New Zealand is known for its breathtaking scenery and natural wonders, as well as being a paradise for those wanting to make the most of the great outdoors. But did you know that New Zealand is also a fantastic destination for food-lovers too?New Zealand isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping adventures; it’s also a gastronomic paradise waiting to be explored.
From indigenous Māori dishes to contemporary fusion cuisine, this food lover’s guide will take you on a delectable journey across the Kiwi islands.
22 Must-Try New Zealand Dishes and Foods: A Flavorful Adventure
1. Māori Hāngi
This quintessential style of slow cooking in an earth oven, perfected by the Māori people, is known as an umu. Māori Hāngi dish typically includes a variety of meats (such as chicken, pork, and seafood) and vegetables (like pumpkin, taro, and sweet potato).
Where to eat: Tamaki Village, Rotorua
2. Kina
Kina, is also known as 'Evechinus Chloroticus', which is a type of sea urchin endemic to New Zealand. This is a revered Māori delicacy, traditionally eaten raw as sashimi, with rich and creamy flavours.
Where to eat: All over New Zealand
3. Crayfish (Rock Lobster)
Found along the coast of New Zealand and offshore islands, crayfish is a delicacy. Whether grilled, steamed, or in a creamy bisque, it’s a seafood lover’s delight.
Where to eat: Nin’s Bin, Kaikoura
4. Lamb and Beef
New Zealand’s rolling green hills are home to some of the world’s finest lamb and beef. Whether it’s a juicy lamb chop or a hearty beef steak, the grass-fed goodness is unmatched paired with a robust red wine.
Where to eat: All over New Zealand
5. Green-Lipped Mussels
These plump, emerald-green mussels are harvested from pristine waters. Best eaten as a creamy chowder or simply steamed with garlic and white wine.
Where to eat: The Mussel Pot in Havelock North
6. Bluff Oysters
If you’re visiting during oyster season (March to August), don’t miss the Bluff oysters. These briny gems are a delicacy, best enjoyed fresh and unadorned paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Where to eat: The Bluff Oyster Festival
7. Fish and chips
This classic food is best enjoy by the beach on a summer evening. Made from fresh catch along hot chips, it's a must try comfort food!
Where to eat: All over New Zealand
8. Artisan cheeses
Offering world class cheeses try the famous blue cheese, sharp vintages and creamy soft cheeses and Kāpiti Cheese. Don't forget to go on cheese-tastings at the local companies.
Where to eat: The Cheese Barn, Gibbston Valley™ Cheesery & Deli
9. Lamingtons
Lamingtons are soft sponge cakes coated in jam or chocolate, covered in coconut, depicting the snow capped mountains of New Zealand.
Where to eat: Available in most bakeries and cafes
10. Mince Pies
Mince meat pies are available in almost all corner shops in almost all New Zealand villages, towns and cities. Try this staple warm quick snack during your travels.
Where to eat: Greenland Bakery and Café in Auckland
Where to find: Local supermarkets, service stations
11. Feijoa
Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is the fruit of the evergreen shrub or small tree Acca sellowiana. Native to the highlands of southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, feijoa grows abundantly in New Zealand. If you are in NZ around March till June, it's the season to try them out!
Where to eat: Local markets
12. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
This is a must try dessert especially on those hot summer days. Creamy vanilla ice cream studded with crunchy caramelized toffee bits—simple yet addictive!
Where to find: All over New Zealand
13. Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits are oat and coconut cookies with a rich history dating back to World War I. These are an important part of New Zealand’s food story, an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corp.
Where to find: Local supermarkets
14. Kumara Fries with Aioli
Kumara is a favourite vegetable in New Zealand. For potato lovers, Kumara are New Zealand’s sweet potatoes, often roasted or mashed as a side dish or even serves as fries perfect with garlic aioli.
Where to eat: All over New Zealand
15. Pavlova
A classic kiwi dessert, Pavlova is a sweet meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruits (kiwifruit, passionfruit, and strawberries) and whipped cream. It’s a must try!
Where to eat: Available in most bakeries and cafes
16. Kiwi Burger
This burger was started by Mcdonald's in New Zealand, consisting of a four-ounce beef patty, griddled egg, beetroot, and the other hamburger ingredients. You can now find this burger in various restaurants too.
Where to eat: Various restaurants in New Zealand
17. Jaffas
Jaffas are little round chocolate orbs, coated in red-orange zest. Named after the Jaffa orange’s hue, this sweet treat is adored by Kiwis.
Where to find: Local supermarkets
18. Whitebait Fritters
Whitebait fritters, a beloved New Zealand delicacy, celebrate the tiny, translucent whitebait fish. These little wonders are collected from New Zealand rivers, mixed into a buttery batter, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served hot, they’re a Kiwi favorite at parties and events!
Where to eat:
19. Colonial Goose
Colonial Goose is a classic New Zealand dish that exemplifies the colonial tradition of making do with what is at hand. Rather than goose, it is actually stuffed sheep meat, it’s a stuffed leg of lamb or mutton that mimics the appearance of a goose mostly prepared in the winters!
Where to eat: Most restaurants in New Zealand
20. Marmite
Not like jam and bread but more like a stinky version, like caviar, beer, or stinky tofu, this food item might just shock your system. You may or may not develop a taste for it after the first bite.
Where to find: Local supermarkets
21. Lemon & Paeroa (L&P) Soda
Lemon & Paeroa (L&P) Soda, is an iconic soft drink that’s been enjoyed in New Zealand since 1907. Thhis fuzzy drink was originally started in North Island made from a combination of lemon juice with carbonated mineral water.
Where to find: Local supermarkets
22. Paua
Paua is a large sea snail. Prepared in a variety of ways, you can either have the fried version, or the one with the curry. An interesting fact about Paua, is that its shells are often used as decor items.
Where to eat: Local restaurants in New Zealand
Also read: Explore the Land of Kiwis, Mountains, and Adventure - A First Time Traveler’s Guide to New Zealand
As you explore New Zealand’s culinary landscape, remember that food is more than sustenance—it’s a bridge between cultures, a celebration of life, and a way to connect with others. So, raise your fork, toast to new flavors, and let the magic of Kiwi cuisine unfold.
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