The cuisine in New Zealand is very seasonal and relies heavily on local produce. As the islands are very agricultural there is a wide variety of fresh foods always available, although the dishes that you can try in the country are similar to those in Australia. The influences are largely British although there are Asian influences creeping in and takeaways are becoming more popular. It is common practice for New Zealand families to sit down together to eat an evening meal rather than eat in front of the television and most families try to do this several times a week.

Maori cuisine provides different options for those in the country. On the north island the Maori’s cultivated plants such as the sweet potato (known as kumara) which they brought with them, as well as making use of native New Zealand plants. It is traditional for Maori’s to use earth ovens to prepare their food although in modern times these are used mainly to prepare food for tourists and other visitors. The oven is used to prepare a ‘hangi’ which is a meal served to large gatherings of people, with dishes prepared using traditional staples such as sweet potato, pork and potatoes.

The Maori culture adapted their cuisine when Europeans came to the islands. The Europeans brought staples such as potatoes, pork, wheat, pumpkin and sugar. They also brought alcohol, which the Maoris did not have before. A traditional Maori dish today is known as ‘boil up’, which consists of pork, potatoes, sweet potatoes and dumplings, although the ingredients can alter, depending upon seasonal variations so may occasionally include different types of seafood and vegetables.

Non-Maori dishes are distinctly British in influence although there is an increased influence now from Pacific countries. Many dishes eaten daily in New Zealand homes are adapted Chinese and Indian. British dishes such as fish and chips and pies are particularly popular, but lighter Mediterranean dishes are increasing in popularity. New Zealand has continued its tradition of adapting from other cuisines and has developed a whole range of French-style cheeses.

Barbecues are becoming more popular during the summer months. When you are out and about in New Zealand you will find that there are many roadside picnic areas that have barbecue facilities. Popular barbecue food includes locally produced lamb, venison, lobster and a variety of fresh fish. The traditional British-style takeaway has been joined by a variety of Chinese and Indian takeaways as well as pizza outlets. While most towns have good quality restaurants as well, for the majority of people these are used only on special occasions. Many restaurants allow customers to take their own alcohol with them.

A tradition in New Zealand is the ‘bring a plate’ gatherings. The householder invites people to dinner but asks them all to bring a dish. This means that the householder can have dinner with friends without paying out much money to cater and people get to try different dishes. ‘Bring Your Own’ is also used for alcoholic beverages when attending gatherings, although this is usually to drink yourself and not to share with others.

New Zealand has developed a good reputation for the quality of the wines produced in the country. There are 10 regions in the country which are known for wine production which produce different types of wine. The Hawkes Bay area produces cabernet wine and Marlborough is known for sauvignon blanc. Most restaurants have a license to serve alcohol and in most bars the licensing hours are from 11 am to 11 pm, although this does vary according to the area that you are in. In order to purchase alcohol in New Zealand you must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

The main meal in New Zealand is eaten in the evening and it is often referred to as ‘tea’, as it is in some parts of the UK. Typical meal times are breakfast anytime between 6.30 am and 8.30 am, lunch anytime between 12 noon and 2 pm and the evening meal anytime between 6 pm and 9 pm.

New Zealand now has a thriving cafe culture. Until recent years the cafes were more like the traditional British tea rooms but American style coffee houses are becoming very fashionable.