Discover the tastiest of New Zealand food treats to experience

One of the highlights of a road trip around Aotearoa is the food you discover along the way. You might start the day planning to drive straight from one town to the next, but then a roadside sign promises fresh baking, or someone at your motel tells you about a café that “always sells out by lunchtime”. Suddenly you’re making a small detour to sample a New Zealand dish. It’s all part of the fun.

Travelling by car gives you the freedom to stop where you like, try what you like, and turn each day into a bit of an edible adventure. There are almost endless regional specialties and local favourites scattered across both islands to try. You’ll quickly realise that tasting New Zealand is just as memorable as exploring it.

Planning your own self-drive adventure? Here are some New Zealand dishes and food experiences we recommend you try.

Hāngī: A Taste of Tradition

A hāngī isn’t just a meal, it’s a whole experience. Slow-cooked in the earth using heated rocks, it’s a method used by Māori for generations. You’ll often find hāngī as part of a cultural experience in places like Rotorua, or at local events and celebrations. The smoky, earthy flavours are unlike anything from an oven — and sitting down to share it with others is half the enjoyment.

The Humble Meat Pie

You’ll find pies everywhere — bakeries, petrol stations, cafés, markets. An annual best pie competition makes national news and pies come first on many must eat New Zealand dishes. Every Kiwi has their preferred flavour, but mince and cheese tends to be the unofficial national standard.

On long drives, grabbing a warm pie is almost a rite of passage. Ask any local where to find a good one and you’ll usually get a very passionate answer.

Pavlova

There’s always a bit of friendly debate about where pavlova truly came from, but it’s firmly part of New Zealand food culture. A crisp meringue base, soft inside, topped with cream and whatever summer fruit is around – usually strawberries or passionfruit. You’ll often spot it on menus in warmer months.

Fresh Kai Moana

Seafood is part of everyday life here. Depending on where you go, you’ll find:

• Green-lipped mussels – big, tasty, and often served in a creamy broth.
• Crayfish (kōura) – especially around Kaikōura.(literally “to eat crayfish” in Māori), where’s Nins Bin is an iconic roadside stop.
• Bluff oysters – only available in season.
• Fish and chips – best eaten somewhere near the water with a lemon wedge.

Whitebait Fritters

Whitebait season is a highlight for many locals, especially on the West Coast of the South Island. A classic fritter is simple – egg, a pinch of salt, and plenty of whitebait. If you’re travelling during the season, keep an eye out for roadside stalls selling them fresh.

Southland Cheese Rolls

These are a South Island favourite. Often called “Southland sushi”, they’re rolled bread filled with a melted cheese mixture, toasted until golden. They’re a warm, comforting snack, especially on cooler days. Look out for cheese roles in cafe cabinets.

L&P

You’ll see this lemony soft drink everywhere. Made in Paeroa, near the Coromandel, it’s one of those Kiwi classics that many visitors try at least once. If you’re passing through the town, you can stop for a photo with the giant bottle.

Tip-Top Ice Cream

If you’re here in summer, expect at least one stop for ice cream. Boysenberry is a popular choice, but there are plenty of other iconic flavours, including the uniquely kiwi Hokey Pokey. It’s the perfect way to break up a drive or celebrate the end of a walk or swim.

Whittaker’s Chocolate

Whittaker’s is a bit of a Kiwi staple and shows up in homes, shops, and road-trip snack bags all over the country. Their blocks come in all sorts of flavours, with Creamy Milk and Peanut Slab being long-time favourites. Many travellers end up taking a few blocks home as gifts (or keeping them for themselves). It’s a handy treat to have on hand for those longer driving days.

Lamb and Seasonal Produce

New Zealand lamb is well regarded internationally, and you’ll see it on menus around the country. Paired with local vegetables or a good Central Otago pinot noir, it makes for a very New Zealand-style meal.

Building your New Zealand menu

New Zealand has a rich history of growing food and is world-renowned for the quality of its produce. Make sure your New Zealand experience includes plenty of chances to sample the food choices on offer. You won’t be disappointed. Spend a little time reading travel bloggers like Try Wandering More, food sites like Chowhound and local food guides and you’ll soon be salivating and making the food a theme of your stay in Aotearoa.

Where to Try These New Zealand Dishes

You’ll find local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants taking real pride in their regional specialties. Small-town eateries often surprise people. Sometimes a simple bakery or pub becomes one of the standout memories of the trip. Asking a local where they like to eat is always worthwhile; you’ll get honest tips and usually end up somewhere good.

Are you a foodie? Talk to one of our travel specialists about designing a New Zealand self drive holiday that features recommendations for New Zealand food delicacies to sample as you travel.