In 2025, New Zealand’s culinary landscape remains as diverse and breathtaking as its natural scenery.
Experience the freshest ingredients sourced directly from local farms. Discover culinary traditions passed down through generations.Our nation’s dining scene reflects its rich history and innovative spirit, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in 2025.
Exploring bustling cities or serene landscapes? Don’t miss these must-try culinary delights.
Discover 10 must-try New Zealand foods! Experience the unique flavors and vibrant Kiwi culture through its delicious cuisine.
1. Hangi – A customary Maori feast
The hangi is more than just food. It’s a deep dive into New Zealand Maori culture. This traditional cooking style involves digging an earth oven, heating stones, and slowly cooking meats, vegetables, and sometiems seafood.
experience smoky,tender,and flavorful food. It’s a culinary journey rooted in thousands of years of tradition.
Discover where you can experience it:
Immerse yourself in authentic Maori culture in Rotorua. Enjoy a traditional hangi feast and captivating cultural performances.
Did you no?
Preparing a hangi is a lengthy process. It transforms into a shared event. People gather, share stories, and build relationships.
2. Pavlova–The Queen of Kiwi Desserts
This delightful meringue dessert sparks playful rivalry between New Zealand and Australia.However, most Kiwis firmly claim it as their own national treasure.
Pavlova boasts a crisp outer shell, yielding to a fluffy, marshmallow-like center. It’s traditionally adorned with whipped cream and vibrant fresh fruits.Popular choices include kiwifruit, strawberries, or passionfruit, creating a delightful dessert experience.
Here’s what makes it remarkable:
This dessert offers a light,airy texture. Its fruity toppings make it ideal after a rich meal.
Top Culinary Destinations: A 2025 Guide
In 2025, pavlova remains a beloved dessert. You’ll discover it in cafes and restaurants nationwide.For a truly authentic experience, savor a homemade pavlova when visiting locals.
3. Lamb – World-Class Quality
New Zealand lamb remains highly sought after for its exceptional taste and tenderness. This quality stems from the country’s lush green pastures and commitment to environmentally friendly farming methods.
Grilled, roasted, or slow-cooked lamb remains a popular menu choice in 2025. It’s frequently served with fresh, seasonal vegetables.
Here’s what we recommend:
Discover herb-crusted lamb racks or slow-cooked lamb shanks paired with creamy kumara (sweet potato) mash. Enjoy these modern culinary delights!
Check This Out:
Spring 2025 lamb recipes are trending! Expect exceptionally tender and flavorful dishes this season.
4. Green-Lipped Mussels
these vibrant, dark green-shelled mussels originate from New Zealand. They are both incredibly nutritious and exceptionally flavorful.Enjoy them steamed, grilled, or incorporated into rich, creamy chowders. They are truly a seafood enthusiast’s delight.
Top Advice:
Havelock, a gem in the Marlborough region, proudly holds the title of “Green-Lipped Mussel Capital of the World.” In 2025, local eateries continue to offer freshly caught mussels paired perfectly with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
5. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
this distinctly New Zealand treat is pure bliss for ice cream fans. Hokey pokey ice cream features creamy vanilla ice cream loaded with crunchy honeycomb toffee pieces.
This simple yet delightful treat is a welcome sight. You can find it in modern Taipei shops or as a street food staple in Tokyo. We’re always happy to discover it!
Looking for it? Here’s where to find it:
Now available at almost every ice cream shop, local store, and supermarket across New Zealand.
Expert Advice:
Enhance the experience! add a scoop of another Kiwi flavor, perhaps boysenberry, for a unique local touch.
6. Kiwi Pie – A Savory Staple
In New zealand, pies are a beloved comfort food staple. However, these savory treats differ greatly from typical sweet dessert pies.
Kiwi pies are delicious savory treats. They are ofen filled with flavorful ingredients.Popular choices include mince meat, steak and cheese, chicken and mushroom, or even vegetarian options.
Here’s what makes them unique:
These pies boast flaky crusts and satisfying fillings. They are a perfect,rapid,and substantial meal for busy people.
Explore these essential destinations:
Handcrafted pies are the star attraction at local favorites like Fairlie Bakehouse and The Clareville Bakery.
7. Kumara – Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Ginger & Tamarind
The kumara,a close relative of the sweet potato in New Zealand,boasts a rich history. The Maori people introduced this root vegetable to the islands centuries ago. Today, it’s a versatile ingredient, often roasted for a sweet flavor, mashed for a creamy texture, or transformed into crispy kumara chips.
Top Experiences to Savor (2025 Edition):
This makes an excellent side dish, especially when served with lamb.
enjoy a velvety sweet potato and coconut soup.
2025 Pro-Tip:
The red kumara, originating from Northland, boasts a uniquely rich and earthy taste.
8. Bluff Oysters — Five-Star Delights
Bluff oysters remain a top-tier delicacy worldwide. Their appeal lies in their uniquely rich and creamy taste, making them highly prized.
Cultivated in the chilly waters near Bluff, a southern gem, these oysters are an absolute delicacy.
Best Time to Visit: Updated for 2025!
Oyster season runs from March to August. The annual Bluff Oyster Festival is a major event for seafood lovers every year.
Here’s how to maximize your experience:
Enjoy them fresh with lemon, or try the local specialty: battered and fried!
9. L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) – A Fizzy Kiwi Icon
This iconic Kiwi beverage,L&P,was first created in the charming town of Paeroa,New Zealand.
Enjoy a refreshing, subtly tart lemon flavor, expertly blended with crisp, sparkling mineral water.
Discover where you can experience it:
L&P is readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. For the ultimate photo opportunity,visit the iconic giant L&P bottle in Paeroa!
10. Fish and chips –The Coastline Classic
A New Zealand adventure isn’t complete without savoring fish and chips by the ocean.
Enjoy the taste of the ocean! We use the freshest catch, like snapper or hoki, in our crispy batter. Served with perfectly golden fries.
Top Dining Destinations: 2025 Edition
Coastal hotspots like Kaikoura, Napier, and Auckland’s North Shore boast exceptional fish and chip shops, a true Kiwi delight.
Expert Advice:
Enjoy these with Wattie’s tomato sauce or tartare sauce. It’s a truly classic New Zealand pairing!
Conclusion
New Zealand cuisine in 2025: a delightful blend of heritage, modern techniques, and locally sourced ingredients.
Experience New Zealand’s culinary heart! From the traditional Maori hangi to the beloved hokey-pokey ice cream, discover 10 iconic Kiwi foods and drinks that define the nation’s unique flavors. Get ready for a delicious journey through Aotearoa’s best eats in 2025!