Kiwi Kai Kronicles: My Favorite New Zealand North Island Eats (thus far...)
- me !
- Jun 15
- 15 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Introduction
Oh we are so back
Kia ora, food lovers and fellow New Zealand adventurers! If you read my first post (not me self-endorsing already 🤡), you'll know just how special New Zealand is to me. (Did I cry looking out the plane window when we landed? That’s a secret I’ll never tell—xoxo, the little things blogger.)
After years of dreaming, praying, and manifesting, I finally made it happen in August 2024!! As an ode to the trip of my dreams, I've decided to create a smol (or should I say little—wink wink) series on all things Kiwi—from prepping for your adventure (see my New Zealand Starter Pack for that!), to my favorite munchies, memorable stays, and all the hidden gems I stumbled across along the way. 😊
In a bold act of marketing manipulation (aka ✨strategy✨), I’ve split this into two parts: North Island and South Island. This post? All about the North.
My credentials?
I am a [self-acclaimed] super taster
I like to eat (a lot)
I suffer from a condition called hangriness, in which I transform into a gremlin when I skip meals 👹
My international itineraries are…well, basically just elaborate food tours.
Anyhoo, I'm not sure if I've quite convinced you to follow along or scared you away, but I hope you all find this helpful, amusing, or all of the above (and you may roast me ~gently~ if I have led you astray in any way).
Well, let's get on with it! Yeehaw 🤠
Wellington
Wellington was easily one of favorite foodie stops. A culinary city in its own right, Wellington is the place for adventurous palates on the hunt for high-quality, diverse, and downright delicious eats.
Fresko Fish & Chips
Did you really go to New Zealand if you didn’t get some fish n’ chips? The trick, of course, is to find the BEST fish n' chips. And let me tell you: Fresko Fish & Chips did NOT disappoint (okay, I'll stop yelling at you, but I promise it's that good 😤).
What distinguishes this fine establishment from all the rest?
Its superbly crispy-yet-fluffy fries
Its unique "fish" offerings that go beyond the usual suspects
My advice? Get the squid! It's deliciously succulent and offers a new flavor in the fish n' chip family. Or, you can be boring and get the cod. (All jokes, you'll actually just be classy. We don't judge here 😌)
The Know How
Cuisine: Seafood, Fast Food
Vibe: Casual Lunch or a Quick Nibble
Cost: $
Seating: Outdoor only, right on beautiful Lyall Bay (so for all you winter travelers, layer up!)
Also, steel yourself for some pretty intense staring contests with the local seagulls 👁️👄👁️
Reservations? No need—just walk right up to the counter and order!
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1154 Pastaria
We honestly stumbled upon 1154 Pastaria by accident as we wandered through Cuba Street, but boy am I glad we did. I'll be the first to admit that pasta is not usually the first cuisine my brain computes when it comes to cravings AKA I'm only down to eat pasta if it's GOOD. And that it twas.
What sets this Italian eatery apart for me is the texture of the pasta paired with flavors that feel familiar with an elevated twist. You'll get your classic tomato sauce but cut with some chili and flavored with salty umami offered by fresh prawns; your cream sauce but punctured with the pungent truffle and softened with sweet garlic.
As someone who appreciates the little things, I loved that the dishes here offered unique flavor profiles through masterfully combined ingredients I wouldn't have thought of adding to the good, ole classics.
Plus, I felt like Ratatouille IRL, and who doesn't want to feel like they're a rat with an incredibly sophisticated flavor palate who can cook and sway the heartless food critic into a sweet, lover of food and successfully open their own restaurant?
Don't forget to top off your meal with their panna cotta! Normally I'm more of a substantive dessert kind of gal (yes, I'm aware that this may not even be a people group but happy to start the club), but I still remember where I was when I tried my first panna cotta *gazes wistfully into the middle distance*. All this to say, if you haven't tried this creamy, light yet satisfying dessert, start now. Or add it to your running list.
Oh! And one more thing. If you have a stove handy during your travels, they offer take-home meal kits that we were so tempted to snag! So, if you're feeling a cozy night in, you have delicious options at hand.
The Know How
Cuisine: Italian
Vibe: Casual Lunch or Dinner
Cost: $$
Seating: Indoors! Nab the window counter for premium people‑watching while you twirl your noods.
