Top 21 Foods in New Zealand You Must Try

Are you wondering what foods in New Zealand you should try? Look no further because the top ones are listed right here.

I always like to try local food and treats when visiting a country. It’s a great way to get know a place and experience a part of its culture. Although food probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of New Zealand, there is more to this country than epic road trips, dramatic landscapes and a unique biodiversity. 

New Zealand is rich in culture and home to some delicious kai (food) that is part of the country’s history and traditions. Some dishes are Kiwi as, born right here in New Zealand, while others offer a Kiwi twist on dishes the British settlers brought with them.

Hearty, fresh and delicious, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the unique variety of foods that New Zealand has to offer. 

» You might also like this guide to learning New Zealand slang.

From regional delicacies to savory staples, New Zealand cuisine features some tasty dishes, sweet treats and let’s not forget award-winning wine.

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand or are already here and want to experience the tastes of New Zealand, we’ve got you covered! I’ve lived in New Zealand for two decades and enjoy many of these delicacies (and indulgences) on a regular basis.

Below I’m sharing a selection of my favorite quintessential Kiwi foods in New Zealand that you should try.

Best Foods in New Zealand to Try

1. Hāngī

Hāngī is a traditional method of cooking in Māori culture in which food is steamed in an underground pit, referred to as an earth oven. The end result is deliciously tender meat and root vegetables infused with smoky flavors.

Although once a common way of cooking, today hāngīs are generally prepared for special occasions. Sampling the food scene is one of best things to do in Auckland, and you may find a hāngī meal at The Kai Cafe. You might also see roadside stalls offering hāngī during your travels.

Otherwise, the best place to taste a hāngī meal and learn about Māori culture is by visiting a Māori Village in Rotorua. Mitai Maori Village and Te Pā Tū are both great options.

2. Whitebait fritters

New Zealand whitebait are tiny fishes almost translucent in appearance with a subtle flavor, most commonly served in fritters. Whole whitebait is smothered in a perfectly seasoned batter and fried to perfection in a buttery mixture. 

Although found across New Zealand especially during whitebait season, the South Island’s West Coast is famous for its whitebait fritters.

Related Blog Post: New Zealand South Island Itinerary: 2-Week Road Trip

3. Meat pie

When you think of pie in places like America, you instantly think of sweet and delicious fillings like apple, cherry or blueberry. Pies are done a little differently in New Zealand with buttery pastry covering savory fillings of meat with gravy sauce, similar to a pot pie. 

The humble meat pie is a simple filling of mince and cheese, a good hearty meal that just tastes good. Today, gourmet pies are a bit of a thing, with fillings ranging from chicken and leek to venison, salmon, pork belly and tender steak and cheese. The options are endless and there’s a savory filling to suit most tastes. 

Head to your local bakery to try one of these flaky delights.  Some of our favorites include the Fairlie Bakehouse in South Canterbury, Fergbaker in Queenstown, and Scratch Bakers in Auckland.

4. Hokey Pokey ice cream

Hokey Pokey ice cream is a classic Kiwi favorite consisting of vanilla ice cream with generous pieces of sweet and crunchy honeycomb toffee mixed in. A New Zealand summer isn’t complete without an ice cream cone filled with hokey pokey ice cream dripping down your arm!

You can find hokey pokey flavor ice cream in any supermarket and most scoop shops around New Zealand. For a truly decadent hokey pokey experience check out Giapo, featured in our 3-day Auckland itinerary.

5. Fish and chips

Ah…fish and chips. Who doesn’t love a generous helping of chunky chips (french fries) and a couple of pieces of fresh battered fish wrapped up in a neat little paper parcel. Think summers on the beach, picnics in the park or rugged up in front of the telly on a friday night in winter.

For the ultimate ‘Kiwi style’ fish and chip experience, grab some fish and chips and head to the local beach to enjoy. Just watch out for the seagulls because they will pluck that fish straight out of your hand (this actually happened to me!). 

There are many fish and chip shops all around the country so finding a place won’t be hard. In fact, discovering your best local fish and chip shop is all part of the experience. 

In Auckland, we recommend Kohi Fresh Fish & Takeaways in Kohimarama. We also really like Erik’s Fish and Chips in Queenstown and Tekapo Takeaways in Lake Tekapo.

6. L&P

L&P stands for Lemon & Paeroa, a sweet tropical soft drink, named after the town of Paeroa where it originated from. It’s sweet and lemony, very refreshing on a warm summer day. 

You can find L&P in any supermarket and most convenience stores and fast food joints. Even better, if you happen to be passing through the town of Paeroa in New Zealand’s North Island, be sure to grab a selfie with the giant L&P bottle on the town’s main street.

