New Zealand cuisine is characterized by its freshness and diversity owing to the surrounding ocean and New Zealanders obsession with kai moana (seafood) and our cultivation of the fertile lands that produce some of the best lamb and beef in the world.  New Zealand cuisine draws inspiration from Europe, Asia, Polynesia and Maori influences.  For dishes that have a distinctly New Zealand style try: lamb, pork, cervena (venison), salmon, crayfish (lobster), oysters, paua (abalone), mussels, scallops, kumara (sweet potato), kiwifruit, feijoas – and of course New Zealand’s national dessert, pavlova!  Perhaps even better known than New Zealand lamb and beef and our luscious seafood, are the country’s wines (there are 10 major wine-producing areas). 

‘Tea’ is the main meal of the day, when Kiwi families gather together around the dinner table, discussing the days events over an evening meal (traditionally ‘meat and three veg’ but as New Zealand becomes more multicultural, so our choices in what we eat evolve).  New Zealand summers see many eating outdoors, often gathered around an informal BBQing session.  A Maori specialty is the hangi (hung-ee): a pit in which meats and/or fish are cooked with vegetables (truly delicious).

The New Zealand cuisine experience would be incomplete without enjoying a traditional meal of fish and chips, pavlova and lemingtons (although probably not all at once!).

You should budget US$10-30 for everyday meals, and have some money aside for special occasions.  Local beers cost US$3-5 and wines US$6-8 by the glass.  Tea and coffee is readily available enroute, as is bottled water (although New Zealand tap water is safe to drink).

The selection and variety of foods is very diverse and vegetarian options are readily available at many restaurants/cafes/accommodation. If you have food allergies or preferences please let GeoSavvy Tour staff know, and we will do our best to ensure that your requirements are met. You do not need to peel fruit or use only bottled water as New Zealand tap water is safe and is fine for drinking and brushing teeth.