10 Iconic New Zealand Foods You Need to Try
New Zealand’s food scene is as varied and stunning as its landscapes.
From farm-to-table freshness to traditions stretching back through generations, the nation’s dining mirrors its storied history and inventive character.
When visiting large cities or just traveling in the countryside, there are some foods that you need to try.
Here’s a roundup of 10 New Zealand foods worth trying so that you can enjoy a taste of Kiwi culture.
1. Hangi – A traditional Maori feast
The hangi is not merely a dish; it is a New Zealand Maori cultural experience. This age-old cooking method requires digging a hole in the ground, heating stones, and slow-cooking meat, vegetables, sometimes seafood.
The result is smoky, tender, and flavorful food with thousands of years of tradition behind it.
Where to Try It:
Maori cultural experiences are big in Rotorua, where you can participate in a hangi feast with accompanying traditional performances.
Fun Fact:
Because a hangi takes hours to prepare, it becomes a communal experience, where people come together to exchange stories and form connections.
2. Pavlova–The Queen of Kiwi Desserts
This meringue-based dessert is a source of friendly competition between New Zealand and Australia, but most Kiwis will adamantly say it’s theirs.
Pavlova is crunchy on the exterior, soft and marshmallowy in the middle, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits, such as kiwifruit, strawberries or passionfruit.
Why It’s Special:
With its light texture and fruity toppings, it’s the perfect dessert after a heavy meal.
Best Spots to Taste:
Pavlova can be found in cafes and restaurants across the country, or, if you’re staying with locals, try a homemade one.
3. Lamb – World-Class Quality
New Zealand lamb has long been prized for its flavor and tenderness, which are due in part to the country’s green pastures and environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Lamb, which is grilled, roasted or slow-cooked, appears on many menus, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables.
What to Order:
Explore for herb-crusted lamb racks or slow-cooked lamb shanks with kumara mash (sweet potato).
Don’t Miss:
Fall lamb dishes are especially popular during spring, when they are even more tender and flavorful.
4. Green-Lipped Mussels
These dark green-shelled mussels are native to New Zealand and as nutritious as they are delicious. Steamed, grilled or sharked into creamy chowders, they’re a seafood lover’s dream.
Best Place to Try:
Havelock, one of the wonders of the Marlborough region more commonly known as the “Green-Lipped Mussel Capital of the World.” Most local restaurants serve freshly harvested mussels with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
5. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
This uniquely Kiwi creation is like heaven for ice cream lovers. Hokey pokey ice cream consists of rich vanilla ice cream with crisp honeycomb toffee delights.
It’s unpretentious yet completely satisfying, and one of the treat stands we’re glad to find in either hybrid form in Taipei or on the streets in Tokyo.
Where to Find It:
For sale at virtually every ice cream parlor, corner store and supermarket in New Zealand.
Pro Tip:
Add to it a scoop of another Kiwi flavor, say, boysenberry for a local twist.
6. Kiwi Pie – A Savory Staple
Pies are one of the most basic comfort foods in New Zealand, but these aren’t the sweet desserts you would assume.
Kiwi pies are savory and filled dishes such as mince meat, steak and cheese, chicken and mushroom, or vegetarian.
What Sets Them Apart:
Its flaky crusts and hearty fillings make them an ideal meal — fast and filling on the go.
Must-Try Spots:
Artisan pies are the specialty at bakeries such as Fairlie Bakehouse or The Clareville Bakery.
7. Kumara – Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Ginger & Tamarind
Kumara, sweet potato’s New Zealand cousin, has long been a food staple, going back to the Maori who brought it to the islands. It’s commonly roasted, mashed or fried into crunchy kumara chips.
Best Ways to Enjoy:
As a side dish with lamb.
Have a creamy kumara and coconut soup.
Insider Tip:
The red kumara variety — a native of Northland — has a rich and earthy flavor unlike any other.
8. Bluff Oysters — Five-Star Delights
Bluff oysters are among the best available anywhere, sought after for their rich, creamy flavor.
Grown in the cooler waters around the southern town of Bluff, these oysters are a must.
When to Visit:
The oyster season lasts from March to August, and each year the annual Bluff Oyster Festival is a highlight for fans of seafood.
How to Enjoy:
Eat them raw with a squeeze of lemon, or have them battered and fried, a local favorite.
9. L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) – A Fizzy Kiwi Icon
This distinctively New Zealand soft drink, known as L&P for short, originated in the small town of Paeroa.
It offers a slightly tangy flavor of lemon juice filtered with sparkling mineral water.
Where to Try It:
You can find a bottle at any supermarket or convenience store. (Visit the giant L&P bottle in Paeroa for a photo op, for the ultimate experience.)
10. Fish and Chips –The Coastline Classic
No trip to New Zealand is without fish and chips on the beach.
Freshly caught fish, like snapper or hoki, is coated in a crisp batter and served with golden fries.
Best Places to Try:
Coastal towns such as Kaikoura, Napier and Auckland’s North Shore are popular for their stellar fish and chip shops.
Pro Tip:
Serve with a side of Wattie’s tomato sauce or tartare sauce for a classic Kiwi accompaniment.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s food is a pleasing fusion of tradition, innovation and homegrown produce.
From tasting a hangi cuisine rich in Maori culture to savoring bowls of creamy hokey-pokey ice cream, these 10 of New Zealand’s iconic dishes and drinks are all you need to sample Kiwi fare.
Be sure to turn to these must-try foods on your trip — it’s the best way to meet the heart and soul of New Zealand!
