Quick question: When you think of New Zealand cuisine what foods come to mind? Okay okay kiwis, all puns intended, but really what New Zealand dishes do you know about?
Though famous for lamb and manuka honey, New Zealand's location and farming economy is also a prime farm-to-table destination with a vast variety of fresh produce like sweet potatoes, sustainably raised meat, and unique seafood like lipped mussels and very little imported food. The local food culture of New Zealand is incredibly diverse and influenced by the country's indigenous Māori heritage, European settlers, and a range of international culinary influences.
Here are some key aspects of New Zealand food you should know about.
New Zealand Food Heritage
Māori Canoe (Photo Credit: Dan Max)
Māori people are the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand. Their rich culinary history dates back centuries and is deeply connected to their culture, land, and natural resources. It embodies the concept of kai, which encompasses not only food but also the broader aspects of sustenance, culture, and community.
Traditional Māori dishes often include:
Kai moana (seafood) such as kina (sea urchin) and paua (abalone).
Rātā (manuka) honey
Renewa Bread
Meats, such as pork
Native plants, like bracken fern, supplejack, cabbage tree, and the superfood gorse flower.
Hāngi-cooked food, like meats and vegetables, which have a distinct smoky flavor. Hāngi is a method of cooking using heated rocks buried in a pit oven.
New Zealand Seafood
Seafood plate (Photo Credit: Graeme Murray)
New Zealand is surrounded by vast oceans, making seafood an essential and abundant part of its cuisine. The country's coastal waters offer a diverse range of fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies. New Zealand’s strong connection to the sea and its sustainable fishing practices contribute to the availability of high-quality seafood for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Here are some seafoods to try in New Zealand:
Bluff oysters are a classic delicacy sought after for their unique taste and texture. Bluff, a town in the South Island, is famous for its annual Bluff Oyster Festival where you can enjoy fresh oysters and quality entertainment.
Green-Lipped Mussels are another native favorite to New Zealand and known for their sweet, tender meat. These large, flavorful mussels are highly regarded and are often prepared in various dishes such as moules marinières or served in a half-shell with a tasty dressing.
Other notable mentions - snapper, crayfish (kōura), paua (abalone), hoki, kina sea urchins, pāua (sea snails), and so much more!
New Zealand Pies and Meat
New Zealand Pies are a beloved Kiwi dish. You can find a wide variety of savory pies, including mince and cheese, steak and mushroom, and vegetarian options, in bakeries and supermarkets across the country.
New Zealand hosts an annual national pie competition where bakers from around the country compete to create the best pies in various categories. The event further popularizes and celebrates the culture of pie-making in the country connecting historical influences, convenience, agricultural heritage, and a touch of creativity which has made savory pies a beloved and iconic food item in New Zealand's culinary landscape.
Whether enjoyed at lunchtime, as a snack, or at a sports event, the Kiwi pie has firmly established itself as a beloved part of their food culture.
New Zealand Lamb With an abundant sheep population, New Zealand is known for its high-quality lamb which has become an integral part of New Zealand's culinary identity. It features prominently in traditional dishes like the lamb roast and is often served at gatherings, celebrations, and family meals including a succulent roast seasoned with herbs and accompanied by roasted vegetables.
Māori Cuisine in New Zealand
A boil up, also known as "hāngī boil-up" or "pākē," is a traditional Māori dish and cooking method in New Zealand. It is a hearty and flavorsome soup or stew made by combining various ingredients, often including meat, vegetables, and sometimes dumplings, cooked together in a pot or cauldron. Common meat choices include pork bones, pork hocks, or chicken pieces. The bones and cuts with more connective tissue add depth and flavor to the broth. You'll also see root vegetables such as kumara (sweet potato), potatoes, pumpkin, and sometimes cabbage or watercress are often used. Some boil-ups are topped with delicious dumplings.
Kumara soup is a delicious and comforting soup made from kumara, which is the Māori term for sweet potato. It is a popular dish in New Zealand, where kumara is widely grown and appreciated for its sweet and earthy flavor. Kumara soup is not only delicious but also a healthy and nourishing option, making it a popular choice during the colder months. The natural sweetness of the kumara pairs beautifully with the creamy texture, making it a comforting and satisfying dish for all ages.
Fruit and Desert in New Zealand
Produce (Photo Credit: Camila Rutherford)
Kiwis New Zealand is famous for its kiwi fruits, also known as kiwifruits or simply kiwis. These small, green, and nutrient-rich fruits are popular both locally and internationally.
Feijoa is a unique fruit, also known as the pineapple guava, and is widely grown abundantly throughout the country. Its flavor is a combination of guava, pineapple, and mint!
Hokey pokey is a popular flavor of ice cream in New Zealand, featuring vanilla ice cream with small, crunchy, honeycomb toffee pieces. Hokey pokey ice cream offers a unique taste that sets it apart from more traditional flavors. The combination of creamy vanilla ice cream with crunchy, golden toffee bits (hokey pokey) creates a delightful texture and a sweet, caramelized flavor that appeals to many people.
Lolly cake is a classic New Zealand desert that has been enjoyed for generations. This cake is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking or baking. It involves mixing crushed malt biscuits, desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and colorful lollies (candy) like Eskimo lollies or Fruit Puffs. The mixture is then shaped into a log or round cake and refrigerated until set. Whether enjoyed as a treat for oneself or shared with friends and family, lolly cake continues to be a beloved and enduring dessert in New Zealand. This is a must try on any New Zealand itinerary!
(Photo Credit: Camila Rutherford)
New Zealand's culinary scene continues to evolve, embracing international influences while cherishing its unique flavors and ingredients. Whether you're into traditional Māori dishes, seafood delicacies, or innovative fusion cuisine, New Zealand offers a delightful range of food experiences. Traverse Journeys offers up a memorable tour that incorporates the best sights and experiences of the North and South Islands. You’ll even have the opportunity to explore a traditional Maori village where you can learn about their unique traditions and culture over a community meal. Check out our 10-day itinerary HERE!
