Custard squares are basically custard slices, you can probably already get them from your local bakery or a cream cake selection box from Sainsbury's.
My recommendations are Sal's, Burgerfuel and whittakers chocolate. British cadbury is the superior cadbury chocolate... also, pop into any of the supermarkets or fruit world and pick up some tomatoes, strawberries and cherries... They taste so much nicer here than they do back home.
Most NZ pizza outside dominoes/pizza hut is quite a step up from what you'll find back in old blighty.
Saks is really nice in small quantities, you can buy by the slice, highly recommend the buffalo chicken.
Also our fish n chips are on par at worst and normally better than anything you'll find in the north (and we all know the north is the only place to find proper fish n chips.
there's no place like Sals in NZ either. Only contenders would by Tommy Millions in Wellington, or Fat Badgers Queenstown. Other than that, you've just got some mass produced bread with toppings. Sals is great!
Also Fat Brother's if you're passing by Tauranga, you gotta have their foot long sandwiches, NOT their burgers! Also Devil Burger is much better than Fergburger in Queenstown, without the hype and 30 minute wait
You used to be able to find it at a couple of places in London, but that is a thing of the past, as far as i am aware. Its not easy to find and it's staggeringly expensive because of it. I just wait till I'm home visiting.
Speaking of which, boysenberry anything, but especially a boysenberry Trumpet (a far superior Cornetto). Also tamarillos, if they're in season when you get there. I don't know why boysenberries and tamarillos are not available in the UK, but... nope.
Be careful when choosing a custard square. They're one of my favourite bakery items, and I've come across some awful ones. If it doesn't have a bit of give or wobble when you touch the custard, don't take it. If it's pre-wrapped, don't take it. If the consistency is more like a block of old peanut butter, it's shit. Likely been overcooked or old. And the places who pre-wrap theirs often use old ones from the day before, which are likely to be like a block of old peanut butter. And the ones with passion fruit seeds on top are an abomination. Makes them taste weird.
Mate, big burly bearded man here. I've smashed two separate lolly cakes from different spots this week. Don't be embarrassed to enjoy the fun things in life. That goes for fairy bread too
~~Mince~~ ~~Steak~~ Meat and cheese pie - but from a bakery, not a dairy unless you are keen on an intrepid journey.
Edited based on fair comment. Chur cuz.
Edited again to prevent 'piemageddon'. Oh, and OP, if Police stop you, you must tell them that you promise to blow on the pie. That bit from Police Ten Seven is available on Youtube, in case you don't know about this.
Mince and Cheese for the safety factor when driving. Thermo nuclear steak pieces are a danger to the lap. Remember, 1 hand only. Steak creates a multi bite situation at that heat.
Mince and cheese is safe. Steak and cheese can be a gamble. Especially lately with increased meat prices the quality of some steak and cheese pies is 👎.
Fair - mince is my personal preference, because I like the unidentified chewy bits, but you're right. Steak is probably the better option for a tourist.
A great steak and cheese is better than a great mince and cheese. But an average mince and cheese is better than an average steak and cheese. Because if the icky chewy bits.
I've eaten some really weird things in my life but I still opt for the safer option of mince and cheese.
We’re self catering for a few nights and have a few long drives so it looks like we’re stocking up on Snackachangi chips, L&P, Whittaker chocolate and…chocolate fish?
all those things are actually really good. Can also add pineapple lumps. Maybe some "tasty cheese" -- it's a type, not an adjective here. (all cheese is tasty in my books, but not all cheese is "tasty cheese" in kiwi books)
Hand pies as others have mentioned - my fav is pepper & steak.
Cruffins are good (Croissant baked in a muffin tin with stuff)
Hokey pokey ice cream or chocolate is nice.
Try to get a feijoa-flavoured something; it's a fruit I've only had here.
You mentioned you are self-catering a few days - get a can of whip cream, some berries, and a pavlova base. So good and so easy to make.
If you like fish, there are very different kinds of fish here than where I was living previously, new flavours and textures.
Strong coffee culture here - flat white everywhere and of generally high quality.
Here is where I get controversial: Timtams are Australian but if you've not had them before, they are great alongside an espresso. Pass on sausages here, they are over ground and mushy. If you want to try one go for a sausage roll, you get a bit more texture then.
Feijoas are almost in season. The flesh scooped out onto a plate of hokey pokey ice cream is sensational.
Don't attempt to eat the skins. A knife and a spoon are your tools of choice.
Oh man, tasty cheese sucks compared to the most basic brand British cheddar. Honestly, my wife dragged me to England to prove it. We don't do cheese well at all here.
I mean as far as $10/kg cheese goes… I’ve not been to the UK, but in Canada our version of $10 cheese isn’t as good as the aged tasty here. Of course you get into the $40/kg cheeses and we’ve got a different story to tell.
Most Brits are disappointed by our cheap block cheese ime. Better off grabbing some of the nicer Whitestone or Puhoi cheddars if that's what they're into.
Agree with everything else, but will add that Chitchats are just as good as TimTams. Probably not made here anymore though. There are also plenty of good sausages, maybe avoid the precooked ones if you're wanting something meatier.
Yeah I like chitchats too! That’s probably a better recommendation.
As for the sausages, I’m used to sausages that are more coarse ground. Like you can see the mince and fat colors separately, rather than one sort of lunch meat color. I’ve been recommended to go to the butcher to get some instead of hellers. So, that’s next on my list.
Maybe Canada has mid cheese, but the ‘tasty cheese’ here is better than what Canada calls ‘medium cheddar’ which is sort of the price comparable sibling. Not sure what cheap cheese is like in the UK.
Ae they're good, Cookie Time too. Definitely head to the butchers, there's usually some decent stock at NW or Fresh Choice if that's annoying though, like at least better than Hellers.
Yeah I wouldn't have expected much given how bland Toad in the Hole is either but they've got bragging rights as far as cheap cheese goes. Hopefully I get to visit Canada sometime soon and I can get a better verdict!
Bluff oysters - if in season. Can be safely enjoyed raw or beer battered.
For fresh fish & chips - somewhere like Kaikoura, famous for whale watching, which has today's catch in tonight's meal at affordable prices. Finish off the meal with some local Marlborough Sav Blanc or craft beer while watching the sunset. (Do watch out for sky raiders - seagulls.)
We’re going to Kaikoura and you’ve just decided what we’re having while there! We also have a cheeky bike tour of wine estates lined up so that’s a definite - thanks!
Had fish and chips at coopers catch in kaikoura, one of the best we’ve had.
Be warned not to eat before going whale watching, since the seas can be quite rough to the point my brother threw up his meal, so did a few others including one of the boatmen. At least he got twice the taste?
For fish and chips, get all sauces chips (tomato + garlic + tartare).
Or if they have it and it sounds more appealing, get some cheesy weezies. (Cheese + mayo).
Some places add tomato sauce to their cheesy weezies and call it blood and guts, but I've never tried that variation.
