No matter your tastes, New Zealand vacations offer delightful culinary experiences for every palate. From fish and chips to Maori hangi, enjoy gourmet meals and wines sure to satisfy.
Save room for dessert. Lamingtons (cake-meets-biscuit) and hokey pokeys (ice cream with chunks of caramelised honeycomb) are popular choices, and should definitely not be left out!
1. Fish and Chips
New Zealand, nestled along its beautiful ocean, makes seafood an integral part of its cuisine. Green-lipped mussels, succulent crayfish and delicate Bluff oysters are just a few examples of seaside treats you can find there – not forgetting fish and chips as a classic Kiwi treat.
This traditional dish comprises pieces of deep-fried battered fish served with fried potato chunks. Chippys provide this takeaway meal while at home it can often be prepared using lemon or tartar sauce for extra flavour.
Fish and chips have their roots in London in 1863 when Jewish immigrant Joseph Malin opened the first British “chippy,” later spreading its popularity throughout other industrial towns throughout Britain and becoming a lunchbox staple among workers.
To create the ideal fish and chips meal, choose thick white fish such as cod, haddock or pollock and dip its fillets in a batter made with both dark beer and sparkling water; carbonation helps create a light yet crispy coating.
2. Meat Pies
Pies have long been an iconic culinary tradition, dating back to written records. When meat pies came to Australia, their tradition took on an entirely new flavor profile; featuring top-quality Aussie beef that stands on its own or mixed with classic ingredients like mushrooms and rosemary for maximum taste!
Simply stated, meat pies are created by stewing your chosen meat or vegetables in flavorful gravy before pouring the filling into a bottom pie crust. Thickeners such as flour may also be added to help firm up the filling before the top crust is rolled out and placed atop, crimped and sealed and baked until golden brown.
Meat pies are a timeless main course, especially popular in Australia where they’re served at cafes and restaurants. Additionally, they make for an excellent snack or light lunch which schoolchildren often bring into school to take away for their tuck shop (deli, cafe or bakery that takes morning orders from schoolchildren for takeaway lunch orders). Consider serving yours with extra flavor with some ketchup drizzled on top for added spice!
3. Barbecue
New Zealand barbecue culture goes well beyond summertime activities – it is an integral component of its identity that blends Maori cuisine with European, Asian, and Polynesian influences. Seafood such as prawns and lamb are popular selections; alongside this main dish comes potatoes salads relishes.
Discover New Zealand’s unique culinary scene through a hands-on cooking class! This exciting activity provides the perfect way to connect with fellow travellers while learning more about its rich culture.
New Zealand boasts some of the premier destinations for cooking classes, such as The French Bakehouse near Akaroa port. Renowned for their three-course gourmet extravaganzas and more casual Cooking with Wine program that are equally educational.
New Zealand offers romantic settings perfect for romance. Explore secluded islands, take a heli-ride through pristine wilderness areas or indulge in delicious wines at private island vineyards – embarking on your ideal journey is tailored specifically to you by one of Zicasso’s travel specialists.
4. Hangi
New Zealand cuisine blends Pacific Rim and modern European tastes in dishes like horopito and kawakawa (native herbs), baby fern fronds, and huhu grubs (native beetle grubs). Enjoy New Zealand wines on a 14-day tour tailored to suit your palate; New Zealand boasts ideal vine growing conditions to produce world-class wines and boutique beers.
Visit Rotorua for an unforgettable Maori hangi feast where geothermal steam and water cook delicious meats, vegetables and delicacies in an underground oven. Often these events also feature cultural performances to round out an unforgettable New Zealand Honeymoon experience!
Have an unforgettable hiking adventure through rolling hills, starlit nights and vineyard routes when visiting Canterbury Region. Home to historic towns with Maori heritage as well as British influences – perfect for romantic honeymooners – this honeymoon destination boasts unparalleled romance.
5. Wine
On your luxury New Zealand honeymoon, you will discover how its rugged terrain and remote beaches pair beautifully with delectable cuisine and award-winning wines. Experience fresh seafood such as green-lipped mussels and sea urchins; local lamb and venison; as well as sauvignon blanc or pinot noir from nearby vineyards to complete your gourmet dining experience.
Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride from Auckland, boasts beautiful emerald waters lapping sandy beaches and charming villages. Here you’ll find an expansive wine scene rivaling that of California with boutique wineries boasting top ratings on regional “best of” lists as well as restaurants boasting stellar ratings from reviewers.
Marlborough boasts some of the finest white wines in New Zealand. The region’s cool climes produce world-renowned sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and chardonnay that have earned international acclaim – the latter two especially being popular choices at Arbour restaurant, serving dishes such as goat curd with plum and venison crudo served alongside hazelnuts!