What the hāngī!? To celebrate World Food Day, we’re showcasing all the amazing New Zealand treats out there.

Celebrating World Food Day (16 October) ! Trying a country’s local food simply rounds up the travel experience so make sure you explore all the treats Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer during your trip. 

I’m sure you’ll agree, you haven’t fully experienced a country if you haven’t sampled their food?!

Traditional Hāngī

Firstly, we’d like to share NZ’s traditional way of cooking, the Māori hāngī (earth oven). This is a centuries-old cooking method where fish, meat and vegetables (traditionally kumara potato, cabbage and pumpkin) are cooked in a pit which has been dug into the ground. 

The dish is then kept in the ground for several hours resulting in a unique earthy and smoky taste which is delicious! 

You can experience hāngī cooking throughout New Zealand, but is most prominently at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia;  Te Puia, Rotorua or during a stay at Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara.

 

 

Seafood (or kaimoana in Te Reo Māori)

Next has to be the crayfish, seafood and the good old Fish and chips. Fishing In New Zealand is a national sport and hobby. No wonder given the fact that there are lakes, rivers and ocean wherever you look, meaning there’s a huge variety on offer.

However, if you are looking for the ultimate Kiwi culinary experience then you can’t go without having some “Fush’n’Chups” at the beach while watching the sunset. Grab some from the shop around the corner that costs you no more than a few dollars and slurp on a cold can of L&P. Just watch out for the seagulls!

 

There are so many great places to choose, but here’s a handful of our favourites:  

• Mangonui Fish Shop – a wharf located in the Far North next to Coopers beach
• Hookle & Co.  – located in Wellingtons cosy suburb of Seaton  
• Nin’s Bin – a roadside cafe local north of Kaikōura (which itself means “to eat crayfish”!) that never gets old.

 

 

 

The Classic Pie

Another kiwi classic is the pie. Take your fancy – mince & cheese; potato top; bacon and egg; butter chicken; mushroom; and the list goes on! They come in very different shapes, forms and flavours and can be found at most dairies, cafes and restaurants around the country.

A very famous one is Fergbaker in Queenstown – all we can say is enjoy!

 

Coffee

We are finally coming to our favourite topic – Let’s talk coffee!
Wellington is not only our capital it is the coffee capital, it has some of the best coffee in the world. New Zealand has a number of its own coffee roasters and there is no better time to explore these while you are in our beautiful capital. Have a wonder through Wellington’s flourishing café scene, grab a cuppa, your favourite slice and watch the world go by for a moment. Here are a few places you can do just that: 

• Lola stays –  perfectly located between Oriental bay and the Wellington Waterfront 
• Raglan Roast Coffee – this place is always buzzing, especially on the weekend 
• Prefab Roastery – the outside area is a beautiful place to sit and relax

 

The Pavlova

And here is something for those with a sweet tooth. It is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, fresh fruits and whipped cream on top – the Pavlova. It is a show-stopping meringue dessert and the Kiwi’s are proud to call it their own.

Also, a must try if you ask us and a perfect round up of a sweet as culinary kiwi experience. 

A great place to try the pavlova is at Charley Noble Eatery and Bar in Wellington or at Corelli’s Cafe in Auckland. Keep in mind that it is a seasonal dessert and not always available.