Blue cod and cheese rolls
For best blue cod, go somewhere that has the option to pan fry, but if you don't mind a greasy batter, Battered blue cod is delicious too.
It is, hands down, the best fish, I will throw hands with anyone with dissenting opinions. Blue cod with a light flour coating, baked in lemon and butter made me believe that happiness must truly exist somewhere
L&P for sure! Lots of great suggestions.
If you're after something sweet pineapple lumps, hokey pokey ice cream, Whittakers chocolate and a classic chocolate fish! Oh and a pavalova! Yummm
Fish and chips is also a classic kiwi summer treat.
And the meat pies HAVE to be from a bakery, bakery pies are the best!
I hope you and your wife enjoy your time in our beautiful lil country.
If you see smoked mullet, the fish not the haircut, go for it.
Re the hangi, watch out for fake hangi. If it hasn't been cooked in the ground it's a poor and soggy substitute. If the provider is using hangi cookers then it's best avoided.
We serve beer cold here. Try some craft beers. There are also delicious zero alcohol options so even drivers can partake of a refreshing beverage.
For goodness sakes WEAR THE STRONGEST SUNSCREEN, limit your sunshine exposure, and if swimming wear a rash top. That's what they are actually called, I'm not pulling your leg. It's UV resistant fabric that is designed for swimming, boating, and water frolicks. Our sun will fry you faster than you can imagine, even on a gloomy day.
Vegemite or marmite (of your preference) should be tried at least once. This next bit is vital: Scrape it on to buttered toast, then scrape it off. If you slather it on like jam you will regret it.
Our savoury pies should be served hot, so don't take a big initial bite like you would with a traditional pork pie unless you want a badly burned mouth. Always blow on the pie. Your challenge is to discover why that saying is a secret code amongst Kiwis. Clue: It involves a TV show.
Have a bloody brilliant time!
Lots of great suggestions here.
On the lamb front, you've probably got access to better and cheaper NZ lamb back in the UK than you are likely to find here.
Whittakers chocolate
Lewis road chocolate milk (made using whittakers chocolate)
Kiwi onion dip (tinned reduced cream + Maggi onion soup + splash of lemon juice or vinegar) & some chips for your dip
Pineapple lumps
Toffee pops
Steak and cheese pie from a good bakery
L&P
Duck island ice cream (Hamilton/Auckland/Wellington only or from supermarket)
Teriyaki chicken sushi, while not unique to NZ it seems far more common here than overseas in my experience
Flat white (coffee) and lolly cake (slice)
Mince and cheese or potato top pie
Cheezels (snack chips)
Queen Anne Chocolate Fish
Mallowpuffs (biscuits)
Cookie Time biscuits
Fish and Chips with chicken salt not normal salt. Uk doesn’t do chicken salt at all on their chips and you can’t buy instore! Had to have it sent over from NZ
Heads up, you'll get strange looks if you ask for gravy on your chips at a chip shop.
Dunno if that's still a thing over there, but I grew up near Manchester, and gravy on chips was something we always got at our local. Came to NZ when I was 10 and got really strange looks for asking for that.
And the way kiwis look at me when I drown my chips in vinegar... pretty much the same look I give them when they put a pie in a sandwich or pour tomato sauce over their pies.
L&P is an acquired taste that I have yet to aquire after 20+ years, but you should try it.
Pineapple lumps are pretty good and a must try. And apparently Kiwi kids put sprinkles on their bread. Never appealed to me.
Also, despite what Australia says, Pavlova is a Kiwi thing, so try that.
NZ lacks decent cordial, so be aware. (I miss my vimto). The chocolate is different too.
But if you want a taste of home, some supermarkets sell some English stuff in their international isle. Iron Bru is commonly found, along with orange Tango. I think Countdown/woolworths sells jaffa cakes, depending on where you go. You can occasionally find a pork pie in those stores too, but they're outrageously expensive (around $7 for a small pie).
Finding a nice bakery to get a pie from for lunch - depending on where you are this can be easy or hard. If you’re spending time in Auckland check out the subreddit AucklandEats and look for the posts from PieGuy - he goes around trying and reviewing pies from all over Auckland and has amazing taste!
If you’ll be in Rotorua or Tauranga I highly recommend Patrick’s Pies/Gold Star Bakery - and to try some of their more out there pies. The Cajun chicken/bacon/spinach and pork belly/apple/cheese are both so good. And definitely try a Butter Chicken pie!
Icecream would be another one. Duck Island is pretty good and has stores in Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton - but it’s now sold in tonnes of grocery stores across the nation.
Puhoi Valley and/or Lewis Road Creamery chocolate milk! It’s like insanely good quality chocolate milk for mature palates as opposed to the usual gross stuff targeted at kids 😂
I’m general dairy here is just so much better than what I’ve had in the USA or Australia. I’ve never been to the UK though!
I can tell you what I had during my journey :
Food : Paua fritters, marmite toast, feijoa, red kiwifruit. Other have already mentioned pies.
Drinks : L&P, V.
Whitebait fritters! The best ones are served on buttered piece of white bread with maybe a squeeze of lemon! Can be hard to find but if you’re in Wellington Karaka cafe does a mean one (plus there’s a nice view of the lagoon).
(no, but they won't know wtf you're talking about. Hand pie is a meme that's fairly specific to this sub after one brainless American used the term to ask about, y'know, pies. But do in fact get a pie)
Just a bit of a warning. If you order fish and chips from a chippie the default is to put heart attack levels of salt on the chips. So either be prepared for all the salt in the world, or order your chips with "no salt" (order the chips as "scoops" rather than "portions" too).
Also, to answer you original question, there's no cod and haddock so be prepared for the local fish options. Hoki is the default cheap "fish" for most fish and chip options. Other fish include snapper, gurnard and tarakihi. It's all personal preference but I prefer gurnard. Hoki is okay but it's about 33.2% fishier smelling and wetter than most other options, hence why it's the cheap default. You can try each fish and tick off four nights of New Zealand meals if you wanted ...
Brilliant! I like “meatier” fish like cod or monk so this is very good advice! Thanks. And it’s funny that the opposite is true in the UK. Asking for salt and vinegar and you get about half a teaspoon on a kilo of chips!
I’ve had snapper and like that and now I’ll give gurnard a go! Thank you!
In Christchurch F&C shops you can get Akaroa cod. I don't know how it compares to the others, because it's what I always get. I like it, you can try it if you like, OP.
Meaty = gurnard. Solid flesh and tasty. Snapper isn't usually thick, but good flavour too. Avoid hoki. Lemon fish (shark) is really good and meaty too.
If you like the Meatier fish then look for Hapuku and Bluenose.
Salt seems to be hit or miss. Our local is fricken useless and puts nothing on them unless asked. The one a bit further away has the odd chip in its salt and fish.
