Incredible flavours of New Zealand

New Zealand is a mighty fine place to wine and dine. From country pubs to chic restaurants, the emphasis is on home-grown ingredients like lamb, seafood and venison, with a thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene to cleanse the palate.

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

Experience three of our best wine regions on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Cycle the vines or be chauffeur driven; you’ll find cellar doors open for tasting and lovely vineyard restaurants in abundance. The Hawke’s Bay is well-known for Bordeaux Blends, Syrah and Chardonnay, Martinborough boasts wonderful Pinot Noir, and Marlborough has world-class Sauvignon Blanc.

Seafood

More than 15,000 kilometres of coastline provides a wealth of seafood throughout New Zealand. Local specialties include crayfish in Kaikoura, Bluff oysters in Southland, greenshell mussels in Marlborough, and whitebait patties on the West Coast. The uninitiated might like to start with the soft texture and mild taste of scallops from The Coromandel.

Māori hāngī or ‘roast dinner’

Taste the smoky flavours and enjoy the communal experience of the hāngī. This indigenous Māori ‘roast dinner’ is cooked in the earth using hot rocks. Hāngī experiences usually include a traditional welcome ceremony and cultural performance, and can be found in Rotorua, Northland and Christchurch.

Coffee

Coffee is an obsession in New Zealand, especially in the cities. We drink it strong and fresh – the Kiwi flat white has become world-famous. Between the epic coffee culture and delicious cafe scene, New Zealand is a good spot for those who love to a good cup of coffee.

Mānuka honey

This world-famous honey has natural antibacterial properties. It’s used in a wide range of foods, drinks, health products and skin care, and is a favourite take-home souvenir. To experience a full range of honey-sweetened delights, head to a honey specialist in the Bay of Islands.

Cheese

New Zealand’s strong dairy industry has allowed the rise of some highly skilled cheese makers. Taste handmade blue, vintage and soft cheeses; favourite local brands include Puhoi, Kapiti, Kahurangi and Whitestone. If you don’t have time to seek out an artisan cheese store, pick up a wedge from the supermarket, or better yet, order a cheese platter when you go wine tasting

Pick your own fruit

If you’re visiting any time between December and June, you may like to head out and pick your own fruit. New Zealand has all sorts of berries and stone fruit in summer, while pears, apples and citrus come on in autumn. At Nelson, you can pick your own strawberries and then blend them into ice cream at the orchard café.