7. Pavlova

Given the great debate around who invented the pavlova…New Zealand or Australia, this may be a contentious dish to have on this list. However, I don’t think a Kiwi Christmas would be complete without a pav. So, regardless of where it originated, the pavlova is a traditional and much-loved dessert served on Christmas Day in households all around New Zealand. 

A pavlova is a meringue base with a chewy marshmallow texture topped with freshly whipped cream and loads of seasonal fruits like kiwi, strawberries and blueberries. Although it takes only 20 minutes to prepare, don’t be fooled, there is quite a knack to the baking part so it doesn’t crack, crumble or deflate. Something I’ve not yet mastered!

Pavlova is easier to find if you are visiting during the New Zealand summer, especially around Christmas time when many restaurants and cafes will feature pavlova on their dessert menu.

Alternatively, you can buy a pre-made pavlova base in the supermarket and top with whipped cream and fruit, or score yourself an invite to a friendly local’s Christmas dinner!

8. Southland cheese rolls

The infamous Southland Cheese Roll is a local delicacy that must be tried when visiting the Southland region of New Zealand. It’s often referred to as ‘southern sushi’ and may look like just some cheese rolled up in bread but it’s so much more!

Simple and affordable, this southern tradition has well-kept secret ingredients and a perfected rolling technique. 

You can find cheese rolls in cafes, bars and restaurants in towns across the Southland region such as Invercargill, Te Anau and Gore. Or, you can make them at home with easy recipes to follow (minus the secret ingredients of course).

The Sandfly Cafe in Te Anau is said to have the best cheese rolls in Southland!

Related Read: If you’re visiting the South Island, you may be interested to read our South Island road trip itineraries such as Queenstown to Mt Cook, the scenic drive between Queenstown and Glenorchy, the the picturesque drive from Cromwell to Queenstown or the raw and beautiful Southern Scenic Route between Invercargill and Te Anau.

9. Lollies (candy)

Head to any supermarket or dairy (convenience store) and stock up on some of New Zealand’s favorite sweets. Perfect for snacking on road trips or to bring back as a sweet souvenir for friends and family.

The orange flavored Jaffa’s, marshmellowy Pineapple Lumps and Chocolate Fish are all Kiwi classics. If you’re given a Chocolate Fish at work or school, you know you’ve done a good job.

If you have a day in Auckland before heading off on your trip around New Zealand, head to Pak n Save supermarket. They have a huge range of New Zealand candy and usually the cheapest prices. Countdown supermarket is another good option and they have a few locations right in Auckland city center.

10. New Zealand artisan cheese

New Zealand is home to several world-class cheese companies producing aromatic and delicious handcrafted artisan cheeses. From sharp vintages, to veiny blue and decadently soft brie, New Zealand cheeses are definitely worth trying. 

Kāpiti Cheese, Puhoi Valley and Whitestone are all New Zealand favorites that can be found in many supermarkets. There are also many boutique cheeseries around New Zealand where you can enjoy cheese-tastings. The Cheese Barn in the North Island and Gibbson Valley Cheesery and Deli near Cromwell in the South Island are two great options.

11. Marmite or Vegemite

Marmite is a savory dark brown spread with a distinctive, salty flavor made from yeast extract and fortified with B vitamins. Although it originates from England, you’ll find a jar of this bold spread in the pantry of most households in New Zealand. 

Vegemite was invented in Australia and is similar to Marmite but with a slightly milder flavor and thicker texture. 

Both are best eaten on toast with a layer of butter followed by a light dusting of Marmite or Vegemite. You can find jars of both options in any supermarket. It’s an acquired taste if you haven’t grown up on the stuff so you’ll either love it or hate it! Definitely worth giving it a try at least once, you may be pleasantly surprised.

12. Real fruit ice cream

Keep an eye out for locally made and real fruit ice cream when driving around New Zealand during the summer season. Typically seen in small kiosks and food trucks along the roadside.

Local berry farms whip up a mix of vanilla soft serve with fresh fruit for real fruit ice cream, lavender farms create their own homemade lavender ice cream and other boutique creameries whip up their own unique creamy and delicious flavors. 

You’ll find these local ice cream pop up shops all around the country during the summer season. We really like Zaberri in Auckland for real fruit ice cream, NZ Alpine Lavender near Mt Cook for homemade lavender ice cream and award winning gelato from Kowhai Creamery in Matamata.

13. Feijoa

Although native to South America, this little fruit has made a big impression on New Zealand. You know they’re in season when workmates bring in huge bags of feijoas straight from their backyard tree.

These little gems can also be found in supermarkets and farmers’ markets when in season from March to May. They have a distinct flavor that you’ll either love or hate. 