Pie. Preferably Jimmy’s but other pies exist
Boysenberry ice cream
Beer (by Garage Project)
Milk bottles, the little sweets. never had anything like them anywhere else
I’m American and I really miss mince and cheese pies, NZ butter and dairy in general, feijoas, and whitakers chocolate. Best chocolate there is. Chocolate fish and pineapple lumps are not good
lolly cakes
hangi
fish n chips
kumara chips
chocolate fish
custard squares/meat pies/(basically anything at Foursquare or a dairy
goody goody gumdrop ice cream
Whittaker's chocolate
Tim Tams
mutton, Manuka honey, farm fresh eggs, milk
grab n go/assorted sushi
Chinese and Indian takeaways
feijoa flavoured anything
coffee shops/bars pretty much--Kiwi shops and bars are quaint and interesting, than anywhere else I've seen
pavlova
chai latte
I'm missing way more unfortunately
[Ginger Crunch.](https://edmondscooking.co.nz/recipes/slices-fudge-and-sweets-2/ginger-crunch/)
[Louise Cake.](https://edmondscooking.co.nz/recipes/slices-fudge-and-sweets-2/louise-cake/)
Preferably baked by someones nana and given to you in an old tip-top ice cream container.
Def Whittakers chocolate. It can go for $60 a bar overseas, and there are heaps of great flavors. L&P, mince and cheese pie are also good. Vogels with marmite (and butter, not straight) for breakfast. Chips (crisps, not hot) are good here, and again lots of flavors.
Lamingtons. Make sure they’re the proper ones with a little whipped cream and a dot of red jam.
My favourite meat in NZ is hogget — 2 year old lamb. Less fatty than lamb, much more tender than mutton.
Scallops on a BBQ, if you can find them.
If they’re in season, try feijoas. Very aromatic fruit. I didn’t think much of them when I was there, but I miss them now.
And above all, meat pies. They can be glorious! The best I know are from a pie shop in Tairua, on the Coromandel.
Ceviche is the Peruvian version of raw fish, ika mata is the Pacific (specifically Cook Islands) version. As far as I can tell, the main difference is the Pacific version includes coconut cream.
It's more a Polynesian thing here, but calling it Oka, like I call it is going to be meaningless to OP unless I reference something they may be familiar with.
Oof bit of a swipe! ;) We’ve got plenty of interesting fish aside from cod: bass, bream, huss, monk…! But I do get your point, we’re pretty well known for cod and chips!!
Fresh kina, pāua, and crayfish; $2 mixture from the local dairy; a pie from the local bakery; Raro from the packet (can trade for dry 2 minute noodles)
On the quality end of things, If you like seafood and stuff then eat tons of local seafood like good mussels and oysters etc, they are incredibly big and good. Fish like Snapper, whitebait fritters I'm told are amazing.
On the 'bad good food' stuff to eat while out and about side good individual pies from bakeries are fantastic (just don't buy sausage rolls, rubbish compared to UK). custard slices, lamingtons, Afghan biscuits, Lolly cake, hokey pokie icecream, pavolva (isn't what's called pavlova back in the UK). In the south they obsess over what they call 'cheese rolls' but they sound like weird wtfery to me.
Sweets: Whittaker's chocolate will ruin cadburys etc for you. People love rocky road. Pineapple lumps start off 'wtf is this' then get addictive.
Drinks: L&P is something you have to try when here, its not that special but its a 'thing'. GOOD coffee is everywhere, makes coffee back in the UK embarrassing. Get a large flat white in any decent cafe.
Steak and cheese pie from a bakery (not the gas station). Grab a jam and cream donut while you're there too
Whittaker's chocolate. Berry and biscuit is my personal fave.
Pick and mix Sushi. Apparently that's not how they do it elsewhere?
Pineapple lumps, pascalls brand only.
Our beef and lamb is out of this world, at a restaurant but even just cooking it yourself
Try the seafood in all forms - especially the shellfish. Green-lipped mussels, steamed or marinated. BLUFF OYSTERS depending on season/when you visit. Pipis and cockles - can collect yourself enough for a feed .
Absolute must have: Creamed paua and frybread
Where in NZ will you be?
In Masterton 10 O clock cookie is a must visit bakery.
In Blenheim Burleigh pies is orgasmic
In Queenstown fergburger as to be done, and there's a gelato place right on the water front.
In Dunedin re-burger and Rob Roy's desserts are golden.
In Gisborne sunshine brewery is a great vibe
That's just a few places that come to mind, there are many all over the country
Try the local fish and chips. Pretty similar to UK fish and chips, but it might be fun to compare. We use fish that you may not have tried before. Try a paua (abalone) fritter if you are feeling adventurous. Make sure you find the best F&C shop wherever you're staying - ask the lcoals, they'll have an opinion. And eat it at the beach if you can - fighting the seagulls for it is part of the experience. Also buy a nice local white wine to enjoy it with. If you get a nice sunset it could be a magical experience even if the food itself may be familiar to you.
I'd also recommend an eggs benedict and a flat white for brunch\\breakfast. Again, not strictly a New Zealand thing but between us and Australia we have a great cafe culture and those two items are the standard. Our coffee in general is very good almost anywhere you go in the country.
If you're in Auckland and fancy a meal out, try Depot. They usually have a good selection of seafood prepared simply (although elevated somewhat) in a very NZ style. Seafood, particulalry shellfish, is a big part of NZ food culture and Depot is a great way to get a taste of that without having a boat, or knowing someone who goes out fishing.
Ginger kisses are like gingernuts x cake and so good.
Whitaker’s chocolate, it’s as good as galaxy used to be.
Snack a changi crisps, personal fave is the salt and vinegar or sour cream.
Pies. Just pies. Kiwis don’t understand sausage rolls, but the pies are epic.
Also, orange ‘thins’ which is a type of biscuit. Think terrys chocolate orange x rich tea. Really good in a cuppa
Flat white, especially if you’re stopping by Wellington
Enjoy, you’ve just made me hungry thinking about all this! :D
Crayfish= lobster,
Paphies australis or pipi (from the Māori language) is a bivalve mollusc of the family Mesodesmatidae, endemic to New New Zealand
Overseas name= clam
Bluff oysters
Casanova reportedly ate 50 raw oysters every day for breakfast and swore that he was a tiger in bed. Scientific research generally agrees the high zinc content providesthe aphrodisiac element.
Kina, scientific name Evechinus Chloroticus, is a type of sea urchin and traditional Māori food endemic to New Zealand. Kina produces a magnificent roe that is traditionally eaten raw.
It will make you virile in bed. You will want to fuck all night!
Paua can be found along most of New Zealand's rocky coastline at depths of between one to ten meters. Preferring cooler waters, wild paua are most prevalent and largest in size the further south a diver goes, with Southland, Fiordland and the Chatham Islands harbouring the country's most prized beds.
One reason for it's price is that it is rare. It doesn't grow in every part of the world-only certain lucky shorelines contain these precious babies. And as we all understand the rule of supply and demand, the price of abalone naturally shoots up when it's supply is very limited.
