New Zealand's best food finds

Golden beaches, hot springs, sweeping mountainous landscapes and sprawling green forests attract excited travellers to New Zealand every year. But did you know that this glorious part of the world is fast growing a reputation for its delicious food and drink too? 

In the ‘land of the long white cloud’, foodies will discover a cuisine that’s rich in history with traditional Māori cooking playing an important role in New Zealand’s food heritage. From coffee with a kick to freshly caught fish, world-famous wine to seasonal vegetables, September Withers takes you through all there is to know about New Zealand’s nascent foodie scene...

Māori food traditionally consists of fresh and natural produce sourced from the land and the sea, which is then cooked using the hangi method. To lay the hangi, large stones are heated on a fire and an oven pit, or umu, is dug for the food. Earth is piled over the top and the food is left to cook slowly for hours resulting in tender, juicy and smoky meat and vegetables.

To forage for traditional native foods, make for the Wild Food Cooking School at Rotorua’s Treetops Lodge, where you can also take a fascinating cooking lesson with talented Māori chefs.

From plump, juicy oysters to shiny red crayfish; chunky scallops to golden, crispy whitebait: New Zealand is a haven for seafood lovers with a plethora of restaurants across the country serving platters of the freshest daily catch alongside mouthwatering fish dishes. 

For the best oysters, head to Bluff on the southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Oysters are a way of life for those living here, with the season running from March through to August. 

Havelock, a small town in New Zealand’s Marlborough region, is renowned for its green-lipped mussels and Whitianga in the Waikato Region is the place to go for scallops – all have annual festivals to celebrate their prized produce. Make sure to taste the Kiwi
 speciality of battered Southland blue cod and chips, too.

Spend an early morning or afternoon exploring one of New Zealand’s bustling farmers' markets, showcasing the finest Kiwi produce from colourful organic vegetables to freshly baked bread. 

Many street food markets across the country have been running for years, like the ever-popular Harbourside Market in Wellington. Dating all the way back to 1920, Harbourside opens every Sunday, come rain or shine, and is a fantastic opportunity for shoppers to support local businesses. 

The Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, which can be found north of Auckland, is open every Saturday from 8am-1pm and focuses on selling fresh, sustainable and local artisan goods in a truly beautiful setting. 

New Zealand’s capital city Wellington has a buzzing café culture that’s dedicated to brewing the best cups of coffee in the country. 

Budding baristas flock to trendy Mojo, one of the most experienced coffee roasters in New Zealand, while patrons take a seat to enjoy the café’s welcoming vibe. On Courtenay Place and Cuba Street, an abundance of coffee shops spill out onto the streets, with a Mediterranean style effortlessness. 

Meanwhile, haunts like Flight Coffee Hangar on Willis Street and Nikau Café (adjacent to City Gallery Wellington) serve up delicious brews alongside fresh seasonal cuisine.

Home to some 700 wineries and counting, New Zealand’s reputation for producing some of the finest fruity wines across the globe is second to none.

 Whether you have a penchant for a crisp, juicy Sauvignon Blanc or a light, smoky Pinot Noir, a tempting glass will definitely find its way to you during your trip. 

Many wineries across the country offer vineyard tours and  tasting sessions that are perfect for budding wine connoisseurs. Mission Estate is the oldest vineyard in New Zealand and boasts an extraordinary history. Visitors can walk through time as they tour the elegantly restored seminary buildings before indulging in a fine wine tasting here. 

Fromm, in the world famous wine-growing region of South Island’s Marlborough, is also worth visiting as they’re known for producing delicious Syrah, Rielsing and Pinot Gris from single variety vineyards. 

Throughout the year, food and drink enthusiasts can raise a glass at fun wine festivals across the country including Toast Martinborough (November) and the Marlborough Food & Wine Festival (February). With live music, great entertainment and top quality food, the festivals are a huge hit with locals and travellers from further afield.

New Zealand’s summer sun calls for a refreshing, ice-cold sweet treat. With dairy being one of the country’s biggest industries, it’s no wonder that some of the world’s best ice-cold artisanal puddings can be found here. 

The bustling city of Auckland has garnered quite a reputation for designer gelato in recent years, so if you’re keen to try a New Zealand ‘Hokey Pokey’ – sweet caramelized honeycomb ice cream – head to the North Island. 

Equally, those looking to up the ice-cream ante should give Giapo a whirl. Their ice cream has evolved into beautiful works of art: all edible, all delicious.

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