It’s said that New Zealand produces enough food to feed a country of 40 million.

Agriculture is traditionally the top industry and export earner, and there aren’t that many people around in NZ (about 5 million) to eat all that is produced.

There is no shortage of food here, though visitors may be surprised at prices in supermarkets and restaurants. NZ is not a particularly cheap place to eat.

That said, as an multi-ethnic, immigrant society, you’ve got a lot to choose from.

As the population has diversified over the last 50 years or so, NZ has moved on from being a “meat & 3 veg” society with pubs closing at 6pm (until 1967!), to having an incredibly vibrant and diverse foodie and drinking scene, with a huge number of restaurants, cafes, craft breweries, wineries and freedom of choice.

These days, eating in NZ is a joy, not simply a way of staying alive for arriving immigrants. Get out and enjoy it!

Vegetarians, Vegans & Gluten-free