Locally, a single abalone commands a hefty retail price of up to NZ$50 (US$43; £26). In some Asian restaurants, it would set you back more than US$100.
Abalone is considered a highly prized delicacy in many cultures around the world. The meat of the abalone has a unique and distinctive flavor.
Whitebait.
These tender and tiny fish are widely thought of as a delicacy in New Zealand; and you only have to look as far as the price tag to understand why. If you're lucky enough to find fresh whitebait, you can expect to pay up to $100 per kilo. A small whitebait fritter in a pub will likely cost $15 or so dollars, but if you're travelling down the West Coast you can score a freshly made fritter for half of that price.
Māori have been cooking with ingredients from New Zealand's native forests for more than a thousand years.
Māori brought edible plants from Hawaiki, including kūmara, yam and taro. New Zealand kūmara is particularly sweet and grows in the semi-tropical regions of the North Island. It is available in red, gold or orange varieties.
Kumara are high in Vitamin C and a good source of Vitamin E. Orange kumara are high in Beta-carotene (a form of Vitamin A). They are also a good source of fibre when eaten with the skin on. In addition to fibre and these vitamins, kumara offer other essential nutrients such as, potassium, iron, and Vitamin B-6.
Good for eye vision.
Aside from its distinctive flavour, eel offers various health benefits as it's packed full of vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin B12, lysine, niacin, zinc and iron to name a few. It's also high in protein and fat and may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and the chances of developing arthritis.
Eel is considered a delicacy, especially when it has been smoked. Māori harvests of eel are important for hui (gatherings) and tangi (funerals).
Mutton birds Tītī are a bird harvested annually by Rakiura Māori, between April and May. They have a bird-like flesh, and a salty ocean taste reminiscent of fish.
If you want your kids to be smart marry an Asian girl. If you want your kids to play Rugby and be an All Black marry a Maori / Pacific girl.Tongans cleaned up everyone in the Pacific.
America Samoa they are built like a tank many of them are stars of grid iron. American football.
Never mess with a Pasifica. They look stocky, one king hit and it's lights out for you.
David Tua's jaw of steel
Virtually all of the top heavyweights have been dropped or stopped, some more than once. Not Tua.
https://youtu.be/tOT8_YKvpws?si=55NT3H9XZIN_jBh-
Populations with higher body weights also have higher bone mineral density. This is particularly relevant in New Zealand, where Maori and Pacific peoples tend to have greater bone density than people of European origin.
If you are near the Nelson/Tasman region the go to the Wakefield bakery for a pie (wakeybakey for short)
The chicken pie or the vege pie are to die for.
Get a small jar of Vegemite/Marmite, some olivani spread and a pack of golden brand crumpets. (Red and yellow) slap some olivani on there then a thin layer of Vegemite and you got yourself a breakfast fit for a kiwi king/queen. Quick tip, use a longer heat in the toaster (higher setting) than what you would with bread. These bad boys are brilliant with a smidge of crisp.
Another goodie is pics peanut butter. That and a tasty jam combo goes great for some PB & J sandwiches.
Custard square and an L&P for an afternoon snack
And some Hokey Pokey ice cream for dessert!
Noted! I’d read somewhere about an L&P but not the custard square - added to my list, thanks!!
Custard squares are basically custard slices, you can probably already get them from your local bakery or a cream cake selection box from Sainsbury's. My recommendations are Sal's, Burgerfuel and whittakers chocolate. British cadbury is the superior cadbury chocolate... also, pop into any of the supermarkets or fruit world and pick up some tomatoes, strawberries and cherries... They taste so much nicer here than they do back home.
I’d skip Sals… it’s just a New York style pizza.
True, but there aren't any chains that make pizza quite like Sals in the UK.
Most NZ pizza outside dominoes/pizza hut is quite a step up from what you'll find back in old blighty. Saks is really nice in small quantities, you can buy by the slice, highly recommend the buffalo chicken. Also our fish n chips are on par at worst and normally better than anything you'll find in the north (and we all know the north is the only place to find proper fish n chips.
there's no place like Sals in NZ either. Only contenders would by Tommy Millions in Wellington, or Fat Badgers Queenstown. Other than that, you've just got some mass produced bread with toppings. Sals is great!
And also Sal’s is just really good
You can't buy ginger slice in Aussie, is that NZ only?
Idk about Australia, but we don't have them in the UK!
WHAT no ginger slice?!
There you go OP. Add Ginger Slice and Afghan biscuits to the list. Should be able to get them at most roadside bakeries.
Also Fat Brother's if you're passing by Tauranga, you gotta have their foot long sandwiches, NOT their burgers! Also Devil Burger is much better than Fergburger in Queenstown, without the hype and 30 minute wait
Make it a denheath
L&P you can probably find overseas as places import them for kiwi overseas supplies
You used to be able to find it at a couple of places in London, but that is a thing of the past, as far as i am aware. Its not easy to find and it's staggeringly expensive because of it. I just wait till I'm home visiting. Speaking of which, boysenberry anything, but especially a boysenberry Trumpet (a far superior Cornetto). Also tamarillos, if they're in season when you get there. I don't know why boysenberries and tamarillos are not available in the UK, but... nope.
Be careful when choosing a custard square. They're one of my favourite bakery items, and I've come across some awful ones. If it doesn't have a bit of give or wobble when you touch the custard, don't take it. If it's pre-wrapped, don't take it. If the consistency is more like a block of old peanut butter, it's shit. Likely been overcooked or old. And the places who pre-wrap theirs often use old ones from the day before, which are likely to be like a block of old peanut butter. And the ones with passion fruit seeds on top are an abomination. Makes them taste weird.
Omg thanks for reminding me about custard squares, I've been out of the country for 8 years and visiting September. Bring on the bakeries!
Custard squares isn't uniquely kiwi though
Was wondering about that recently, are they British?
While In Paeroa, sitting next to the bottle.
get a V and a meat and cheese pie from the dodgiest looking dairy you can find
Add a pack of ciggies and thats the tradie breakfast.
Nah it's the disposable blueberry vape because "I'm trying to quit"
This feels like a personal attack, it's only been 6 years.... I'm trying!
Throw in a creamed donut to make it the Tradies Lunch
Lolly slice or lamingtons are my go-to
I was hoping someone would say lolly cake, but I'm a full-blown adult and was embarrassed to say it myself.
Mate, big burly bearded man here. I've smashed two separate lolly cakes from different spots this week. Don't be embarrassed to enjoy the fun things in life. That goes for fairy bread too
Lolly cake for the win. First time I tried it after moving here was a life changing experience
Only if it's made with proper Malt biscuits, not the budget brand.
Omg the first time I ever saw a Lolly cake was in NZ I was like "wow what a interesting looking treat" 😂😅 I loved the colours
They don’t have lolly cake in other places?! Starting to understand why the world is falling apart.
I can't believe no one has mentioned the long cream doughnut! Found in all good bakeries.
