Eating in New Zealand

New Zealand's features a Pacific Rim cuisine style that is inspired by Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan, China and Vietnam. This unique blend of influences offers a range of flavours and is available throughout the country.

For dishes that have a distinctly New Zealand style, look out for:

• meat - lamb, pork and venison
• seafood - salmon, crayfish, Bluff oysters, paua (abalone), mussels and scallops
• vegetables - kumara (sweet potato)
• fruit - kiwi fruit and tamarillo
• dessert - pavlova, our national dessert, made from meringue with fresh whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit or berries.

Fitting with the more casual island lifestyle, there are more relaxed cafe-bar dining rather than formal high dining experiences. Tipping is not generally expected.

Locally produced New Zealand wines are of an international standard with some ranking among the best in the world. A good selection of local and imported wines is available at most supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. There are also many award-winning wineries.

Casual Dining

Sky Lounge - Coffee, light refreshments, and more are available at the highest café in the Southern hemisphere.

Wagamama - With more than 90 restaurants around the world, Wagamama offers authentic Asian cuisine on a budget. The restaurants are modeled after the Japanese ramen bars, and offer a huge variety of Asian cuisine.

Sale St Brewery - SFood is offered an a la carte menu, 'up-market grazing' bar snacks, gourmet pizzas, weekend brunch, morning tea and an array of sizzling hot plates.

Westfield Downtown Foodcourt - With a huge variety of food stalls to choose from, this is a great place to enjoy a meal to dine in or take away. Muffin Break, Chinese at Orient Express, noodles at Noodle Express or sushi at Minato Sushi are among the many options.

The White Lady - This has been an iconic eatery in Auckland since 1948. From burgers to toasted sandwiches to milk shakes, The White Lady is a take away experience not to be missed.

Revive - Fresh and healthy, Revive is a vegetarian haven. The meals change daily and the salads weekly.

Burger Fuel - Offers an array of gourmet burgers ranging from chicken, vegetarian, vegan, beef and gluten free.

Salad Works - Looking for a healthy lunch option? Fresh tossed salad from Salad Works are an excellent way to ensure a delicious serving of fruits and vegetables daily.

Restaurants

Orbit Revolving Restaurant - Stunning food with 360 degree views to match. Located 190m up Sky Tower, Orbit stands out as Auckland's top dining experience.
Guests also enjoy complimentary access to Sky Tower's main observation deck before or after dining. (Observation level closes at 10.30pm)

The Observatory - also located in the Sky Tower, serves brasserie-style buffet with stunning seafood specialties and the best view in town.
Guests also enjoy complimentary access to Sky Tower's main observation deck before or after dining. (Observation level closes at 10.30pm)

Elliott Stables - An epicentre of style, tucked away in a neighbourhood of substance, Elliott Stables' gourmet food village is rekindles the character of an earlier era.

The French Cafe - offers contemporary European cuisine in a sophisticated and intimate environment. The restaurant has a relaxed bar for pre and post dinner drinks, conservatory room over looking the courtyard and courtyard dining when weather permits.

O'Connell Street Bistro - Intimate dining room of twelve tables created in the theme of a modern European back-street bistro. A fine dining experience not to be missed.

Mecca - Modern cuisine with a strong Mediterranean influence, and the ultimate in fresh roasted coffee. Popular place offering a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Chow - Recently awarded 2008's Best Asian Fusion by Metro Magazine, Chow is conveniently located on Pakenham Street East, over looking the Viaduct. Described as a restaurant with ego, attitude and ambition, Chow has only been serving Auckland customers since the beginning of 2008 - but has been serving Wellington customers for over seven years. Highly recommended are the lunch specials and deals on Mondays and Wednesdays.