If you’re visiting during feijoa season go ahead and give them a try, see what side of the fence you land on. If it’s team feijoa then good news, you can find feijoa flavored beverages, lollies, sorbet and even chocolate.

14. Kiwi Burger

A Kiwi burger is New Zealand’s spin on the classic American-style hamburger. The addition of beetroot and a fried egg on top of your burger patty, along with your other typical burger ingredients, is what takes it from classic to Kiwi. 

You’ll find a Kiwi burger on the menu of most pubs and burger joints, although the best places for burgers are Burger Burger in Auckland and Ferg Burger in Queenstown.

15. Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is native to New Zealand and sold all around the world for its medicinal purposes and health benefits. Manuka honey is produced by the nectar of the manuka tree that can found growing throughout New Zealand. 

You can find Manuka honey in supermarkets, health stores and souvenir shops around New Zealand. If you are heading to the South Island, check out the Garston Hunny Shop near Queenstown where you can sample a range of locally made honey including their own Clover, Manuka, and Thyme honey.

Related Read: Driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound? The Garston Hunny Shop is on the way! Check out these other great stops on your drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

16. Lamb

Lamb is one of New Zealand’s major exports that can be purchased in many supermarkets around the world. A lamb roast doesn’t get fresher than having it right here in New Zealand.

There are many ways to enjoy lamb whether it’s as a filling in a savory pie, lamb chops  or a full on roast lamb dinner. The best is grass fed and free range. Pair it with mint sauce and roasted root vegetables for the full experience.

There are many restaurants around New Zealand featuring lamb on the menu. If you have some time in Auckland, check out Depot Eatery, they do an amazing braised lamb dish.

17. Bluff oysters

Bluff oysters are wild caught from the Foveaux Strait, off the coast of the small town of Bluff at the very bottom of the South Island. They have their own unique flavor and some say they are the finest in the world.

The Bluff oyster season runs from March to August, so if you are visiting New Zealand during this time head down to Bluff to try this incredible national treasure. Even better, catch the Bluff Oyster Festival which is generally held at the end of May each year. 

If you can’t make it to Bluff, no worries, these babies are shipped to just about every seafood restaurant in the country during oyster season.

18. New Zealand wine

New Zealand has several distinct winegrowing regions across the country, best known for it’s Sauvignon Blanc and more recently for its Pinot Noir varieties.

Sauvignon Blanc (or ‘Sav’ as it’s referred to locally) dominates the winemaking industry which comprises of 72% of New Zealand’s overall wine production. The majority of Sav is produced in the Marlborough region, followed by Hawke’s Bay and Nelson. 

Cromwell and the Central Otago Region is a prominent wine-producing region for Pinot Noir, whose vines thrive in the dry, arid climate. You’ll find many vineyards and cellar doors offering wine tastings in these, as well as other regions, of New Zealand.

Thirsty for more? Check out our guide to the top vineyards on Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from Auckland, or explore the beauty of Central Otago with these fantastic wine tours.

19. New Zealand chocolate

Whittakers is a favorite chocolate brand amongst New Zealanders, made right here in Porirua. It has developed many iconic flavors over the years including special edition releases. You can find a wide range of Whittakers chocolate blocks at most supermarkets.

Artisan chocolate has exploded in New Zealand in recent years. Keep an eye out for the chocolatiers during your travels where you can sample straight from the source.

In Auckland, there’s an Honest Chocolate shop in the Commercial Bay shopping center and Devonport Chocolate shop in Devonport. If you’re heading to Queenstown be sure to stop in at Patagonia Chocolate, their hot chocolate is delicious!

20. Anzac biscuits

Anzac biscuits are a classic kiwi biscuit (cookie) that are special to New Zealanders because of their association with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC).

Made of rolled oats, golden syrup and flour, wives often sent these biscuits to soldiers during the war because they travelled well and didn’t spoil. 

You can find Anzac biscuits in many cafes around New Zealand or in the bakery section of most supermarkets.

21. Crayfish

Being a small body of land completely surrounded by vast seas, it’s no surprise New Zealand has some pretty awesome seafood, especially crayfish.

Crayfish are similar in appearance to lobsters but they are in fact different. Crayfish don’t have the two large pincer claws in front and has a more subtle flavor than lobster. 

You can find crayfish featured in upscale restaurants such as Lobster & Tap, Oyster and Chop and FISH Restaurants in Auckland, which is pretty nice way to spend an afternoon indoors.

However, the small town of Kaikoura on the South Island’s east coast is known for its amazing crayfish. So, if you’re heading to Kaikoura be sure to stop in at Nins Bin to try their famously fresh crayfish.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to experience New Zealand’s food culture, this list of 21 foods to try in New Zealand is a great place to start. Have you tried any of these classic New Zealand foods before? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

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