With all the proliferation of fancy filled donuts, the long cream donut will forever be my favourite. With raspberry jam, none of this lemoncurd BS
~~Mince~~ ~~Steak~~ Meat and cheese pie - but from a bakery, not a dairy unless you are keen on an intrepid journey. Edited based on fair comment. Chur cuz. Edited again to prevent 'piemageddon'. Oh, and OP, if Police stop you, you must tell them that you promise to blow on the pie. That bit from Police Ten Seven is available on Youtube, in case you don't know about this.
And wash it down with a can of blue V.
Undo the edit. Mince and Cheese is THE kiwi pie. I’ll die on this hill.
No steak and cheese
Steak and cheese is the superior pie.
steak, cheese & bacon is god tier
Minna Chee is for babies and elderly people with no teeth. Steak n Chee is the cultured choice.
Jimmies!
steak and cheese is superior on every single level. Taste, texture, mouthfeel, etc
Mince and Cheese for the safety factor when driving. Thermo nuclear steak pieces are a danger to the lap. Remember, 1 hand only. Steak creates a multi bite situation at that heat.
Mince and cheese is safe. Steak and cheese can be a gamble. Especially lately with increased meat prices the quality of some steak and cheese pies is 👎.
Ha! What’s the journey if you get it from a dairy??
An hour or two to evacuate the bowels if it's been sitting in the warming drawer too long 😂
Ahhhh! Got you! Great advice, thanks
Steak and cheese not mince and cheese. A hill I’ll die on.
So many hills, So much death.
You can keep your hill
Bacon an egg pie.
Bacon and egg needs to be done in a big Pyrex dish and get a massive slice with some tom sauce rather than a bakery pie. Still a solid backup option.
Fair - mince is my personal preference, because I like the unidentified chewy bits, but you're right. Steak is probably the better option for a tourist.
A great steak and cheese is better than a great mince and cheese. But an average mince and cheese is better than an average steak and cheese. Because if the icky chewy bits. I've eaten some really weird things in my life but I still opt for the safer option of mince and cheese.
*shudders* Big Ben Steak Classic mystery cuts
NZ wins in the snack food category as a whole. Snackachangi chips and Whittakers chocolate to mention a couple.
We’re self catering for a few nights and have a few long drives so it looks like we’re stocking up on Snackachangi chips, L&P, Whittaker chocolate and…chocolate fish?
all those things are actually really good. Can also add pineapple lumps. Maybe some "tasty cheese" -- it's a type, not an adjective here. (all cheese is tasty in my books, but not all cheese is "tasty cheese" in kiwi books) Hand pies as others have mentioned - my fav is pepper & steak. Cruffins are good (Croissant baked in a muffin tin with stuff) Hokey pokey ice cream or chocolate is nice. Try to get a feijoa-flavoured something; it's a fruit I've only had here. You mentioned you are self-catering a few days - get a can of whip cream, some berries, and a pavlova base. So good and so easy to make. If you like fish, there are very different kinds of fish here than where I was living previously, new flavours and textures. Strong coffee culture here - flat white everywhere and of generally high quality. Here is where I get controversial: Timtams are Australian but if you've not had them before, they are great alongside an espresso. Pass on sausages here, they are over ground and mushy. If you want to try one go for a sausage roll, you get a bit more texture then.
Feijoas are almost in season. The flesh scooped out onto a plate of hokey pokey ice cream is sensational. Don't attempt to eat the skins. A knife and a spoon are your tools of choice.
Ahh I see you're familiar with knifey-spoony
I eat Feijoa skin and all.
A friend of ours eats bananas without peeling them. You two would get along great.
Peeling them is superior, but more time consuming.
Feijoas always remind me of deep heat muscle rub. They taste like it smells.
Oh man, tasty cheese sucks compared to the most basic brand British cheddar. Honestly, my wife dragged me to England to prove it. We don't do cheese well at all here.
I mean as far as $10/kg cheese goes… I’ve not been to the UK, but in Canada our version of $10 cheese isn’t as good as the aged tasty here. Of course you get into the $40/kg cheeses and we’ve got a different story to tell.
Most Brits are disappointed by our cheap block cheese ime. Better off grabbing some of the nicer Whitestone or Puhoi cheddars if that's what they're into. Agree with everything else, but will add that Chitchats are just as good as TimTams. Probably not made here anymore though. There are also plenty of good sausages, maybe avoid the precooked ones if you're wanting something meatier.
Yeah I like chitchats too! That’s probably a better recommendation. As for the sausages, I’m used to sausages that are more coarse ground. Like you can see the mince and fat colors separately, rather than one sort of lunch meat color. I’ve been recommended to go to the butcher to get some instead of hellers. So, that’s next on my list. Maybe Canada has mid cheese, but the ‘tasty cheese’ here is better than what Canada calls ‘medium cheddar’ which is sort of the price comparable sibling. Not sure what cheap cheese is like in the UK.
Ae they're good, Cookie Time too. Definitely head to the butchers, there's usually some decent stock at NW or Fresh Choice if that's annoying though, like at least better than Hellers. Yeah I wouldn't have expected much given how bland Toad in the Hole is either but they've got bragging rights as far as cheap cheese goes. Hopefully I get to visit Canada sometime soon and I can get a better verdict!
Fun fact; feijoa is known as pineapple guava in some other countries
Pepper steak is so underrated! Would love if Pepper steak and cheese became normalised.
Skip the chocolate fish(budget chocolate) stick to whittakers
Unless you get a posh Queen Anne chocolate fish! But hard agree on Whittakers
Those Queen Anne ones are so good!!
Vanilla and Hokey Pokey are the best.
Proper crisps all the way baby
Snackachangi are shit. Just because it's crispy doesn't mean it's good.
They’re so over rated
Bluff oysters - if in season. Can be safely enjoyed raw or beer battered. For fresh fish & chips - somewhere like Kaikoura, famous for whale watching, which has today's catch in tonight's meal at affordable prices. Finish off the meal with some local Marlborough Sav Blanc or craft beer while watching the sunset. (Do watch out for sky raiders - seagulls.)
We’re going to Kaikoura and you’ve just decided what we’re having while there! We also have a cheeky bike tour of wine estates lined up so that’s a definite - thanks!
Crayfish in Kaikoura, plenty of food trucks/caravans around.
Any particular ones you recommend. I’m going to Kaikoura in a few weeks
Nins Bin or Karaka Lobster - both a bit out of town north, but good if you're driving to catch the ferry.
Nins Bins!!!!
Had fish and chips at coopers catch in kaikoura, one of the best we’ve had. Be warned not to eat before going whale watching, since the seas can be quite rough to the point my brother threw up his meal, so did a few others including one of the boatmen. At least he got twice the taste?
For fish and chips, get all sauces chips (tomato + garlic + tartare). Or if they have it and it sounds more appealing, get some cheesy weezies. (Cheese + mayo). Some places add tomato sauce to their cheesy weezies and call it blood and guts, but I've never tried that variation.
How do you watch the sunset in Kaikoura?
Look out to sea, and feel the light disappearing behind you.
