Hi! I did a bit of a gastronomic trip through NZ for a piece a couple of years ago and the one place I'd say not to miss is Wellington - it seems to be the foodie capital. Logan Brown is a lovely brasserie/bistro affair with a very gentlemen's club atmosphere, and Citron is, I think, the closest thing to a Michelin star that the town gets (the tasting menu is delicious, expensive, and goes on for nine courses).
I can't remember all the amazing places we went - I just remember that there were a lot of up and coming delis, coffee shops (there's one called revive where they roast and blend their own every day), fresh produce markets and great pastries. You really can't go wrong in Wellington, I think.
And then there's Marlborough of course. People go there for the wine but there is an extraordinary restaurant there in the Herzog winery, Hans Herzog the chef had a Michelin star in Switzerland and now produces this lovely lovely food in what feels like their own home dining room. And if you like chocolate, I would also really recommend Schoc, in Greytown (in the north island, not far from the Wairarapa valley) where the confectionery really is something different...
And finally, the fish and chips in Picton (the South Island where the ferry lands from the North Island) is delicious!
If it helps you any, here's the piece i wrote:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/feb/10/newzealand.travelfoodanddrink

Posted Jul 09, 2012

Awesome ones from above and totally agree - Logan Brown's restaurant is awesome and you can't visit Queenstown without going to Fergburger - there are queues for the burgers well into the early hours - don't worry they are efficient so doesn't take that long and you'll chat to some great people whilst you're waiting.

I would also have to add a few:

Fleur's Place in Moeraki - near the Moeraki Boulders in the South Island between Oamaru and Dunedin. The MOST AMAZING SEAFOOD EVER!! Rick Stein said it was the best seafood he'd ever had! Make sure you book if you can as can get busy for dinner.

Havelock (The South Island one) near Blenheim - go to The Slip Inn at the marina - by the boat launch ramp. Great food, and even better entertainment watching the boats come in and out - and occasionally people falling in too! Havelock is famous for it's Green Lipped Mussels so try the tasting plate and the blue cod is amazing too.

Finz Seafood Bar and Grill in Queenstown - Amazing food, amazing staff, great wine and right on the wharf overlooking the lake. Check out my review of it here: http://www.kapcha.co.nz/2012/06/finz-seafood-grill-in-queenstown/

In Auckland - there is a food court in the city centre that has every imaginable Asian country covered. Better yet it's sooooooo cheap and really yummy. Will try and find the name/location for you.

In Kingsland, Auckland - Canton Cafe - very good Chinese food - you can eat in or take away.

Bonjour Cafe in Arrowtown near Queenstown - awesome french inspired food/cafe including Croque Monsieur and Crepes!

In Christchurch a lot has gone post-earthquakes but definitely try Winnie Bagoes in Ferrymead for Pizzas, The Naked Baker on Beach Road in North New Brighton for cafe food/coffees, Cargo Bar on Lincoln Road near the centre - just because it's in a shipping container and is a great bar - does some not too bad bar food too, Honeypot Cafe on Colombo Street - great meals - sort of that home cooked rustic style.

If you're here in March then definitely try and fit in a trip to the Hokitika Wild Food Festival on the West Coast of the South Island. You'll be treated to some 'interesting' food including huhu grubs, stallion sperm shots and sheeps balls aka mountain oysters. http://www.kapcha.co.nz/2011/05/where-the-wild-things-are/

There are certain things you should try whilst here in NZ - lamb, mussels, West Coast white bait, hokey pokey ice cream, Bluff oysters from Southland, feijoas, pavalova, tamarillos, kiwi fruit - see the last paragraph of http://www.kapcha.co.nz/2012/07/world-food/

Hope this helps. :)

Posted Jul 10, 2012

Fergburger in Queenstown is a happening place. You should only go there if you're really hungry as the burgers are the size of your head.

If you pass through Havelock North on the North Island, find this place called Pipi's. It's a bright pink house with an outdoor garden. They serve amazing wood fire pizza/flat breads, cheese, and wine (among other things). With the homey atmosphere and the friendly staff, it feels like you're just enjoying a casual dinner party with friends. That was probably my favorite dining experience during my time in New Zealand.

Have a great trip!

Posted Jul 09, 2012

Dunedin, NZ is my stomping grounds so.... In the city centre: Albar for Scottish stovies (or dishes) and good beer, Velvet Burger for a laugh at the menu and a tasty burger, Circadian Rhythm Cafe for good vegan food, Capers is THE BEST BREAKFAST PLACE of all time, particularly for MASSIVE pancakes stuffed with fresh fruit and yogurt. All these places are in the city centre and on the cheaper side but there is certainly fine dining and loads of places outside the city centre too! If you're interested, let me know!

Posted Jul 11, 2012

Honestly, you're not going to NZ for the food. Where ever you can get a big bowl of cheap mussels, go for it, or fresh fish that is not fried.

There is a bakery in Picton that served the best meat pies i'd had in NZ, call Picton Village Bakery.

Enjoy!

Posted Jul 12, 2012

The Coffee House in Christchurch. Great coffee, of course, and delicious beautifully prepared food!

http://www.thecoffeehouse.co.nz

Posted Jul 16, 2012

Mussel Inn 20 minutes past Takaka on the way to the South Island's Golden Bay...a brewpub and restaurant like nowhere else in the country. Also, white bait patties from food stalls on the West Coast of the South Island, and seafood chowder from the roadside stalls in Kaikoura. Enjoy your trip!

Posted Jul 17, 2012