New Zealand is a country that compares to no other. The rolling, green landscapes and hiking trails contrast the bustling cities and popular surf spots. Sitting pretty in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a popular destination for all types of travellers, whether you're a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family looking to enjoy a luxury family holiday.
READ MORE: The Best Hikes in New Zealand
One thing that New Zealand can offer in abundance is wonderful food and drink experiences that accompany the glorious weather and breathtaking views. In this guide, we take a dive into some of the best food and drink experiences you can enjoy in New Zealand, as well as some of the best accommodations that you can choose to make your holiday as luxurious as possible.
Auckland
Possibly one of the most famous cities in New Zealand and situated on the
North Island, Auckland is one of the most populous cities in the area and, therefore, is packed with wonderful food and drink experiences that will suit every type of visitor. Known for its waterfront bars and restaurants, award-winning shops and bustling food markets, every corner you turn, you'll be greeted with scrumptious smells and tantalising tastes.
Federal Street
Federal Street is situated in the heart of the city, not far from the harbour and at the foot of the Sky Tower. The location is known across the city for being the central point for world-class cuisine and is one of the best places in the city to visit for food lovers.
Previously listed as "One to Watch" at the Cuisine Good Food Awards,
Huami is a Chinese restaurant that should be on your radar. Get a true taste of Asia in the heart of Auckland, where fresh and fragrant ingredients come together to create vibrant and tantalising dishes.
Waiheke Island
If you're a lover of wine, then look no further than
Waiheke Island, only a short ferry ride from Auckland. Here, you can sample gourmet cheese and bread alongside award-winning wines at one of the wineries, or you can visit an olive oil farm for a really authentic Waiheke Island experience.
The Matakana Village Farmers Market
For another day trip, why not head to the village of Matakana?
The Matakana Village Farmers' Market is open every Saturday between 8 am and 1 pm and is a hub of gourmet food and drink. Sip on award-winning coffee and explore mouth-watering brunch spots, all accompanied by the sweet sound of local music.
Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay is also situated on North Island and is known not only for its stunning scenery and temperate climate but also for its reputation for being one of the best wine regions in New Zealand. Wonderful weather all year round means that Hawkes Bay is a mecca for farmers markets and wineries, and a luxury holiday to the region should definitely include both.
Pick fresh berries and fruits
Known as 'The Fruit Bowl of New Zealand', Hawkes Bay is the ideal location to enjoy a day of fruit and berry picking. Being one of the largest producers of stone fruit, everywhere you turn, you're bound to be greeted with independent fruit shops and roadside stalls selling fresh plums, peaches, apricots and much more. Head to one of the local 'pick your own' farms and forage for your very own fruits, and tuck into some fresh homemade ice cream when you're done.
Hawkes Bay Food and Wine Classic
June and November are two of the greatest months in Hawkes Bay as locals come together to celebrate with the public at
Hawkes Bay Food and Wine Classic, an event that showcases the area's very best food and wine. Restaurants and food trucks tantalise the taste buds with delicious dishes and offerings, serving gourmet cuisine and wines. The event is always a popular one, so make sure you book your tickets early if you're looking to visit.
Cycle to wineries on the Hawke's Bay Trails
As we've mentioned, Hawkes Bay is one of the best wine regions in New Zealand, and therefore, a visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of the world-class wineries. Cycle along the Hawkes Bay Trail and enjoy a sip of some of the finest wines in the area.
Wellington
If you're looking for a location that has it all, then Wellington is the one for you. The capital of New Zealand and situated on the southern tip of the North Island, you won't find food and drink spots quite like the ones here.
Cafés and coffee
Wellington has a huge café and coffee culture where locals can enjoy a pick-me-up between surf sessions. There are so many cafés to choose from, all serving different delicacies, from scrumptious scones to brilliant brunches and carefully curated coffees. Some of the best cafes in the area include
Coffee L'affare,
Pravda Café and Bar, and
Pour and Twist.
Harbourside Market
Running every Sunday, visitors to Wellington can experience the Harbourside Market, where sellers come together to offer their goods to locals and visitors alike. Food trucks are dotted between the stalls, so a delicious meal will never be too far away. Browse fresh fruit and vegetables as well as seasonal produce and freshly caught fish and seafood and the oldest market in the city.
Hannahs Laneway
Wellington is full of quaint laneways and streets that all offer something different, whether that is independently run galleries, gift shops or eateries. But there is no street more suited to foodies than Hannahs Laneway, or as it is frequently known, 'the world's tastiest laneway'. A meander down this street will uncover boutique peanut butter store, independent chocolatiers, as well as secret bars and cafes that are perfect after an afternoon of delicious eats.
Queenstown
The fine dining capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, is the ideal place for those looking for finer flavours and world-renowned restaurants that use the very best quality ingredients on the South Island.
Delectable fine dining
If luxury is what you're after, then restaurants like
Rata,
Aosta
and
Amisfield Bistro are great options serving delectable pasta dishes, succulent meats, local and seasonal vegetables and freshly caught seafood. However long you're spending in the city, trying to enjoy a reservation at one of the cities fine dining establishments is a must.
Craft beers
Lovers of beer are spoilt for choice in Queenstown, as it is home to some of the best breweries in New Zealand. A great experience for those looking to try a splendid pint is to go beer tasting, and there are plenty of locations around the city that offer just that.
Glenorchy Brew Co
. make small batch beer and allows visitors to get a taste of their creations in their selection of stockists across the area. Alternatively, home to Queenstown's favourite craft beer,
Atlas Beer Café is a great spot with breathtaking lake views. Enjoy some of the very best beer alongside delicious breakfast and lunches and tasty coffee.
Matakauri Lodge
Situated on the edge of Lake Wakatipu,
Matakauri Lodge is a stunning hotel that offers visitors not only beautiful surroundings but breathtaking amenities. As well as being a luxury hotel, it is also the location of one of the best restaurants in the area. Head Chef Jonathan Rogers presents an exquisite take on modern New Zealand cuisine. Sourcing the very best ingredients from across the country, his creativity and eye for detail can be experienced when enjoying this world-class menu.
Central Otago and Wanaka
Situated on South Island, the stunning region of Otago is a hotspot for wine lovers, keen cyclists and walking trails. The vast landscapes and cool climate combined with glacially derived soils make it the perfect location for delicious wine-making.
Central Otago Wineries
The open plains and rugged landscapes of Central Otago are what make it one of the best destinations for Pinot Noir in the world. If you're planning to visit Otago, you have to experience the wonderful and vibrant tastes of the local wine. Experience the
Wine Barrels Wine Walking Trail or the
Otago Central Rail Trail and visit some of the best wineries in the area, all at your own pace and leisure.
Minaret Station
As well as being a stunning place to stay when visiting Otago, nearby
Minaret Station is also the location of the popular restaurant with the same name. All ingredients used in the restaurant are sourced from the 50,000-acre working farm that is home to venison, lamb, beef, and vegetables, as well as seafood, which is caught on nearby Stewart Island.
READ MORE:
Unforgettable Experiences in New Zealand
If you're looking to visit New Zealand and are a lover of food, then you're in for a treat. No matter where you visit or where you turn, there will be something delicious to tuck into. For more articles about luxury travel or visiting New Zealand, make sure you check out our
luxury travel blog, which is full of useful guides.