Top 9 Dishes to Try in New Zealand

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
01/08/2025
Aerial view of Queenstown, New Zealand with Lake Wakatipu, mountains, and a rainbow.
Elizaveta Vinogradova, Pexels

New Zealand's cuisine is a blend of diverse influences, drawing from British, Māori, European, and Pacific Rim culinary traditions. It emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the country's fertile land and abundant sea. This focus creates a unique food culture celebrated for its quality and innovation.

Dining options in New Zealand cater to all budgets. For affordable choices, visitors can find numerous food trucks and takeaways, offering quick meals like fish and chips or diverse street food from various international cuisines.

Casual cafes and bistros provide mid-range options, often serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those seeking a more elaborate experience, high-end restaurants and fine dining establishments offer gourmet gastronomy showcasing premium local ingredients and innovative culinary fusions.

Local farmers' markets are also excellent for fresh produce and artisan goods, allowing for self-catering options.

1. Hāngī

A traditional Māori cooking method where food, typically meats and root vegetables, is cooked slowly in an underground oven, imparting a unique smoky and earthy flavour.

2. Fish and Chips

A classic takeaway meal of fresh, battered, and fried fish served with thick-cut chips, often enjoyed by the coast.

3. Meat Pie

A staple, palm-sized pastry filled with minced meat, gravy, and sometimes cheese, found widely in bakeries and cafes.

4. Pavlova

A popular meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light interior, typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

5. New Zealand Lamb

Renowned globally for its quality, tender, grass-fed lamb is a common feature on restaurant menus and in home cooking.

6. Whitebait Fritters

Delicate fritters made from small, translucent whitebait fish, often lightly seasoned and fried.

7. Green-Lipped Mussels

Large mussel species native to New Zealand, typically served steamed or grilled, known for their distinct flavour.

8. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

A popular local ice cream flavour featuring creamy vanilla ice cream mixed with crunchy pieces of honeycomb.

9. Southland Cheese Rolls

Referred to as 'southern sushi,' these are slices of bread rolled with a savoury cheese filling and toasted.

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