What to Eat on New Zealand’s South Island

What does a Kiwi eat? We found out on our recent trip to New Zealand’s epically beautiful South Island! Between the lamb, the lattes, and the Pavlova, I’m here to show you only the best!

Breakfast

A Kiwi breakfast is strikingly (though not shockingly) like a traditional British breakfast! Though it often also included an Asian element, such as congee, due to the high number of Asian tourists.

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Fried Egg and Bacon Sandwich from OGB, Christchurch
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Salmon Eggs Benedict from OGB, Christchurch
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Egg and Avocado “Smash” Toast from Full of Beans Cafe, Franz Josef
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Maybe the biggest omelete I’ve ever had! Full of Beans Cafe, Franz Josef
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Bacon, mushroom, and spinach frittata from The Coffee Exchange, Queenstown
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Bacon, egg, and cheese with sweet sauce on ciabatta, The Coffee Exchange, Queenstown
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Chinese congee, pancakes, poached egg, baked beans, bacon, tomatoes, orange juice, coffee from Bailiez, Te Anau
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Brown bread, ham, avocado spread, cheeses, and fruit of all sorts from the Classic Villa, Christchurch

Lunch

Some things I learned about lunch and food in general in New Zealand:

  • Pumpkin is also a popular winter food there as it has been in the U.S. in recent years.
  • Ketchup is called “tomato sauce,” and it’s not as popular there as back home. I could have used quite a bit more for my fries!
  • It’s all about the savory pies—they are awesome!
  • Mince can be a lot of things. It’s kind of like hot dogs—don’t ask what’s in it, just eat it and enjoy!
  • Lamb is my new favorite meat.
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Mince and cheese pie from Arthur’s Pass Cafe, Arthur’s Pass
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Punkpin sour with garlic bread from Hard Antler Bar and Restaurant, Haast
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Seafood Chowder and steamed spinach from Olive Tree Cafe, Te Anau
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Beef rump steak, fried egg, “chips” (French fries), and mushroom sauce from Olive Tree Cafe, Te Anau
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Lamb burger and chips from the Ballroom at Larnach Castle, Dunedin
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Punmpkin soup and portobello and brie sandwich from the Ballroom at Larnach Castle, Dunedin
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Hearty chicken soup and buttered bread from Teapot Inn, Temuka
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Chicken and Apricot Rolled Pie with Salad from the International Antarctic Centre

Supper

After long days of driving, hiking, and exploring, we mostly just wanted to go to sleep! But a little something for our bellies always did us well. Here’s what we got into.

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Sushi from Hikari Sushi, Christchurch
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Akaroa salmon with spinach risotto from Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
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Fish ‘n Chips from Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
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Pescara Pizza with local green-lipped mussels, shrimp, and salmon from Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza, Queenstown
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Grocery store sushi! Queenstown
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Egg rolls and dumplings from Bamboozled, Queenstown
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Salmon risotto from Fiddlesticks, Christchurch
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Lamb with sweet potatoes and Swiss chard from Fiddlesticks, Christchurch

Coffee, Sweets, and Snacks

I’ve saved the best for last:

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Beautiful latte from OGB, Christchurch
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Passion fruit yo-yo and caramel macadamia nut bar from Arthur’s Pass Cafe, Arthur’s Pass
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Latte and Cappuccino from the Clocktower Cafe, Hokitika
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Pavlova and caramel ice cream (and a kiwi fruit inside the Pavlova!) from Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
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The BEST hazelnut latte I have ever had in my life! Full of Beans Cafe, Franz Josef
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Dessert pizza with apples, cinnamon, and cranberry crumble, with a side of white chocolate, berry coulis, and ice cream! From Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza, Queenstown
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Kiwi treats! Left: chocolate and caramel bar; Right: something called a “Lolly” bar! From the grocery store, Greymouth
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Classiest cappuccino ever from the Coffee Exchange, Queenstown
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Cream bun with chocolate, Afghan cookie, tan cookie bar
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A most elegant treat: salted caramel delice with passionfruit, pistachio crisp, and popcorn from Fiddlesticks, Christchurch

Are you ready to eat your way through New Zealand’s South Island? What would you like to try first?

Craving more of New Zealand? Check out my New Zealand Page!

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