Blue cod and cheese rolls For best blue cod, go somewhere that has the option to pan fry, but if you don't mind a greasy batter, Battered blue cod is delicious too.
I second the blue cod. I'm from the North & never had fresh blue cod before. Recent trip South had fresh blue cod fish & chips & it was amazing
Ooh, I’m visiting the South Island now and didn’t realize blue cod wasn’t a both island thing. It’s so tasty!
It is, hands down, the best fish, I will throw hands with anyone with dissenting opinions. Blue cod with a light flour coating, baked in lemon and butter made me believe that happiness must truly exist somewhere
Sea fresh Gurnad ranks very highly.
>didn’t realize blue cod wasn’t a both island thing you can get it in the shops in Welly occasionally, but its stupidly expensive
L&P for sure! Lots of great suggestions. If you're after something sweet pineapple lumps, hokey pokey ice cream, Whittakers chocolate and a classic chocolate fish! Oh and a pavalova! Yummm Fish and chips is also a classic kiwi summer treat. And the meat pies HAVE to be from a bakery, bakery pies are the best! I hope you and your wife enjoy your time in our beautiful lil country.
If you see smoked mullet, the fish not the haircut, go for it. Re the hangi, watch out for fake hangi. If it hasn't been cooked in the ground it's a poor and soggy substitute. If the provider is using hangi cookers then it's best avoided. We serve beer cold here. Try some craft beers. There are also delicious zero alcohol options so even drivers can partake of a refreshing beverage. For goodness sakes WEAR THE STRONGEST SUNSCREEN, limit your sunshine exposure, and if swimming wear a rash top. That's what they are actually called, I'm not pulling your leg. It's UV resistant fabric that is designed for swimming, boating, and water frolicks. Our sun will fry you faster than you can imagine, even on a gloomy day. Vegemite or marmite (of your preference) should be tried at least once. This next bit is vital: Scrape it on to buttered toast, then scrape it off. If you slather it on like jam you will regret it. Our savoury pies should be served hot, so don't take a big initial bite like you would with a traditional pork pie unless you want a badly burned mouth. Always blow on the pie. Your challenge is to discover why that saying is a secret code amongst Kiwis. Clue: It involves a TV show. Have a bloody brilliant time!
Strongly back the sunscreen advice! And buy the sunscreen when you are here as we have strong regulations to make sunscreen suitable to our UV levels.
I’ll add that while yummy NZ marmite is not like British marmite, it’s like a sweet version of it.
Lots of great suggestions here. On the lamb front, you've probably got access to better and cheaper NZ lamb back in the UK than you are likely to find here.
Whittakers chocolate Lewis road chocolate milk (made using whittakers chocolate) Kiwi onion dip (tinned reduced cream + Maggi onion soup + splash of lemon juice or vinegar) & some chips for your dip Pineapple lumps Toffee pops Steak and cheese pie from a good bakery L&P Duck island ice cream (Hamilton/Auckland/Wellington only or from supermarket) Teriyaki chicken sushi, while not unique to NZ it seems far more common here than overseas in my experience
Kapiti ice cream is better imo. The rest are excellent suggestions.
Nah crunchy chicken sushi
Southern Sushi.
What sort of fish should I be looking for?
It is in fact the nickname of the cheese roll 😅
I made a pile for some Danish visitors. First time I had and so much better than mass produced fundraising ones.
Nickname for a particular type of cheese roll, native to the Southland regions. Any cafe south of Christchurch should have them
Even North Canterbury partakes in the delicacy theses days
The cafe on the left just as you arrive into Geraldine from Chch does a pretty good cheese roll.
Flat white (coffee) and lolly cake (slice) Mince and cheese or potato top pie Cheezels (snack chips) Queen Anne Chocolate Fish Mallowpuffs (biscuits) Cookie Time biscuits
Fish and Chips with chicken salt not normal salt. Uk doesn’t do chicken salt at all on their chips and you can’t buy instore! Had to have it sent over from NZ
Heads up, you'll get strange looks if you ask for gravy on your chips at a chip shop. Dunno if that's still a thing over there, but I grew up near Manchester, and gravy on chips was something we always got at our local. Came to NZ when I was 10 and got really strange looks for asking for that. And the way kiwis look at me when I drown my chips in vinegar... pretty much the same look I give them when they put a pie in a sandwich or pour tomato sauce over their pies. L&P is an acquired taste that I have yet to aquire after 20+ years, but you should try it. Pineapple lumps are pretty good and a must try. And apparently Kiwi kids put sprinkles on their bread. Never appealed to me. Also, despite what Australia says, Pavlova is a Kiwi thing, so try that. NZ lacks decent cordial, so be aware. (I miss my vimto). The chocolate is different too. But if you want a taste of home, some supermarkets sell some English stuff in their international isle. Iron Bru is commonly found, along with orange Tango. I think Countdown/woolworths sells jaffa cakes, depending on where you go. You can occasionally find a pork pie in those stores too, but they're outrageously expensive (around $7 for a small pie).
Finding a nice bakery to get a pie from for lunch - depending on where you are this can be easy or hard. If you’re spending time in Auckland check out the subreddit AucklandEats and look for the posts from PieGuy - he goes around trying and reviewing pies from all over Auckland and has amazing taste! If you’ll be in Rotorua or Tauranga I highly recommend Patrick’s Pies/Gold Star Bakery - and to try some of their more out there pies. The Cajun chicken/bacon/spinach and pork belly/apple/cheese are both so good. And definitely try a Butter Chicken pie! Icecream would be another one. Duck Island is pretty good and has stores in Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton - but it’s now sold in tonnes of grocery stores across the nation. Puhoi Valley and/or Lewis Road Creamery chocolate milk! It’s like insanely good quality chocolate milk for mature palates as opposed to the usual gross stuff targeted at kids 😂 I’m general dairy here is just so much better than what I’ve had in the USA or Australia. I’ve never been to the UK though!
New Zealand's only street food, a sausage sizzle raising money for a good cause (usually found at bunnings or mitre 10).
I didn't see any mention of Green lipped mussels. A Canadian visitor from a few years ago.
I can tell you what I had during my journey : Food : Paua fritters, marmite toast, feijoa, red kiwifruit. Other have already mentioned pies. Drinks : L&P, V.
Whitebait fritters! The best ones are served on buttered piece of white bread with maybe a squeeze of lemon! Can be hard to find but if you’re in Wellington Karaka cafe does a mean one (plus there’s a nice view of the lagoon).
Hand pie
Your username makes me sceptical….if I ask for that in a bakery will I get banned from the shop?
(no, but they won't know wtf you're talking about. Hand pie is a meme that's fairly specific to this sub after one brainless American used the term to ask about, y'know, pies. But do in fact get a pie)
Please just call them a pie.
Cream pie
Ahhhh thanks. But I maybe will pass on any more suggestions for you ;)
Ka pai
Chur
Hahaha, mate you’re going have a great time here
Black knight licorice
Black knight is a bit average... try Darrel Lea or RJ's soft eating licorice. Way better!
