Discover the flavours of New Zealand
New Zealand's cuisine is produce-led and shaped by a rich mix of Māori, British, Asian and Pacific influences. Fresh seafood and farm-fresh produce – think seasonal fruits and vegetables, and meats harvested from local farms – define the flavours.
From seafood-rich coastlines to fertile wine regions, these ten food destinations showcase the ingredients and culinary experiences that bring New Zealand's food story to life.
Hawke's Bay Wine and food country
Hawke's Bay is celebrated for its exceptional wines, fertile orchards, and vibrant food culture.
Recently crowned the 12th Great Wine Capital of the world, joining Napa Valley and Bordeaux, Hawke's Bay is home to over 30 cellar doors and outstanding winery dining. Create your own picnic at Askerne Winery, or settle in for fine dining at Mission Estate, Elephant Hill, or Craggy Range – awarded New Zealand's Winery Restaurant of the Year 2025.
For a casual kiwi experience, explore one of New Zealand's oldest and largest farmers' markets in Hastings and sample sun-ripened stone fruit from roadside stalls.
Linking coastlines, rivers, vineyards, and orchards, the Hawke's Bay Trails are a mostly flat, 200km network of cycle paths connecting Napier, Hastings, and the wider region. It's an easy, scenic way to explore, with plenty of opportunities to stop and taste delicious local produce along the way.
Northland History and diversity
Accessible via Kerikeri or Whangarei, Te Tai Tokerau Northland offers a rich and diverse food scene shaped by land, sea, and Polynesian history.
In the Bay of Islands, dine at Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery, and Terra Restaurant in Paihia, to experience creative New Zealand cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and sustainably caught seafood. For relaxed waterfront dining, take the ferry to Russell and dine at the historic Duke of Marlborough, 'refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827'. Or enjoy The Landing's Cellar Door Long Lunch.
Beyond the Bay of Islands, head to the Tūtūkākā Coast for garden-to-plate dining at Schnappa Rock. Travelling north, seek out local gems such as the Houhora Honey Bees Container Café in Pukenui.
Visiting in October? Savour Northland celebrates local food and producers with events held across the region.
Wellington Coffee and craft beer in the capital
A creative capital with a vibrant food and drink scene.
Dine your way through a world of flavours at harbour-view restaurants, cosy neighbourhood eateries, and cheap and cheerful favourites like Little Penang. Award-winning dining awaits at Hillside, Graze Wine Bar, or Ortega Fish Shack.
Wellington's thriving craft beer scene is shaped by pioneers such as Garage Project, Parrotdog, and Panhead. You'll also find hidden cocktail bars like Puffin and Hawthorn Lounge, and ethical bean-to-bar treats at the Wellington Chocolate Factory.
Just over an hour from Wellington, the world-class Wairarapa wine region offers boutique vineyards and small-village charm, led by passionate producers.)
Queenstown Home of famous pinot noir and alpine dining
Queenstown is the gateway to Central Otago, one of the world's southernmost wine regions, celebrated for its exceptional pinot noir.
The region is home to more than 150 cafés, restaurants, bars, and cellar doors, making it one of New Zealand's most exciting food and wine destinations.
Seasonal menus highlight the region's produce. Expect fresh, lighter flavours, featuring stone fruit, berries, and crisp vegetables in summer, and richer plates designed for alpine conditions in the cooler months, including slow-cooked lamb and venison.
Enjoy popular dining spots such as Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen, Sherwood, and Rātā, or settle by a fire at Amisfield, New Zealand's Restaurant of the Year 2025.
Don't miss Ayrburn, a vibrant food and wine playground, and discover open-air dining at Glenorchy's Great Alpine Base Camp.
Christchurch From urban markets to high-country cuisine
Framed by rivers, mountains, and the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch offers an exceptional food and drink scene shaped by land and seasons.
The region produces some of Aotearoa's most respected ingredients, from Canterbury lamb and Akaroa salmon to world-class wines, cheeses, and spirits.
Riverside Market captures the heart of the city's food culture, bringing growers, bakers, cheesemakers, and producers together in a lively, social hub. From farmers' markets and urban gardens to cellar doors and city kitchens, Canterbury's food story reflects manaakitanga (hospitality) and quiet excellence.
Dine at Inati for inventive, hyper-seasonal tasting menus, Gatherings for producer-led local dishes that put Canterbury vegetables, grains, and fish at the centre of the plate, or Sugarloaf at Flockhill for luxurious fine dining.
