East Cape
This mod place down by the water caters to the conference and wedding sets, but the restaurant is open to all-comers. There's a cafe here too, for…
Must-see restaurants in New Zealand
Buller Region
Savoury pies and slices are the go-to choices at this pink-and-pistachio bakery cafe. We're fond of the pork belly and apple pie, topped with a piece of…
Bay of Islands
Thai fabrics adorn the tables and Thai favourites fill the menu of this casual, bar-like place. You won't miss it, a tuk-tuk on the front deck gives the…
Mount Mainstreet Farmers Market
Bay of Plenty
Roll up to the local farmers market for a Sunday-morning fix-me-up: fresh fruit and vegies, coffee, pastries, honey, cheese, juices… Arts and crafts are…
Bay of Plenty
This self-serve all-you-can-eat Chinese place is a local favourite for a bargain bain-marie blowout. Despite the cavernous interior it's often full to the…
Auckland
This Devonport cafe is set a little back from the main tourist strip, and serves a tasty mix of cafe classics and Southeast Asian dishes to locals in the…
Auckland Region
Call in for pies and other baked goods, groceries and ice creams. The attached Lion Rock Surf Shop (www.lionrocksurfshop.com) rents surfboards and body…
The Wairarapa
'Ten CC' delivers beaut baking, scrumptious pies, simple sandwiches, gelato and cookies (of course). Take away or sit down with a decent cup of coffee or…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Set up on the side terrace of the Kohukohu Hotel, this little pavement cafe serves decent coffee and simple food including bagels, pies and cooked…
Nelson
Community-owned and operated, feel-good business stocking produce, organic tipples and natural body care. Food to go, plus good coffee and cafe fare on…
Fiordland & Southland
If you're a fan of freshly smoked salmon, pop up to the smokehouse to see if anyone's in. This sweet, hot-smoked fish is a tasty treat for a picnic or…
Wellington
Down on the corner, the curvaceous Lido just keeps packing them in with its funky retro architecture, live music on Saturday nights and excellent cafe…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
This stylish and buzzing restaurant and bar offers excellent Southeast Asian flavours, mainly from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Try the Madurese goat curry.
Central Otago
Grab a table inside or out and tuck into cakes, slices, waffles and delicious burgers. The robust takeaway sandwiches are perfect for lunch on two wheels.
Hauraki Gulf Islands
If you haven’t packed a picnic, this idyllically situated eatery serves tasty lunches, Devonshire teas with freshly baked scones, and hearty dinners.
Wellington
This cheery noodle house cranks out tasty vegie and vegan Malaysian and Chinese dishes (including kick-ass dumplings) in easy-clean, overlit surrounds.
Coromandel Peninsula
Although the bright lighting may not induce romance, the tangy Thai dishes will provide a warm glow at this long-established and popular local eatery.
Auckland
Part of a culinary makeover of a former department store, the Commons is a spacious and sophisticated combination of elegant restaurant and buzzy bar.
Christchurch & Canterbury
If you want to stock up on supplies, this is your best chance, with odds-on for egg sandwiches, hot chips, decent coffee, basic groceries and petrol.
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Hugely popular, this humble-looking and humbly priced eatery has the best dahi puri (chickpea, potato and yoghurt on a pappadam) in town.
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Owned by a friendly Jordanian family, Petra serves up light, healthy kebabs. The dips and salads are also worth the short train ride to Kingsland.
Hawke's Bay
There are plenty of sweet slices, pizza wedges and buns with luminous cream icing here, but what you really want is the steak-and-mushroom pie.
Central Otago
Opposite the railway station, Quench lives up to its name with cooked breakfasts, pies and burgers, as well as ice-cold Speight’s on tap.
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
This shop-cum-service station stocks groceries and tramping food. Fill your backpack here before doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Nelson Region
The best of several Mot bakeries and worth every delectable calorie. Lots of French fancies, delicious pies and bread with bite.
Bay of Islands & Northland
This longstanding cafe has outdoor tables overlooking the forest of yacht masts, and indoor seating that segues into a gallery.
The Far North
Longstanding Bidz sells fresh fish, and the best fish, chips and burgers in town. There's also a small grocery store attached.
Auckland
The highlight is the 'lump rice', a prosaically named but very tasty array of curries cooked with spicy rice in a banana leaf.
Nelson
Five-minutes' walk from the cathedral steps, this cracker chippy wraps up tasty fried treats with a smile. Small eat-in area.
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Self-caterers should head for New World, your best bet for stocking up before heading to National Park Village or Whakapapa.
Wanaka
Grab a few of the finer things for your backpack or that picnic stash at this buono grocery store.
Nelson Region
The attractive dining room of the Alpine Lodge serves burgers, fish of the day, Thai beer salad and pizza.
Christchurch & Canterbury
The town's only supermarket, this is the place for self-caterers and campers to stock up on essentials.
Dunedin
Student favourite with authentic Japanese and Korean dishes at a great price. Get your ramen fix here.
Coromandel Peninsula
A good source of planet-friendly vegetables, nuts, bread, eggs and meat. Good for vegan travellers.
Auckland Region
This popular licensed cafe serves cooked breakfasts and lunches, along with tempting counter food.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Fox's village store provides all the basics, including some fresh produce and ample frozen goods.
Christchurch & Canterbury
In peak season queues stretch out the door for this humble bakery's meat pies and filled rolls.
Buller Region
The best supermarket for miles is located on the main road. Try the bakery's apple turnovers.
