10 iconic dishes to try on your New Zealand road trip
One of the great things about travelling by campervan is discovering the flavours of the places you explore. New Zealand has plenty of delicious taste sensations to sample. And there really is no better way to discover and enjoy them than travelling in a Mighty campervan.
As you travel New Zealand, keep an eye out for farmers markets, fruit and produce stalls, and artisan bakers. New Zealand is dotted with fantastic food producers that you won’t find anywhere else in the world! Stock up on new and interesting ingredients and try creating some indulgent camping recipes for yourself.
But if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together this yummy list of the top 10 iconic dishes worth seeking out on your New Zealand road trip. From our favourite ice cream flavour to the ancient underground cooking method used by Māori for centuries, each offers a unique taste of New Zealand.
Ready to try something new? Let’s tuck in!
Rēwena Bread
Rēwena bread, also known as Māori bread, is a Kiwi culinary favourite rooted in Māori tradition. This sourdough-like bread uses a potato ‘starter’, giving it a distinct sour and slightly tangy taste. Not only does rēwena bread taste delicious, it also has an irresistibly soft, fluffy interior wrapped in a crispy exterior. Best savoured warm with a generous spread of butter, rēwena bread beautifully complements stews and soups. It’s also just as good as a breakfast toast or a snack. Keep an eye out at local markets, Māori community events, and certain specialty bakeries to get an authentic taste of this yummy bread.
TOP TIP: If you’re passing through the riverside town of Whanganui, pop into Jackson’s Rēwena Parāoa. The Jackson family has been baking their tasty rēwena bread since the 1800s.
Hāngī
For a true taste of New Zealand, you can’t go past an authentic hāngī. This traditional Māori method of cooking uses heated stones buried in a pit oven. Meats and vegetables, such as chicken, pork, kumara (sweet potato), and cabbage are placed in baskets and then lowered into the pit. Over many hours, the food absorbs the earthy, smoky flavours as it cooks slowly. A hāngī meal is best enjoyed in communal settings, symbolising unity and sharing.
TOP TIP: The best way to experience this unique and tasty offering? Plan your trip to include a visit to a Māori cultural centre, such as Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village or Te Puia.
Kiwi burger
No trip to New Zealand would be complete without trying the famous Kiwi Burger. This tasty meal is a uniquely New Zealand twist on the classic hamburger. A traditional Kiwi burger typically includes a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, beetroot, a fried egg, and often a slice of pineapple. Sandwiched between soft buns, this eclectic combination creates a burst of flavours guaranteed to become your new favourite. The richness of the beef patty complements the earthy sweetness of the beetroot, while the egg adds a creamy texture, making it irresistibly yummy. Perfect for outdoor picnics, Kiwi burgers are best enjoyed with a side of crispy fries and a cold drink. Thankfully, you won’t have to go too far to find this iconic dish. Most takeaway outlets and eateries have their own special version on offer.
TOP TIP: If your travels take you through Christchurch, stop in at Smash Palace where the Kiwi burgers are top-notch.
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Cool off with a classic scoop of hokey pokey ice cream, one of New Zealand’s most popular summer treats. This uniquely Kiwi indulgence is a mouth-watering blend of velvety vanilla ice cream peppered with chunks of honeycomb toffee. The subtle vanilla flavour contrasted by the sweet pops of honeycomb is what makes it truly irresistible. Best enjoyed in a cone as you travel the countryside in your campervan. Or for serious ice cream lovers, fill up a bowl and top with your favourite sauce or chopped fruits. You’ll find this tasty treat at most ice cream stores and dairies. And if you want a few litres to share, pick up a tub from the supermarket.
TOP TIP: Looking for a scoop near you? Try Tip Top’s scoop locator.
Lolly cake
With a combo of words such as ‘lolly’ and ‘cake’, you just know this one is going to be a sweet sensation. This irresistible treat is created using crushed malt biscuits, desiccated coconut, and sweetened condensed milk. But the star ingredient is the fruit puff lollies or marshmallow candies. These vibrant, chewy lollies, when combined with the other ingredients, come together in a colourful, textured slice that’s both visually appealing and delicious. The crunchy malt biscuit crumbs and the soft, fruity lollies create a mouth-watering contrast, making every bite an indulgent experience. Partner your slice with a cup of tea or coffee. But be warned, you won’t be able to stop at just one. In fact, we reckon you’ll be stocking up on ingredients from the supermarket to make your own!
