Waikaia, located in Southland, New Zealand, offers a diverse food and drink scene with small, friendly townships featuring numerous cafes and pubs. Visitors are encouraged to try the local delicacy, whitebait fritters, while exploring the culinary offerings. Southland's rich soils provide an abundance of local seasonal food, with many cafes and restaurants serving farm fresh produce and traditional dishes. The region's multicultural diversity brings new culinary traditions, offering options from sushi bowls and dumplings to wild hare and river-run trout.
Southland's food scene extends beyond restaurants, with bars, pubs, breweries, food trucks, and takeaway options available throughout the region. Food tours and cooking classes provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about local delicacies and taste southern fare.