Taste New Zealand Food and Wine

When you reflect on what attracts you to New Zealand, it’s likely that astounding landscapes and energising outdoor activities are high on the list. But feedback from travellers puts our food and wine experiences up there with the scenery. Now there are more reasons than ever to satisfy your appetite for a New Zealand holiday.

When it comes to food, every region of New Zealand has its specialties. Northland has award-winning cheeses and subtropical fruit. Rotorua is the place for a hangi - a traditional Maori feast cooked in an underground oven. Marlborough is the place for scallops and green lipped mussels. Canterbury serves up the very best rack of lamb. And in Bluff, a foodie’s world revolves around the biggest, fattest oysters you’ve ever seen.

The concept of regional specialties also applies to wine. Grape varieties have been chosen to perfectly match the climate and soil conditions of each wine growing area. On Waiheke Island, the stony soils and hot summers are perfect for cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Gisborne is known as the chardonnay capital of New Zealand. Hawke’s Bay, with its Gimblett Gravels zone, turns out amazing cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec. Marlborough is sauvignon blanc country, while Central Otago is excelling itself in the pinot noir department.

When you’re travelling around New Zealand, the best food and wine experiences are found by following recommendations, or following your nose. Enjoy!

North Island

		AUCKLAND - NORTHLAND The further north you go, the warmer it gets. Discover subtropical cuisine and heat-loving wines, with a large serving of friendly hospitality on the side.

		CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND This region is one of the best for discovering traditional Maori food. It’s also known for excellent wines, fruit orchards and artisan food producers.

		WESTERN NORTH ISLAND In New Zealand’s rural heartland, the bounty of the countryside is generously represented on the menus. Enjoy down home flavours and friendly service.

		WELLINGTON - WAIRARAPA Tuck into Wellington’s delicious city food experiences before journeying to the wine culture of Martinborough and the gourmet food producers of Kapiti.

South Island

		NELSON - MARLBOROUGH Sunny days and cool nights caress river plains that run to the sea. Discover wine, fruit and seafood that’s as unforgettable as the landscapes.

		CANTERBURY - WEST COAST With warm summers and cold, clear winters, these regions can deliver a taste experience that’s every bit as memorable as the fantastic scenery.

		DUNEDIN, COASTAL OTAGO & SOUTHLAND The epicurean adventures you’ll find in the deep south originate from idiosyncrasies of local culture and the subantarctic temperatures of Foveaux Strait.

		SOUTHERN LAKES From the extraordinary alpine landscapes to the extreme continental climate, this region is bold and captivating. The same can be said for its food and wine.