Renowned for its exceptional food and wine, New Zealand’s thriving culinary scene is underpinned by a farm-to-table philosophy. Blending Māori, European and other global influences, this mecca for gastronomic innovation celebrates the sustainable, seasonal and hyper-local. This ethos is certainly influenced by the nation’s reverence for nature, a connection deeply ingrained in Māori culture. 

In a place where landscapes run the gamut from bubbling geothermal pools and jagged glaciers to spellbinding fjords and idyllic beaches, it’s easy to understand why nature is such an important part of New Zealanders’ daily life and cuisine. Discover The Land of the Long White Cloud, where epicurean treasures and mesmerising wilderness converge, promising a feast for the senses at every turn. 

Food or ‘kai’ has always played a significant role in Māori culture and identity. Rooted in a deep connection to the land and sea, Māori communities traditionally hunted, gathered and farmed, drawing sustenance from the forest, rivers and ocean. More than just a source of nourishment, kai is anchored in the Māori relationship with the environment, ancestors and ceremony, as well as the core value of hospitality and providing for others. Over time, Māori cuisine has evolved – combining traditional techniques and native ingredients with a unique tapestry of European, Polynesian and Asian influences. For travellers, tasting these dishes offers a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich heritage. 

For an unforgettable evening of culture and cuisine, visit Te Pā Tū in Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island. Nestled in the forest, the replica Māori village offers immersive experiences that change with each season of the Māori lunar calendar. Be welcomed with a haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome) and kai horotai (indigenous canapés), which may include specialties such as sautéed prawn wrapped in kawakawa leaf and creamed pāua (abalone). Savour a seasonal three-course dinner that blends tradition with contemporary flair, offering innovative dishes crafted by leading Māori chefs. The kai matua (main course) features traditional hāngī, a time-honoured method of cooking in underground earth ovens. Throughout the evening, enjoy captivating performances that weave together ritual, song and storytelling. 

Spectacular nature and exceptional cuisine are the hallmarks of any journey through New Zealand, and naturally, the two are seamlessly intertwined. As you discover the striking South Island, there’s no shortage of exquisite culinary experiences in truly unsurpassed settings. One such establishment is the Canopy Restaurant & Bar at Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Here, relish fine dining amid a dense canopy of native rainforest, just a stone’s throw away from Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. 

With a four-course degustation menu expertly crafted to showcase local produce, highlights include merino lamb loin with Israeli cous cous, goat cheese labneh, burnt eggplant and baba ghanoush, and forest mushroom risotto with roasted Swiss browns and truffle mascarpone. Dessert invites a moment of indulgence, with a range of decadent dishes on offer, from a fudgy chocolate torte and berry compote to a creamy Otago bush honey panna cotta, served with fresh strawberries, honeycomb and macaroon. 

Venture to the Alpine Restaurant at the iconic Hermitage Hotel, where contemporary fare is served buffet style alongside extraordinary views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Think antipasti, Cajun-spiced prawn skewers, Marlborough green shell mussels, Canterbury lamb rump, velvety cauliflower gratin, and the like. End on a sweet note with a buttery lemon meringue tart and silky chocolate mousse. 

Visit Allan Scott Family Winemakers, a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of the Marlborough region’s famed ‘Golden Mile’ on Jacksons Road. Enjoy a wine tasting followed by a decadent banquet lunch that champions seasonal ingredients and an intricate fusion of flavours. Savour the likes of crunchy flatbread, served with smoked eggplant hummus and a tangy pomegranate molasses. Indulge in the soulful flavours of slow cooking with a 16-hour braised South Island beef brisket. And tantalise your tastebuds with a fresh noodle and bean shoot salad with crispy shallots. Afterwards, relish time to wander through the magnificent gardens that surround the cellar door. 

An immersive dining experience awaits at Riverside Kitchen, situated above Christchurch’s famed Riverside Market. Be greeted with a welcome cocktail crafted with Curiosity Gin, a small batch craft gin distillery that blends New Zealand native botanicals. Enjoy a canapé as you watch a cooking demonstration, showcasing delicious local produce from the market and Kiwi cuisine. Then, indulge in a sumptuous three-course dinner, where each meal is paired with a local wine. 

Among the potential starters is kawakawa, beetroot and gin cured salmon with dill cream and smoky dukkha. The exquisite tapestry of flavours is paired with a Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon, which bursts with tropical notes of guava, pineapple and melon, layered with hints of grapefruit, honeysuckle and herbs. For the main, you may savour the flavours of the land with a slow roast lamb shoulder, duck fat potato and seasonal sides, paired with a plummy, spicy Greystone Pinot Noir. For the closing act, perhaps a vanilla panna cotta with seasonal fruit, complemented by the zesty tang of a Pegasus Bay Aria. 

Throughout your New Zealand luxury vacation with APT, we work with you to personalise your journey to suit your interests. With Freedom of Choice™ dining available in Queenstown, enjoy the flexibility to choose from a range of restaurants, so you can indulge your culinary preferences. Soak up expansive views at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar on Bob's Peak or sample fresh seafood at Finz Restaurant. If you’re interested in cruises around New Zealand, board a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm, a secluded dining destination set across the peaceful waters of Lake Wakatipu. Alternatively, dine at your hotel, or decide for yourself whether Fergburger lives up to its reputation as the home of the world’s best burgers. The choice is yours. 

From farm to table, north to south, New Zealand is renowned for its innovative culinary scene, fusion dining, and locally sourced produce. Expertly prepared and served with a gastronomic passion, every meal on your journey with APT will be an experience in its own right. 

Words by Jemma Glucina-Henderson