Reservations?: Walk right on up to the counter to order—no reservations needed.
Click the right arrow to see the whole shebang!
Koji
A haiku dedicated to my beloved Koji:
A haven of flavor
Your dishes leave me speechless
divine, unforgettable
Oh where do I begin? This was by far one of my favorite eats of our trip. A small, seemingly humble restaurant nestled in the foothills of Mt. Victoria, Koji masterfully brings innovative, well-executed Asian flavors through local, New Zealand produce.
This is definitely one of those meals that might cost a few more dollars than average, but if you want to treat yourself once or twice on your trip, I would definitely prioritize this restaurant. We were back-and-forth on whether or not to go here, but after enthusiastic local recommendations, we went for it! We managed to snag a walk-in table (thank you, weird eating schedule), but reservations are definitely the smarter route.
If you go, I would definitely recommend the "Feed Me" option, a nine-dish tasting journey of Koji’s best. If you go with this option, come hungry and PACE YOURSELF!!!!!! Not to be dramatic but my biggest regret (in life obviously) was mowing through the first four dishes with zero self-control and then feeling tragically full by dish five (dw, I did indeed survive the feat).
🥢 Highlights:
Chicken & Prawn Dumplings
Miso Dengaku Eggplant
Sesame-Crusted Salmon
Udon Noodles
Ugh, honestly not a single dish missed—truly one-of-a-kind and an explosion of both familiar and new flavors. I'll also add that the service was delightful and professional.
The Know How
Cuisine: Asian
Vibe: Posh Dinner
Cost: $$$
Seating: Indoors! Kiwi culture is generally lax when it comes to dinner attire, but I would definitely not come in your athletic wear. Somewhere between casual and dressy should fit the bill.
Reservations? Highly recommend. It’s a local fave and fills up fast, according to my local poll. But if you're feeling lucky, you may be able to get a walk-in table.
Customs
Story time: My first "big girl" splurge after landing my first job was my pride and joy, my Breville Espresso machine (albeit secondhand off FB Marketplace). The very next morning I woke up, crowned myself a coffee connoisseur, and began traveling the world to hunt for the finest bean.
Ok, ok ignore the previous sentence. In all seriousness, my espresso machine has cultivated a special appreciation for the depth and range of flavors different beans can bring. Not gonna lie ,I go to bed excited for my morning brew.
That being said, whenever I go abroad, I'm always on the hunt for a bag of espresso beans to take back with me (highly recommend as gifts for loved ones as well!). Customs by far was one of the best cups of espresso I had while in New Zealand.
This little coffee shop offer a fantastic "third place" to grab a latte and chat with a friend (or fellow traveler) or get some alone time reading or working. The warm wood tones bring a touch of cozyness that makes it easy to nestle in, and the wide windows at the front of the door bring in some lovely natural lighting.
☕ Must‑Try Bites
Egg‑salad toastie. I REPEAT: get the egg‑salad toastie. And if eggs give you the ick you can GTFO out of this blog immediately as an egg lover of all shapes and sizes but preferably pasture-raised. To this day, I have not been able to replicate the most delicious egg salad I've ever had. What makes this toastie unique is it's light and delicate flavor with slight notes of nuttiness (perhaps sesame oil?). Honestly, the egg salad toastie was one of my favorite surprise bites.
Filled doughnuts. Soft, pillowy, and perfect alongside a flat white.
In addition to their toasties, Customs also offers a wide selection of beans with unique flavor notes (finally coming full circle here, people). Each bag describes their tasting notes so that you can find your perfect bean! Chat up the baristas—they’ll match you to the perfect roast based on brew method and flavor vibe.
The Know How
Cuisine: Specialty coffee, toasties & pastries
Vibe: Laid‑back Café or Perfect “Third Space” (If you don't get a toastie, you'll pay for it in the next life 🥰🥰🥰)
Cost: $
Seating: Indoor & Outdoors! Cozy wood inside; curb‑side tables for people‑watching.
Reservations? Walk on up to the counter and grab a seat to enjoy your coffee while you stare out the window and ponder how lucky you are to be adventuring in one of the best nations on the planet ✨
Duck Island Ice Cream
One thing about me: I WILL be having a sweet treat after my meal—so fight me if you think otherwise 🤺 (sorry feeling COMBATIVE today).
