Food is not the reason to go to New Zealand. That being said, there are definitely some must try dishes when you are there:
HAND PIES
No forks allowed! You’ll find these everywhere. The most popular are mince pies and some variety of chicken. I highly recommend the Steak and Cheese at Fergbaker or the Steak, Mushroom and Bacon at Miles Better Pies in Te Anau.
LAMB
New Zealand lambs are pasture raised on a nature-only diet, where they graze on some of the world’s most fertile pastures. The temperate, subtropical climate, ample rainfall, and emerald-green pastures produce lamb with classic flavor. Though when you’re passing so many cute sheep and lambs, it’s hard to imagine eating one.
VENISON
Deer have it made it NZ. They are raised grass-fed on pristine and fertile pastures so that their meat becomes rich and tender with no gamey flavor. Venison is naturally lean beef with iron and Vitamin D.
BURGERS
Yes, Ferburger especially is worth the hype. Yes, it’s worth standing in line. But would recommend going during off times so that you don’t have to wait too long.
HOKEY POKEY
New Zealand’s specialty ice cream is Hokey Pokey, a creamy vanilla ice cream with chunks of honeycomb toffee. The best place to experience an authentic Hokey Pokey is at Giapo in Auckland.
PINEAPPLE LUMPS
This is a NZ candy and can be found in most grocery or convenience stores. It’s a small pineapple candy coated in chocolate and was my go-to when I was craving something sweet.
ASIAN FOOD
When I arrived in Auckland I was blown away by the Asian influence that covers a large portion of the city. Here and elsewhere in New Zealand you can find authentic Asian food.
INDIAN FOOD
There is no shortage of Indian food in New Zealand and that means all of the tandoori, somosas and butter chicken your heart could desire.
HANGI
Hāngī is the traditional Māori food cooked in a pit dug in the ground and cooked in natural thermal steam and water. It usually includes fish, chicken and root vegetables. The food is good, but its more about the experience, which the Maori people took very seriously. Rotorua is the best place to sign up for this!
COFFEE
There is a big coffee culture in New Zealand. There are cute coffee shops lining the streets and even the gas station coffee has a decent brew. If we’re getting specific, the Flat White is the creamy concoction that was allegedly invented in New Zealand, though Australians may disagree. One third coffee, two thirds steamed milk and topped with foam. A latte/cappuccino mix if you will.
