Here’s a delicious guide to the Top 10 Foods to Try in New Zealand, showcasing the country’s rich blend of Māori tradition, British influence, and Pacific flavors. Whether you're a foodie, traveler, or just curious about Kiwi cuisine, these dishes offer an authentic taste of New Zealand’s culinary identity.
Top 10 Must-Try Foods in New Zealand
1. Hāngī (Traditional Māori Feast)
- What It Is: Meat, vegetables, and stuffing slow-cooked underground using heated stones.
- Why Try It: A cultural experience and earthy, tender flavors you can’t find anywhere else.
- Where to Try: Māori villages in Rotorua, cultural experiences, and special events.
2. Green-Lipped Mussels
- What It Is: Unique to New Zealand, these large, green-shelled mussels are both nutritious and delicious.
- Why Try It: Iconic seafood often served steamed in garlic butter or spicy tomato sauce.
- Best Place: Marlborough, coastal towns, seafood restaurants.
3. Fish and Chips
- What It Is: Crispy battered fish with golden fries.
- Why Try It: A British legacy done Kiwi-style—often served with tomato sauce or tartare.
- Best Place: Beachside takeaways, like in Kaikōura or Mount Maunganui.
4. Lamb
- What It Is: One of NZ’s biggest exports and a beloved dish, usually roasted or grilled.
- Why Try It: Juicy, tender, and often served with seasonal veggies and mint sauce.
- Best Place: High-end restaurants or traditional Kiwi family meals.
5. Whitebait Fritters
- What It Is: Delicate whitebait fish bound with egg, pan-fried like a thin omelette.
- Why Try It: A South Island delicacy with a mild, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Best Place: West Coast of the South Island, seasonal pop-up stands.
6. Kiwi Burger
- What It Is: A burger with beef, beetroot, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
- Why Try It: The beetroot and egg twist makes it uniquely Kiwi.
- Best Place: Local burger joints and some McDonald's menus!
7. Kumara (Sweet Potato)
- What It Is: A native root vegetable, often roasted or turned into chips.
- Why Try It: A staple in Māori and New Zealand cuisine.
- Best Place: Farmers’ markets, cafes, traditional hāngī feasts.
8. Pavlova
- What It Is: A light meringue dessert with a crisp crust and soft center, topped with cream and fruit.
- Why Try It: NZ’s national dessert (and subject of a friendly rivalry with Australia!).
- Best Place: Cafés, bakeries, and festive gatherings.
9. Meat Pie
- What It Is: Flaky pastry filled with minced meat, gravy, and sometimes cheese or mushrooms.
- Why Try It: A beloved on-the-go meal for every Kiwi.
- Best Place: Petrol stations, bakeries, and pie shops like Patrick’s Pies.
10. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
- What It Is: Vanilla ice cream with crunchy honeycomb toffee bits.
- Why Try It: A nostalgic Kiwi favorite.
- Best Place: Any ice cream parlor or supermarket (Tip Top brand is classic).