New Zealand is famed for its vast landscapes and exceptional views, but many may not know about the incredible food culture that can be found across the country. Here are a few of the best food destinations across New Zealand.
Auckland
Found right on the harbor next to the ocean, Auckland is home to Ahi, a fine-dining establishment that aims to bring the spirit and food of the Maori people and culture to the masses. When packing for a trip to Auckland, remember your vape juice, camera, and a booking at Ahi if you want to truly experience what New Zealand food and culture is all about.
Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Auckland, Amano is an Italian eatery that is focused on the experience of eating and enjoying delicious food. It prides itself on sourcing from only local growers and farmers, and whether it is breakfast or dinner, their seasonal menu is jam-packed with some of the best food in the country.
Queenstown & Central Otago
Out in Queenstown, you can find the exceptional Polynesian and Asian fusion restaurant, Blue Kanu. This combination creates healthy but hearty dishes that most people have almost definitely never experienced before. Not to mention the incredible interiors, which will transport you to a different world.
South American BBQ may not be the first thing you think of when traveling to New Zealand, but Fogo is the spot to be to enjoy traditional and mouth-watering BBQ. This Brazilian restaurant feels like it is cut right out of Rio, and you can enjoy plenty of freshly cooked meats, amazing sides, and even better cocktails and drinks.
Rotorua & Taupo
No trip to Rotorua can be complete without having a night at the acclaimed Atticus Finch. Found in the heart of Eat Streat, with a menu designed for sharing, Atticus drives innovation and often creates some of the most unique twists and flavors with food we all know and love.
Found perched high on the mountains with panoramic views of Rotorua, Stratosfare is more than just a restaurant. Offering a world-class buffet packed with local and international delights, your ticket also includes a full alpine experience. Stratosfare is more than a restaurant, and while a buffet isn’t always the first choice for many, you would be missing out if you give this unique experience a miss.
Martinborough
New Zealand is also famed for its wine, and Moy Hall Vineyard is one of the best places to experience the delicious wines the country has to offer. Combining amazing local foods and their world-renowned wines, you end up with an eating experience that is hard to match.
Another restaurant that often gets overlooked is Poppies. A favorite amongst locals, Poppies is all about simple elegance, combining their amazing wines with seasonal menus and platters, allowing you to experience the best the land has to offer.
Hawke’s Bay
It is no surprise that a spot found along the coast is home to some incredible restaurants. In the beautiful area of Hawke’s Bay, you will find Restaurant Ari, a flavor-driven bistro serving up the best of the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Think bold flavors, unique spices, and hearty dishes that will leave you craving more.
Found in Napier, Madam Social offers beautiful views of the water and a menu packed with Asian and Asian-fusion dishes. For starters, you can expect fresh Edamame and oysters, for mains, Peking duck and braised short rib. Plus, there are plenty of Asian-inspired cocktails for you to try.
Kaikoura
Found in the North of the South Island, you need to make a stop at Street Eats Kaikoura. This simple eatery does away with the fluff of fine dining and instead serves up delicious, fresh, and affordable delights. Crispy chicken, beef rendang, and braised pork belly are only a few of the incredible dishes available at this underrated spot.
For something a bit different, you can make a stop at V8 Cafe and Classic Car Museum. Modeled after a classic American Diner, with the backdrop of everything car-related, you can expect to find diner staples like burgers, sandwiches, pancakes, salads, and so much more.
Wellington
It should come as no surprise that Wellington has some exceptional restaurants for you to experience. Dragonfly is a sophisticated and chic eatery serving up modern takes on the cuisines of Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Whether you want to enjoy a few drinks with friends or an amazing birthday dinner, then Boulcott Street Bistro is the only place for you. Boulcott is about simple elegance, making as much as they can in-house, and using seasonal ingredients from across the country. The goal is to create delicious food with the best ingredients, and an unforgettable dining experience.
In conclusion, these are only a few of the best restaurants and eating destinations in the country. New Zealand food culture is all about freshness and locally sourced ingredients, and creating dishes that reflect the multicultural beauty of the cities and country as a whole.
