Must Try New Zealand Food
1. Hāngi
Hāngi is a traditional earth oven method of cooking that involves slow-cooking of meat and vegetables and is one of the most famous food of New Zealand. Chicken, beef, pork, and other vegetables are wrapped in leaves and placed in a basket. Then, they are laid on heated stones inside a hole. The slow-cooking process imparts a unique, smoky flavor, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. Currently, Hāngi meals are an essential factor during celebrations inside the country. Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua offers Hāngi Meals as one of the features of Maori cultural experiences.
Where to Try: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, and cultural events.
2. Pavlova
Made with meringue, whipped cream, and fruiPavlovaova has a permanent place at the Christmas dinner table. It has a crispy outer layer and is soft at the center. Topped with fresh fruits like kiwifruit, strawberries, and passionfruit, along with a generous dollop of whipped creaPavlovaova is a quintessential New Zealand food. This dessert, which holds a special place in Kiwi culture, is often served at celebrations and family gatherings nationwide.
Where to Try: Available in most bakeries and cafes across New Zealand.
3. New Zealand Fish and Chips
Believed to have been introduced by the British settlers long before, New Zealand’s classic Fish and Chips is a popular takeaway item consisting of battered and fried fish and a massive serving of hot chips. The most common types of fish used in this dish are red cod, hoki, Taranaki, and elephant shark. It always prefers to be consumed hot, often with some beer.
Where to Try: Coastal towns like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
4. Kiwi Burger
The Kiwi burger is a New Zealand take on the classic hamburger. It features a beef patty topped with sliced beetroot, a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments. This unique combination provides a burst of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice at local burger joints, food trucks, and cafes across the country.
Where to Try: Local fast-food chains and burger joints.
5. Whitebait Fritters
Usually available on the menus of restaurants during the whitebait season of every year from August to September, Whitebait fritters are a cultural food of New Zealand that anyone visiting the west coast of the South Island must try. All fishes that are yet to attain complete growth are called whitebaits. Whitebait fritters are made from tiny, translucent fish (whitebait) mixed with a light batter and fried until golden.
Where to Try: West Coast of the South Island and during whitebait season (September to November).
6. Rewena Bread
A traditional Maori sourdough bread, rewena is leavened with a natural starter made from fermented potatoes. The result is a uniquely tangy and slightly sweet bread with a dense, chewy texture. Local bakeries and farmers' markets, especially in Maori communities, proudly feature rewena bread, offering a taste of Maori culture and heritage in each slice. It is often enjoyed with butter or used to accompany hearty stews and soups.
Where to Try: Maori cultural centers and local markets.
7. Crayfish (Lobster)
Freshly caught crayfish, or lobster, is a prized seafood in New Zealand. Often grilled or boiled and served with a squeeze of lemon and melted butter, crayfish is especially popular in coastal regions like Kaikoura, which is known for its abundant marine life. The succulent and sweet meat of the crayfish makes it a must-try for seafood lovers visiting New Zealand.
Where to Try: Kaikoura and coastal regions.
8. Kumara Chips
Kumara chips are a tasty alternative to regular potato chips, made from kumara, a type of sweet potato native to New Zealand. These chips are typically sliced thin and fried until crispy, offering a slightly sweet and savory flavor. They are a popular snack available in many cafes and restaurants, reflecting the local love for this versatile root vegetable.
Where to Try: Available at many cafes and restaurants.
9. Muttonbird (Tītī)
Muttonbird, or tītī, is a traditional Maori dish made from the preserved meat of young seabirds. Known for its rich, gamey flavor, muttonbird is usually salted and boiled, sometimes served with potatoes and kumara. This unique delicacy is particularly popular in the Southland and Stewart Island regions, where it is harvested sustainably by local communities.
Where to Try: Southland and Stewart Island.
10. Green-Lipped Mussels
Green-lipped mussels are a signature seafood of New Zealand, known for their large size and distinctive green edges. These mussels are often steamed and served with garlic and white wine sauce, highlighting their natural, briny flavor. They are a popular dish in coastal areas like Marlborough, where the mussels are farmed sustainably and enjoyed fresh.
Where to Try: Marlborough and coastal areas.
Must Try New Zealand Desserts
11. New Zealand Wines
New Zealand is world-renowned for its exceptional wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and Pinot Noir from Central Otago. The country's diverse climates and fertile soils produce high-quality grapes, resulting in wines with distinct flavors and aromas.
Where to Try: Vineyards in Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago.
12. Lemon & Paeroa (L&P)
Lemon & Paeroa, commonly known as L&P, is a popular New Zealand soft drink made from lemon juice and carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa. Its refreshing and slightly tangy flavor makes it a favorite among Kiwis. L&P is widely available in supermarkets and cafes across the country.
Where to Try: Available nationwide in supermarkets and cafes.
13. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Auckland City’s Giapo has earned the reputation for serving the best Hokey Pokey Ice Cream in New Zealand. Hokey pokey ice Cream is vanilla ice cream mixed with caramelized sugar and it is the most recommended flavor among ice creams. Nothing beats having one of them during summertime with flakes of chocolate or small bits of honeycomb sprinkled over as a topping.
Where to Try: Ice cream parlors and supermarkets across the country.
14. Feijoa Juice
Feijoa juice is a refreshing drink made from the feijoa fruit, known for its unique, aromatic flavor that combines pineapple, guava, and strawberry notes. This juice is particularly popular during the feijoa season (March to June) and can be found in supermarkets and cafes, offering a taste of New Zealand's distinctive fruit varieties.
Where to Try: Available in supermarkets and cafes, especially during feijoa season (March to June).
15. Manuka Honey
Renowned for its unique antibacterial properties, Manuka honey is produced by bees that forage on the Manuka tree's flowers. This golden elixir is both delicious and health-promoting, with a distinct, rich flavor. Manuka honey is a sweet symbol of New Zealand's pristine landscapes and commitment to sustainable beekeeping.
Where to Try: Specialty stores, farmers' markets, and supermarkets.
New Zealand's culinary delights are a testament to its rich natural bounty and cultural diversity. From the traditional flavors of a Hangi feast to the sweet indulgence of hokey pokey ice cream, every dish tells a story of the land and its people. Whether you're a food adventurer eager to try Maori delicacies or a wine connoisseur exploring world-class vineyards, New Zealand promises a culinary journey that is as memorable as its breathtaking landscapes.