By Pamela Nandi | Aug 27, 2019

Sharing my gastronomical journeys during my dream vacation at New Zealand (NORTH ISLAND) – Auckland, Matamata, Rotorua and of course the capital city – Wellington.

After travelling to many beautiful destinations around the world, this is one of the most memorable trips of my lifetime, situated southeast of Australia. No doubt New Zealand is one of the most spectacular places on earth, but there’s a lot to discover in terms of food culture beyond its picturesque landscapes. When it comes to New Zealand gastronomy, the cuisines are largely driven by local ingredients and seasonal variations i.e. Kiwi favourites and inspired by Maori culture (the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand).

DESTINATION1: AUCKLAND (NORTH ISLAND)

My food journey started from its most populous major city in the North Island of New Zealand’s – Auckland surrounded by large harbours, circling beautiful skylines from its iconic tow – Sky Tower and lined with bars and cafes.

My first day began by enjoying a great breakfast that is what I have been craving for since long at a cosy street-side café – Esquires Cafe Hobson St. located across the street next to Sky Tower before kicking off my sightseeing tour of the beautiful city. It’s true that a city can best showcase its taste with how well it does breakfast.

A great way to begin an indulgent dream vacation with this classic EGGS BENEDICT followed by an espresso-based coffee – FLAT WHITE.

EGGS BENEDICT – The traditional American breakfast served with two halves of hot buttered toasted English muffin topped with poached egg, warm streaky bacon, and luxurious hollandaise sauce (made with butter, egg yolks, lime juice, heavy cream, and salt and pepper).

FLAT WHITE – The concept originated in Australia, New Zealand. An espresso-based coffee drink accompanied with steamed milk and microfoam (thin foamed coffee). A creamy mouthfeel of steamed milk was a perfect choice.

After a long days tour, its time for some refreshments. Heard a lot about this incredibly addictive signature ice cream of New Zealand 🇳🇿 – HOKEY POKEY. HOKEY POKEY in New Zealand means honeycomb toffee. Plain Vanilla Ice Cream with solid lumps of honeycomb toffee. Post my heavy sublime breakfast, this dessert just melted my heart at Sky Cafe, Sky City, Sky Tower while watching the breathtaking view of city’s skyline from this iconic landmark – Sky Tower.

Its dinner time and my day ended be enjoying some Asian Flavours – Stir-Fried Pork Noodles and Spicy Pork Belly with Potatoe from a local take away joint – Hobson Express next to my hotel.

My other healthy breakfast option served in my room was this 5 fruits Toasted Muesli from the brand Serious Cereal which mainly supplies to hotels and motels. This delicious gluten free toasted muesli is loaded with apple, pineapple, papaya, raisins and cranberries and rich in fibre and whole-grain goodness- a great tasting way to start my day.

DESTINATION2: MATAMATA (NORTH ISLAND)

My next destination was Matamata ( 2-hour drive), 160 km away from Auckland – a town in the shadow of the Kaimai Range Mountains, on New Zealand’s North Island. A place for must-visit if you’re a Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan – Hobbiton Movie Set.

My day started at 6 AM in the morning with an early morning breakfast for ON THE GO with some protein bars and light sandwiches.

This Dutch Salami – Verkerks brand (a New Zealand family-owned business for over 60 years) with finely textured salami, mild-flavoured with coriander, garlic and pepper from the local Convenience Stores – on bread just tasted exceptional.

Breakfast on the go – High Energy Protein Bars

Post enjoying the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, its time to try for some serious refreshments. Yes, its Ginger Beer – a must-try when in New Zealand. Sit by the fireplace and say cheers 🍻 to the best Ginger Beer of New Zealand that comes as a complimentary from Green Dragon Inn Pub during Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. A sweet, fruity tinge with a take of old times and fresh juicy ginger just elevated my mood.

DESTINATION3: ROTORUA (NORTH ISLAND)

My visit to North Island in New Zealand would have remained incomplete without visiting the city – Rotorua – 228 Km (3-hour drive) from Auckland that is world renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.

Tried this Lemon & Paeroa, also known as L&P during my lunchtime at Rotorua – a MUST TRY world-famous drink in New Zealand. Sweet soft drink manufactured in New Zealand only since 1907 made by combining lemon juice with carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa. Now owned and manufactured by multi-national Coca-Cola.

Now its time to relish some New Zealand Lamb that offers a more pronounced flavour than any other parts of the world. A memorable lunch at Rotorua’s that has bagged 2 awards – Best Cafe Winner at the 2017 and 2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards – Third Place Café located right in front of Rotorua Lake.

Middle Eastern Spring Lamb Platter – Spiced seared spring succulent lamb strips accompanied with toasted pita bread, crispy falafels, hummus, mint yoghurt, shredded lettuce & kasundi.

And some ice cream on the way back to Auckland, melting my heart with this royal treat – MAGNUM after a beautiful day.

DESTINATION4: WELLINGTON (NORTH ISLAND)

Finally, my vacation ends at the ‘Windy Wellington‘, the culinary capital of New Zealand – most populous urban area of New Zealand ringed by waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a busy harbour, great cafes and timber houses on the hills near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait.

My first day at Wellington kicked off with a Sightseeing tour to explore this cosmopolitan city while heading to the first attraction i.e. the iconic red Wellington Cable Car that commutes from Lambton Quay to the Wellington Botanic Gardens.

Just next to Lambton Quay cable car station, I discovered our very own McDonald’s joint that is well known for its Kiwi Burger in New Zealand. The Kiwiburger that contains NO KIWI. A special hamburger with a four-ounce beef patty, griddle egg, beetroot, tomato, lettuce, cheese, onions, mustard, and tomato sauce on a toasted bun, totally unique to New Zealand.

My city sightseeing tour ended with a late lunch at Cable Top Eatery – a popular cafe in Wellington that boasts with a magnificent view overlooking the city, next to Cable Car Museum.

The recommendation came to try another variation on Eggs Benedict i.e. with Smoked Salmon served with two halves of hot buttered toasted English muffin topped with poached egg, and luxurious hollandaise sauce (made with butter, egg yolks, lime juice, heavy cream, and salt and pepper).

Nothing beats a great milkshake over a food that is sublime. The Cookie Ice Cream Shake – indulged in this chilled simple and delicious one blender treat churned with cookies and ice cream.

Now its time to say ‘Good Bye’ to New Zealand and I cannot afford to leave this beautiful Kiwi land without trying some local piggy pizzas. After a tiring, but joyful day and my last night at Wellington, I opted to order some pizzas from my hotel room. Hell Pizza – an essential stop for pizza lovers. A New Zealand-based pizza chain that serves the best pizzas.

Please click on the link below –

Details of my gastronomical journey in South Island

Happy Journey !!!