West Coast Seafood and wild delicacies
Accessible via Hokitika, the West Coast offers a rugged, authentic food and drink experience shaped by untouched landscapes, rural provenance, and seasonal abundance.
In Jackson Bay, The Craypot is a must-stop for fresh crayfish, West Coast whitebait, creamy seafood chowder, and classic fish and chips, served with unbeatable ocean views.
Monteith's Brewery, one of New Zealand's original craft breweries, pairs locally inspired brews with West Coast dishes and offers guided tastings and brewery tours.
Each March, the one-of-a-kind Hokitika Wildfoods Festival celebrates bold, adventurous cuisine, from wild, foraged, and homegrown delicacies to artisan foods. It's a true reflection of the region's creativity, sustainability, and strong sense of local pride – capturing the Coast's unique spirit and community energy.
Rotorua and Taupō Connection to Māori culture
Where food tells stories of land, people, and tradition.
In Rotorua, Eastwood café offers wood-fired pizza in a forest setting, while Parc provides real fruit ice-cream and indulgent sweet treats.
For a taste of kai (food) connected to whakapapa (genealogy), whenua (land), and the changing seasons, Rotorua's Māori food experiences at Te Pā Tū and Te Puia showcase manaakitanga (hospitality) through carefully curated menus, seasonal produce, and hāngī – a traditional Māori cooking technique.
Just an hour's drive away, Taupō mixes lakeside leisure with refined cuisine. Enjoy woodfired pizzas on the beach at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club, farm-to-table burgers and beer at Jimmy Coops Lakehouse, award-winning craft beer at Lakeman Brewing, and a Māori cultural food experience at Kai Waho.
The Bistro and Embra, and Brantry Eatery are restaurants that highlight the region's culinary excellence.
Marlborough and Tasman World-class wine and coastal flavours
Accessible via Blenheim or Nelson, these neighbouring regions that blend world-class seafood, wine, and local produce.
In Marlborough, cruise Queen Charlotte Sound on the Seafood Odyssea and sample iconic favourites such as New Zealand King Salmon and Greenshell™ mussels, paired with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
For dining, visit award-winning restaurants Harvest, Arbour, and Allan Scott Bistro, where menus feature local lamb, wild game, and garden-fresh produce.
Neighbouring Nelson-Tasman delivers fresh produce, seafood, and craft drinks. Enjoy oysters at Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery, brunch at Melrose House Café, local wines at Neudorf or Moutere Hills vineyards, and craft beers at McCashin's Brewery.
The Sunday Nelson Market is a must-visit, showcasing seasonal produce, baked goods, and gourmet delicacies from local producers.
Southland and Otago Hearty southern hospitality
Southland and Otago are defined by coastal seafood, local produce, and warm, distinctly southern hospitality.
In Southland, sample Bluff oysters at Oyster Cove or Hayz @ The Anchorage, where you can also enjoy the unique southern flavours of tītī (muttonbird) and the famous pāua cheese roll.
In Invercargill, hearty favourites include Fat Bastard Pies and brunch at The Batch Café. Cross the water to Stewart Island to try fresh blue cod and from Rakiura at Kai Kart.
Further north, Te Anau showcases paddock-to-plate dishes at The Fat Duck and seasonal Southland lamb and wild venison at Redcliff Cafe.
A premium Milford Sound experience with RealNZ brings Murihiku flavours to your plate as you cruise the waters beneath Fiordland's dramatic peaks.
In Otago, Dunedin serves up fine dining at The Perc Café & Restaurant, and locally crafted beers at Emerson's Brewery. The Otago Farmers Market highlights regional producers, from Ocho chocolate and Evansdale Cheese to haggis.
Auckland Diverse flavours and urban energy
Auckland's food scene reflects its status as New Zealand's most diverse city, blending global influences with outstanding local produce.
Along Auckland's harbour, waterfront precincts Viaduct Harbour and Commercial Bay take centre stage.
Seafood and seasonal ingredients are celebrated at restaurants like Ahi and Kingi, and rooftop bars such as Sunset and Queens Rooftop add skyline views and creative cocktails to the mix. Enjoy Māori and Pacific-led dining at Metita and Tala, featuring vibrant Pacific flavours contemporary settings.
Just 40 minutes by ferry, Waiheke Island offers a relaxed contrast. Vineyard restaurants such as Mudbrick Winery and Ki Māha invite long lunches and romantic dinners by vineyards, olive groves, and stunning beaches.
Outside of the city centre, multicultural food hubs such as Dominion Road and Sandringham celebrate Asian and Indian cuisine alongside neighbourhood pub favourites and refined dining