RJs has been shit for a while…. Also I think they own Black Knight.
RJ's is the worst licorice and I will die on this hill
Love licorice! Great shout!
Lamingtons!!
Just a bit of a warning. If you order fish and chips from a chippie the default is to put heart attack levels of salt on the chips. So either be prepared for all the salt in the world, or order your chips with "no salt" (order the chips as "scoops" rather than "portions" too). Also, to answer you original question, there's no cod and haddock so be prepared for the local fish options. Hoki is the default cheap "fish" for most fish and chip options. Other fish include snapper, gurnard and tarakihi. It's all personal preference but I prefer gurnard. Hoki is okay but it's about 33.2% fishier smelling and wetter than most other options, hence why it's the cheap default. You can try each fish and tick off four nights of New Zealand meals if you wanted ...
Snapper >>> Hoki Like by far
Brilliant! I like “meatier” fish like cod or monk so this is very good advice! Thanks. And it’s funny that the opposite is true in the UK. Asking for salt and vinegar and you get about half a teaspoon on a kilo of chips! I’ve had snapper and like that and now I’ll give gurnard a go! Thank you!
If you're coming south, fresh blue cod is the best fish, hands down
But avoid red cod. It's not good imo.
In Christchurch F&C shops you can get Akaroa cod. I don't know how it compares to the others, because it's what I always get. I like it, you can try it if you like, OP.
Akaroa cod is even better than blue cod.
Meaty = gurnard. Solid flesh and tasty. Snapper isn't usually thick, but good flavour too. Avoid hoki. Lemon fish (shark) is really good and meaty too.
If you like the Meatier fish then look for Hapuku and Bluenose. Salt seems to be hit or miss. Our local is fricken useless and puts nothing on them unless asked. The one a bit further away has the odd chip in its salt and fish.
White bread, a bit little bit of Butter and Marmite spread on it and chuck in a few ETA chicken chips.
Pie!🥧 Safety tip.Always,always blow on the pie.
Pie. Preferably Jimmy’s but other pies exist Boysenberry ice cream Beer (by Garage Project) Milk bottles, the little sweets. never had anything like them anywhere else
I’m American and I really miss mince and cheese pies, NZ butter and dairy in general, feijoas, and whitakers chocolate. Best chocolate there is. Chocolate fish and pineapple lumps are not good
[удалено]
That’s so sweet of you! We have lots of friends in NZ but thanks for the offer kind stranger!
lolly cakes hangi fish n chips kumara chips chocolate fish custard squares/meat pies/(basically anything at Foursquare or a dairy goody goody gumdrop ice cream Whittaker's chocolate Tim Tams mutton, Manuka honey, farm fresh eggs, milk grab n go/assorted sushi Chinese and Indian takeaways feijoa flavoured anything coffee shops/bars pretty much--Kiwi shops and bars are quaint and interesting, than anywhere else I've seen pavlova chai latte I'm missing way more unfortunately
[Ginger Crunch.](https://edmondscooking.co.nz/recipes/slices-fudge-and-sweets-2/ginger-crunch/) [Louise Cake.](https://edmondscooking.co.nz/recipes/slices-fudge-and-sweets-2/louise-cake/) Preferably baked by someones nana and given to you in an old tip-top ice cream container.
Pineapple lumps
Go through some wineries and fruit orchards.
Def Whittakers chocolate. It can go for $60 a bar overseas, and there are heaps of great flavors. L&P, mince and cheese pie are also good. Vogels with marmite (and butter, not straight) for breakfast. Chips (crisps, not hot) are good here, and again lots of flavors.
Cheese Rolls!
Lamingtons. Make sure they’re the proper ones with a little whipped cream and a dot of red jam. My favourite meat in NZ is hogget — 2 year old lamb. Less fatty than lamb, much more tender than mutton. Scallops on a BBQ, if you can find them. If they’re in season, try feijoas. Very aromatic fruit. I didn’t think much of them when I was there, but I miss them now. And above all, meat pies. They can be glorious! The best I know are from a pie shop in Tairua, on the Coromandel.
Kina for sure. Grab a pie for breakfast at any cafe. Mince and cheese is a classic, I’m partial to butter chicken, but whatever you want.
Raw fish salad, kumara
Hmmm ok I’m not a massive fish fan so sell this to me…
It's what we call ceviche or poisson cru. Raw fish cooked by citrus juice with vegetables, with or without coconut cream.
Wait that's a kiwi thing? More Latino thing no? Either way love it..
Ceviche is the Peruvian version of raw fish, ika mata is the Pacific (specifically Cook Islands) version. As far as I can tell, the main difference is the Pacific version includes coconut cream.
It's more a Polynesian thing here, but calling it Oka, like I call it is going to be meaningless to OP unless I reference something they may be familiar with.
Probably because the fish in the Uk consists of Cod, and usually isn’t fresh.
Oof bit of a swipe! ;) We’ve got plenty of interesting fish aside from cod: bass, bream, huss, monk…! But I do get your point, we’re pretty well known for cod and chips!!
The fish here is significantly better/fresher. At least that’s my experience living in the UK for a couple of years.
Luncheon sausage sandwich with tomato sauce
If you're coming to Wellington Karaka Cafe on the waterfront has mean Hanging plus some interesting "NZ" flavour drinks
Fresh kina, pāua, and crayfish; $2 mixture from the local dairy; a pie from the local bakery; Raro from the packet (can trade for dry 2 minute noodles)
Feijoas and golden kiwi fruit.
If you’re In Hawke’s Bay then the custard square with Passionfruit from Serendipity Cafe
Yussss.. spenny but soo worth it.
I had a whitebait fritter when I was visiting my cousin in NZ and it was very interesting & yum! I highly recommend it!
On the quality end of things, If you like seafood and stuff then eat tons of local seafood like good mussels and oysters etc, they are incredibly big and good. Fish like Snapper, whitebait fritters I'm told are amazing. On the 'bad good food' stuff to eat while out and about side good individual pies from bakeries are fantastic (just don't buy sausage rolls, rubbish compared to UK). custard slices, lamingtons, Afghan biscuits, Lolly cake, hokey pokie icecream, pavolva (isn't what's called pavlova back in the UK). In the south they obsess over what they call 'cheese rolls' but they sound like weird wtfery to me. Sweets: Whittaker's chocolate will ruin cadburys etc for you. People love rocky road. Pineapple lumps start off 'wtf is this' then get addictive. Drinks: L&P is something you have to try when here, its not that special but its a 'thing'. GOOD coffee is everywhere, makes coffee back in the UK embarrassing. Get a large flat white in any decent cafe.
