Must-try Dishes
Big Breakfast - A hearty plate piled with eggs, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, and hash browns, often served with toast and tomato relish. Locals indulge in this filling breakfast on lazy weekends at cafés, catching up with friends.
Hāngī - Traditional Māori Feast - A unique method where meats and vegetables are cooked in an underground oven, resulting in tender, smoky flavors. You'll find this local specialty at cultural festivals or family gatherings, as it’s a sign of community and sharing.
Fish and Chips - Crispy battered fish paired with golden fries, often enjoyed on the beach for that seaside experience. Locals tend to order this takeaway meal during sunny afternoons, grabbing some for a picnic while soaking in the views.
Kai Moana - Seafood Platter - A selection of fresh, local seafood such as greenshell mussels, pāua (abalone), and fish, often enjoyed raw or lightly cooked. These dishes are perfect for leisurely dinners and are best enjoyed during warm months, i.e., summer.
Chips and Gravy - Thick-cut fries topped with savory gravy, a simple yet comforting meal. This street food is commonly found at local takeaway shops late at night, often bringing back memories of a long night out with friends.
Seasonal Whitebait Fritters - Delicate whitebait fish mixed in a light batter and pan-fried, creating a crunchy texture. Best enjoyed during the spring when whitebait are in season, locals savor these at beachside cafés, often paired with a squeeze of lemon.
Piwi Pita - Venison Wrap - Tender sliced venison wrapped with salad and various condiments in pita bread, melding flavors perfectly. You’ll typically see this street food option enjoyed on the go during lunch breaks in the city, keeping it casual yet packed with flavor.
Desserts & Drinks
Flat White - Flat White (velvety coffee) - A rich espresso drink topped with velvety microfoam, making it extra creamy. Locals often enjoy it at their favorite cafes, with many variations sprouting up, especially during coffee festivals celebrating local roasters.
Waiwera Mineral Water - Waiwera (natural spring water) - Fresh spring water sourced from Waiwera, known for its unique mineral content, served chilled. It’s a refreshing option on hot days, usually bringing locals together at outdoor gatherings or picnics near the beach.
Speight's Ale - Speight's (local pale ale) - This iconic South Island beer is a full-flavored pale ale made from local hops and malted barley. It's typically enjoyed at sporting events or casual weekend barbecues, often paired with meat pies — just watch out for ordering the lighter “Gold” when you really want the original.
Cheese Roll - Cheese Roll (savory pastry) - A simple but delightful pastry filled with cheese and often seasoned with spring onions, then baked until golden. Commonly found at local bakeries, these are especially popular during winter when locals indulge in comfort food.
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream - Hokey Pokey (crunchy caramel) - Creamy vanilla ice cream with bits of crunchy honeycomb toffee mixed in, enjoyed cold, often in summer. It’s a classic Kiwi treat at beach outings or family BBQs, and if you order it with a “wafer,” you’ll get a nostalgic Kiwi touch that’s hard to beat!
By the way, if you’re planning to sip on a Speight's or indulge in Hokey Pokey, summer is prime-time to enjoy them as locals flock to the beaches and parks.