Sample the best lolly cake ever at Fergbaker in Queenstown.
Paua fritters
Attention seafood lovers – this one’s for you! Paua fritters are a delicacy in New Zealand, offering a true taste of the country’s coastal bounty. Paua, a type of abalone, is prized for its rich, earthy, and slightly sweet flavour. To make fritters, finely minced paua is combined with ingredients like onion, egg, and flour, then fried until golden and crispy. The result is a delectable treat that Kiwis crave. Each bite offers a mouth-watering crunch on the outside, leading to a tender, flavourful core. Best enjoyed fresh out of the pan, paua fritters are super tasty with a squeeze of zesty lemon. Look out for freshly fried fitters at local farmers markets – perfect for a weekend brunch.
TOP TIP: Sample fresh, tasty paua fritters from Cods & Crays in Kaikōura. It’s right by the beach, so pick up your meal, head down to the water, and enjoy!
Whitebait fritters
Another must-try fritter on your New Zealand journey is the classic whitebait fritter. Whitebait, tiny juvenile fish, are combined with a simple batter, often just eggs. They’re then fried to create light, delicate fritters that celebrate the subtle flavour of the sea. They are best enjoyed hot with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon sandwiched between two slices of fresh white bread. Whitebait season is limited, so look out for these yummy fitters at local markets during September and October.
TOP TIP: Heading to Auckland? Plan your trip to include a visit to Waiheke Island. Book a table at The Oyster Inn and tuck into a serving of whitebait fritters… delish!
Fergburger
If your New Zealand road trip takes you to beautiful Queenstown, you’re in for a tasty treat. Park up your campervan and head straight to Fergburger. Gaining almost legendary status among locals and tourists alike, Fergburger serves up burgers that many claim are among the best in the world. The magic lies in the combination of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, generous portions, and a unique combination of flavours. There’s a burger for every time of the day – from breakfast to late-night snacks. Chicken, lamb, fish, pork, and even venison all feature on the menu. Choose your favourite, and if you’re seriously hungry, partner it with a side of hot crispy fries. But make sure you arrive with an empty stomach – these burgers really are generous. You may need a lie down afterwards!
TOP TIP: Still hungry? Need a snack for later? Pop next door to Fergbaker and pick up that lolly cake that you’ve been dreaming about!
Bluff oysters
Calling all oyster lovers. If your New Zealand road trip takes you to the bottom of the South Island during the months of March through August, you’re in for a treat. Fresh from the cold waters of the Foveaux Strait, Bluff oysters are a celebrated delicacy in New Zealand. Famous for their unique flavour and creamy texture, their full-bodied, succulent profile makes them a favourite among seafood aficionados. The authentic flavour of Bluff oysters is best appreciated in its natural state. That said, they’re also delicious battered, served Kilpatrick, or in a chowder. While they are widely available across New Zealand during the oyster season, the town of Bluff remains the epicentre of this delectable experience.
TOP TIP: Get your fill of these tasty offerings by heading to Bluff Oyster Festival, held in May each year.
Pavlova
Pavlova is a dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders, often sparking friendly rivalry with Australia over its origins. A basic pavlova includes a crisp meringue base with a soft marshmallow-like inside. But that’s just the beginning. Next comes a generous layer of freshly whipped cream and an array of delicious toppings. A traditional pav usually includes a selection of summer fruits like kiwifruit, strawberries, and passionfruit. This combination of textures and flavours – the crunchy meringue, the creamy centre, the velvety whipped cream, and the tangy fruits – results in a dessert that's both light and indulgent. Those visiting New Zealand will find pavlova gracing the menus of many restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. You can also try making your own by buying the meringue base from a supermarket and adding the toppings yourself.
Now that we’ve whet your appetite with a sample of a few tasty Kiwi treats, it’s time to try them for yourself. Take the first step toward your indulgent New Zealand road trip and book your Mighty campervan today.
Looking for more inspiration to help plan your campervan trip? Check out these handy guides:
