Aotea, New Zealand boasts a diverse food and drink scene that showcases the country's cultural heritage and sustainable farming practices. Fresh seafood, including crayfish, bluff oysters, and pāua (abalone), is a popular choice. Traditional Māori cuisine like hāngī, cooked in an earthen oven, can be savored at locations such as Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, Tamaki Māori Village, Te Puia, and Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
New Zealand's wine industry is globally acclaimed, with tours offering gourmet food and wine pairings at various wineries for visitors to sample local wines and regional cuisine. Craft beer enthusiasts can explore numerous microbreweries, with Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, and Auckland being hubs for unique brews.
The country is renowned for its Mānuka honey, known for its natural antibacterial properties and wide use in food, drinks, health products, and skincare. Honey shops and visitor centers like the Bay of Islands Honey Shop and Arataki Honey Visitor Centre provide tasting experiences and insights into honey production.
In recent years, New Zealand chefs have focused on celebrating ingredients from local waters, leading to the inclusion of national treasures like kina and pāua on menus. Restaurants such as Cazador in Auckland specialize in wild game meat, featuring locally sourced charcuterie made from grass-fed and free-range meats.