Food & Wine

Imagine strolling through the park on a sultry summer afternoon, licking creamy, gelato goodness. Picture the waves lapping a sun-kissed shore and pair it with fresh fish and chips on the beach. Remember that irresistible chocolate brownie from the farmers market and the sweet honey you sampled at that out-of-the-way café? are a few of the delights that await when you dive into the tastes, textures, and aromas of New Zealand food culture.

Eat your way around New Zealand

From organic oranges in Northland to fresh-caught oysters during the short fishing season in the southern town of Bluff, you'll find wonderful, local produce in tiny villages and bustling cities.

Aotearoa — as the locals call it — is tiny on a world scale. So, here in New Zealand, you can sample some of the freshest, least-traveled produce in the world. The artisan saffron, award-winning pies, and fresh lamb cutlets from the farmer's market are produced only a few miles away from their stall.

Dining at fine restaurants is one thing, but one of New Zealand food's authentic delights lies in discovering tiny road stalls and eateries up and down the country. You'll find eggs gathered from hens that are genuinely free-range and home-grown organic vegetables galore. There are juicy apricots and deep red cherries right through the hot Central Otago summers. Go north and delight in cakes and buns from Napier's 'Heavens' — crowned best bakery nine-year in a row — or enjoy creamy blue or sharp brie from tiny C'est Cheese in Featherston.

Is it seafood you're after? We're down with that!

Everywhere in New Zealand is close to oceans, rivers, and lakes, so no matter where you go, there's fresh fish on the menu. Why not go straight to the source and catch your own? Fish for your lunch at Golden Bay's picturesque Anatoki Salmon Farm — then eat it smoked or fresh in the farm restaurant. Or feed the fish in the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon farm's glacial waters and enjoy them for dinner in a Tekapo restaurant that night.

Drive down through Kaikoura in the east and marvel over the crayfish in 'Nin's Bin' caravan. On your way back, cruise up the wild west coast and stop for whitebait sandwiches on the way.

Maybe mussels are your idea of heaven? Then your not-to-be-missed experience is a cruise out to the greenshell mussel farms in the Marlborough Sounds — enjoying freshly steamed mussels served with a glass of Nelson Sauvignon Blanc on the way.

Irresistible New Zealand Wine

Speaking of wine, New Zealand vintages have been making a splash on the world stage for years now, and you can experience them right where they're grown. More than 450 wine experiences are on offer because Aotearoa produces award-winning wines from Northland to Central Otago.

Pair your New Zealand wine with delicious food at winery restaurants, take a vineyard tour or a tasting tour at the cellar door. Combine experiences: take a cycle tour around the wineries in Nelson or travel the wine and arts trail in Queenstown.

Try the local brews.

Nelson is also the home of New Zealand hops, and in summer, you can see the lofty hop vines flourishing in orchards all around the region. So, take a beer trail tour and discover more about the makings of some of the best local brews. But never fear! If Nelson isn't on your schedule, you'll find microbreweries brimming with unique brews all over Aotearoa. Whet your whistle and sample hoppy goodness from the deep south to the winterless north.

Truly, there's abundant, sustainably produced food, wine, and beer wherever you go in Aotearoa. The locals love it — and so will you.