, and even savory dishes. Be sure to take a jar home!
Lamb Dishes: New Zealand lamb is world-renowned for its tenderness and flavor. Try it roasted with rosemary or in creative dishes at gourmet restaurants.
Salmon: One of the nation's produce that you probably cannot get any fresher elsewhere. Raw salmon is relatively affordable in supermarkets, you can purchase and prepare to your liking in a light-cooking kitchen.
Where and what to eat
Food to Eat in AucklandAuckland, New Zealand's largest city, offers an eclectic mix of local and international cuisines. Known as the "City of Sails," it's also a hotspot for waterfront dining and gourmet street food.See guide
Food to Eat in QueenstownQueenstown is a haven for thrill-seekers and food lovers alike. Its dining scene reflects the adventurous spirit of this alpine town, offering hearty meals and luxurious treats.See guide
Food to Eat in WellingtonKnown for its coffee culture and creative dining, Wellington is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Its compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot.See guide
Food to eat in Auckland
Auckland offers an eclectic mix of local and international cuisines. Known as the "City of Sails," it's also a hotspot for waterfront dining and gourmet street food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Platter at Auckland Fish Market: Indulge in the freshest oysters, prawns, and sashimi.
Silo Park Food Trucks: Savor gourmet burgers, Asian fusion dishes, and artisan desserts with a vibrant atmosphere.
Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar: Known for its relaxed vibe and unbeatable lamb ribs, this spot near the Auckland Sky Tower is a must-visit.
Giapo Ice Cream: Renowned for its innovative flavors and artistic presentation, Giapo is a must-visit for dessert lovers.
Ponsonby Restaurants: Explore the chic dining scene in Ponsonby, featuring global cuisines from Italian to Japanese.
Dietary Restrictions
Most restaurants provide menus that call out dietary restrictions, eg. allergens or vegan options. Halal food is the most accessible along Queen street and Karangahape Road.
For Halal and Vegetarian Travellers:
You may want to do some research prior to the trip as there various halal food blogs with a compiled list of restaurants. You can also use apps like Google Maps, Halal Bites NZ, or Muslim Directory, on-the-go to search for these restaurants, otherwise, Uber Eats may be your easy way out.
Paradise Indian Food: A favorite for authentic biryanis and curries, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Revive Café: Offers a variety of healthy vegetarian meals, salads, and fresh juices.
Wise Boys Burgers: This plant-based eatery specializes in vegan burgers, including their famous "Big Smoke" burger.
Food Tours in Auckland
Weekend is the best time to go on a food tour in Auckland, with most Farmers' Markets open on Saturdays.
Auckland City Food Tours: Discover hidden gems with guided tours that take you through the city's top food spots, including local markets and specialty stores.
Matakana Village Farmers' Market: Located just outside Auckland, this market offers a wide array of artisan products, fresh produce, and gourmet treats. This market opens on every Saturday.
City Farmers' Market at Britomart: Right in the city center on Takutai Square, the City Farmers' market takes place every Saturday from around 8am to 2pm. Treat yourself to yummy pastries and bag some food souvenirs back!
Food to eat in Queenstown
Queenstown is a haven for thrill-seekers and food lovers alike. Its dining scene reflects the adventurous spirit of this alpine town, offering hearty meals and luxurious treats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fergburger: Iconic gourmet burgers with generous fillings that are worth the hype.
Patagonia Chocolates: Indulge in handcrafted chocolates, creamy gelato, and specialty hot chocolates.
Lakefront Cafés: Feast on locally sourced venison or lamb dishes with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu.
Pies from Fergbaker: Grab a classic steak and cheese pie for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Rātā: For fine dining, this restaurant by celebrity chef Josh Emett showcases contemporary New Zealand cuisine.
Dietary Restrictions
Restaurants are concentrated in two areas in Queenstown - near the airport, or a short 15-minute drive away at the Shotover Street area.
For Halal and Vegetarian Travellers:
The Komunal Cafe NZ: Near the Queenstown airport, you may find familiar flavours such as Nasi Lemak and Beef Rendang.
Japanese Cuisine Kappa: An authentic sushi and ramen in a cozy setting.
Devil Burger: Falalfel burger is an option at this vegan-friendly eatery, you may opt for vegan aioli instead of mayonnaise as well.
Erik's Fish and Chips: A short walk from the lake, you may dine in or takeaway and dine-with-a-view by the beach. Take your pick from fresh Hoki to Blue Cod, all caught in the South Island seas.
Food Tours in Queenstown
Surrounded by vineyards, food and wine food tour is popular in the region. But there are farmers' markets on Saturdays to explore in the summer.
Gibbston Valley Wine & Food Tour: Pair your meals with world-class wines from the Gibbston Valley.
Queenstown Farmers' Market: Discover fresh produce, handmade cheeses, and baked goods.
Remarkables Market: Located where the Remarkables is in the backdrop, enjoy live music in this friendly vibe, with a steak sandwich in your hand. Only open during summer.
Food to eat in Wellington
Known for its coffee culture and creative dining, Wellington is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Its compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kisa restaurant: Middle eastern cuisine offering flavourful meats and vegetable dips.
Seafood at Wellington Harbour: Try pan-fried fish, mussel fritters, or creamy seafood chowder.
Chocolate Fish Café: Located by the waterfront, this spot is perfect for a casual brunch.
Cuba Street Cafés: Enjoy specialty coffee paired with freshly baked pastries in this bohemian district.
Dietary Restrictions
Similar to Auckland, there are many restaurants that will cater to various dietary restrictions in the vibrant capital city of New Zealand.
For Halal and Vegetarian Travellers:
Rasa Malaysian: Renowned for its halal-friendly laksa, satay, and roti canai.
Spice Paradise: A go-to spot for authentic Indian cuisine with friendly staff.
Nolita: A cozy Italian restaurant serving pasta and pizza, made from vegan meat and cheese.
Discover more of such hidden-gem restaurants down Cuba Street.
Food Tours in Wellington
Te Aro is filled with cafes, serving some of the best coffees in New Zealand, and bars that are unique in its own way. You can spend a good afternoon on a belly-satifying food tour.
Cafe-hopping: Grab a cuppa at Cafe L'affare, an industrial-interior cafe with its own roasting facilities. Then head over to Squirrel NZ for their signature sourdough toasts. Peoples Coffee Lukes Lane is also a crowd's favourite if you support Fair Trade coffee.
Craft Beers Trail: Discover the vibrant craft beer scene at breweries like Garage Project and Fortune Favours Beer.