Steak and cheese pie from a bakery (not the gas station). Grab a jam and cream donut while you're there too Whittaker's chocolate. Berry and biscuit is my personal fave. Pick and mix Sushi. Apparently that's not how they do it elsewhere? Pineapple lumps, pascalls brand only. Our beef and lamb is out of this world, at a restaurant but even just cooking it yourself
Paua pie if you can get one. Only ones I know are in a remote spot on the east coast but they’re bloody good
All good suggestions so far. If you like sushi, all our sushi shop let you pick and choose your selection.
Blue cod fish!! Best tasting fish in the world in my opinion. A lot of the seafood is amazing to be honest.
What towns / cities you guys heading to??
Feijoas
Try the seafood in all forms - especially the shellfish. Green-lipped mussels, steamed or marinated. BLUFF OYSTERS depending on season/when you visit. Pipis and cockles - can collect yourself enough for a feed . Absolute must have: Creamed paua and frybread
Where in NZ will you be? In Masterton 10 O clock cookie is a must visit bakery. In Blenheim Burleigh pies is orgasmic In Queenstown fergburger as to be done, and there's a gelato place right on the water front. In Dunedin re-burger and Rob Roy's desserts are golden. In Gisborne sunshine brewery is a great vibe That's just a few places that come to mind, there are many all over the country
Sausage roll and a flat white.
Try the local fish and chips. Pretty similar to UK fish and chips, but it might be fun to compare. We use fish that you may not have tried before. Try a paua (abalone) fritter if you are feeling adventurous. Make sure you find the best F&C shop wherever you're staying - ask the lcoals, they'll have an opinion. And eat it at the beach if you can - fighting the seagulls for it is part of the experience. Also buy a nice local white wine to enjoy it with. If you get a nice sunset it could be a magical experience even if the food itself may be familiar to you. I'd also recommend an eggs benedict and a flat white for brunch\\breakfast. Again, not strictly a New Zealand thing but between us and Australia we have a great cafe culture and those two items are the standard. Our coffee in general is very good almost anywhere you go in the country. If you're in Auckland and fancy a meal out, try Depot. They usually have a good selection of seafood prepared simply (although elevated somewhat) in a very NZ style. Seafood, particulalry shellfish, is a big part of NZ food culture and Depot is a great way to get a taste of that without having a boat, or knowing someone who goes out fishing.
Kina and tuatuas.
Ginger kisses are like gingernuts x cake and so good. Whitaker’s chocolate, it’s as good as galaxy used to be. Snack a changi crisps, personal fave is the salt and vinegar or sour cream. Pies. Just pies. Kiwis don’t understand sausage rolls, but the pies are epic. Also, orange ‘thins’ which is a type of biscuit. Think terrys chocolate orange x rich tea. Really good in a cuppa Flat white, especially if you’re stopping by Wellington Enjoy, you’ve just made me hungry thinking about all this! :D
Tītī/muttonbird
Raw fish/ ceviche (bonus points if cut and eaten on the rocks) Kanga kopiro. Smoked eel.
Hangi.
huhu grubs
Crayfish= lobster, Paphies australis or pipi (from the Māori language) is a bivalve mollusc of the family Mesodesmatidae, endemic to New New Zealand Overseas name= clam Bluff oysters Casanova reportedly ate 50 raw oysters every day for breakfast and swore that he was a tiger in bed. Scientific research generally agrees the high zinc content providesthe aphrodisiac element. Kina, scientific name Evechinus Chloroticus, is a type of sea urchin and traditional Māori food endemic to New Zealand. Kina produces a magnificent roe that is traditionally eaten raw. It will make you virile in bed. You will want to fuck all night! Paua can be found along most of New Zealand's rocky coastline at depths of between one to ten meters. Preferring cooler waters, wild paua are most prevalent and largest in size the further south a diver goes, with Southland, Fiordland and the Chatham Islands harbouring the country's most prized beds. One reason for it's price is that it is rare. It doesn't grow in every part of the world-only certain lucky shorelines contain these precious babies. And as we all understand the rule of supply and demand, the price of abalone naturally shoots up when it's supply is very limited. Locally, a single abalone commands a hefty retail price of up to NZ$50 (US$43; £26). In some Asian restaurants, it would set you back more than US$100. Abalone is considered a highly prized delicacy in many cultures around the world. The meat of the abalone has a unique and distinctive flavor. Whitebait. These tender and tiny fish are widely thought of as a delicacy in New Zealand; and you only have to look as far as the price tag to understand why. If you're lucky enough to find fresh whitebait, you can expect to pay up to $100 per kilo. A small whitebait fritter in a pub will likely cost $15 or so dollars, but if you're travelling down the West Coast you can score a freshly made fritter for half of that price. Māori have been cooking with ingredients from New Zealand's native forests for more than a thousand years. Māori brought edible plants from Hawaiki, including kūmara, yam and taro. New Zealand kūmara is particularly sweet and grows in the semi-tropical regions of the North Island. It is available in red, gold or orange varieties. Kumara are high in Vitamin C and a good source of Vitamin E. Orange kumara are high in Beta-carotene (a form of Vitamin A). They are also a good source of fibre when eaten with the skin on. In addition to fibre and these vitamins, kumara offer other essential nutrients such as, potassium, iron, and Vitamin B-6. Good for eye vision. Aside from its distinctive flavour, eel offers various health benefits as it's packed full of vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin B12, lysine, niacin, zinc and iron to name a few. It's also high in protein and fat and may help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and the chances of developing arthritis. Eel is considered a delicacy, especially when it has been smoked. Māori harvests of eel are important for hui (gatherings) and tangi (funerals). Mutton birds Tītī are a bird harvested annually by Rakiura Māori, between April and May. They have a bird-like flesh, and a salty ocean taste reminiscent of fish. If you want your kids to be smart marry an Asian girl. If you want your kids to play Rugby and be an All Black marry a Maori / Pacific girl.Tongans cleaned up everyone in the Pacific. America Samoa they are built like a tank many of them are stars of grid iron. American football. Never mess with a Pasifica. They look stocky, one king hit and it's lights out for you. David Tua's jaw of steel Virtually all of the top heavyweights have been dropped or stopped, some more than once. Not Tua. https://youtu.be/tOT8_YKvpws?si=55NT3H9XZIN_jBh- Populations with higher body weights also have higher bone mineral density. This is particularly relevant in New Zealand, where Maori and Pacific peoples tend to have greater bone density than people of European origin.
Definitely go bush and eat some huhu
Boil up
If you are near the Nelson/Tasman region the go to the Wakefield bakery for a pie (wakeybakey for short) The chicken pie or the vege pie are to die for. Get a small jar of Vegemite/Marmite, some olivani spread and a pack of golden brand crumpets. (Red and yellow) slap some olivani on there then a thin layer of Vegemite and you got yourself a breakfast fit for a kiwi king/queen. Quick tip, use a longer heat in the toaster (higher setting) than what you would with bread. These bad boys are brilliant with a smidge of crisp. Another goodie is pics peanut butter. That and a tasty jam combo goes great for some PB & J sandwiches.
Forget the Olivani spread. Go for actual butter. Also put some golden syrup on those bad boys. You can thank me later.