What dishes and drinks should you discover in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, taste local lamb, coastal fish & chips, and pavlova for dessert. For drinks, enjoy Marlborough wines (sauvignon blanc), Central Otago pinot noir, craft beers, and renowned specialty coffees.

Must-try culinary specialties

  • New Zealand lamb : tender and flavorful meat, raised in the country's vast pastures.
  • Fish & chips : to be enjoyed on the coast with fresh local fish such as blue cod or snapper.
  • Pavlova : emblematic dessert made with meringue, whipped cream and fresh fruits.
  • Green-lipped mussels : giant green mussels, a specialty of New Zealand waters.

Exceptional wines and beverages

  • Marlborough wines : sauvignon blanc recognized worldwide for its freshness and aromas.
  • Central Otago Pinot noir : high-altitude wine region producing elegant reds.
  • Craft beers : dynamic brewing scene with creative microbreweries.
  • Specialty coffee : developed coffee culture, notably the flat white invented in New Zealand.

Key takeaways

New Zealand gastronomy relies on quality local products, with a revisited British influence and culinary innovations unique to the country.