One of my favorite desserts during our trip was Duck Island Ice Cream on Cuba Street! For those of you from the Great American West Coast, this small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream shop likens to Salt & Straw—but with a Kiwi spin.
Their quirky, innovative flavors and silky, ultra-creamy texture set them apart in the increasingly competitive ice cream game. They also offer plenty of dairy-free and vegan options so that everyone can enjoy a bite (or should I say a lick?)!
🍦 My Top Flavor Pick:
Blueberry Buttermilk Gooey Butter Cake: This flavor has a unique tartiness that I have only been able to find at frozen yogurt shops. However, the lemony, gooey butter cake pieces add this delicious richness that is cut with the tartness of the blueberry jam. She's beauty, and she's grace.
The Know How
Cuisine: Dessert (aka a moral obligation after every meal)
Vibe: Ice Cream Shop
Cost: $
Seating: Indoor & Outdoors!
Reservations? Walk on up to the counter. Lines can be long, but they move fast so don't be disheartened!
Auckland
Our stay in Auckland was unfortunately short (although admittedly purposefully as our focus was largely on other cities during our trip), so my recommendation list will be rather short.
That said, while I didn’t get to try as much as I would’ve liked, Auckland’s food scene is known for being diverse, sophisticated, and refreshingly relaxed. I’m already dreaming of a future trip just to eat my way through the city properly.
So! Consider this section a tiny teaser, a sampling if you may, to get you started if Auckland’s on your list. More to come someday soon!
Thai E-Sarn
I admittedly had only one meal in Auckland central, but oh, what a meal it was. Arguably one of my more memorable meals purely due to how astounded the meal left me.
Since this was our last night in New Zealand, and we were pressed for time, we went for takeout. And as you all may have found out from your own unfortunate experiences, takeout can be hit or miss. But, let me tell you, as soon as we unwrapped all our treasures and took our first bite, there was no stopping us (hence why I have 0 pictures capturing this epic event).
I’ve always had a theory that it’s the hole-in-the-wall joints that serve the best dishes. Call it confirmation bias, but Thai E-Sarn proved that you truly can't judge a book by its cover. Although seemingly humble on the outside, this restaurant showcases all the Thai classics (plus some for the more adventurous eaters) but with elevated flavor profiles.
There's just something wonderfully delightful about expecting a dish and having it completely level up on you. It’s like hearing “Not Like Us” on the radio... vs. Kendrick dropping it at the Super Bowl and dissing Drake on national television. ✨ Immaculate ✨
Anyhoo, I digress. In terms of ordering, you really can't go wrong.
My Favorites:
Pad See Ew
Shrimp Paste Fried Rice
Any of the curries
My personal rule of thumb for Thai takeout? Get a noodle dish, a rice dish, and a curry. That’s the Holy Trinity. Trust 🙏🏽
The Know How
Cuisine: Thai
Vibe: Takeout or Casual Dinner/Lunch
Cost: $
Seating: Indoor
Reservations? Feel free to make a reservation to secure the bag, but you can also walk in!
Foreshore Indian Restaurant (Maraetai Beach)
Foreshore Indian Restaurant holds a very special place in my heart as it was my first meal in New Zealand. The entire experience felt like it was happening in 4D. The joy, the adrenaline, the pinch-me wonder of finally being in a country I’d dreamed of visiting since middle school.
We arrived at our Airbnb rather late, where we were greeted by one of our favorite hosts of our trip—with a bottle of champagne and Whittaker’s chocolate waiting in the fridge (a man of taste, clearly). While chatting with him, we learned that Foreshore Indian Restaurant was the place to go.
Set right on the shore of Maraetai Beach, east of Auckland proper, Foreshore Indian Restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Turkish dishes. The flavor profile is 10/10—each dish is executed with savory excellence. Even for the best of the restaurants out there, it's rare for all the dishes to be a hit yet Foreshore defies the odds. Speaking of best, Foreshore Indian Restaurant was knighted as one of the 100 best Kiwi restaurants in 2025 🥳
In terms of dishes, you really can't go wrong. But a few guiding thoughts:
Start with a classic (you’ll realize it’s better than you remember), then throw in something new.
Whatever you do, get 👏🏽 a 👏🏽 lamb 👏🏽 dish. I mean did you really go to New Zealand if you didn't order lamb? I don’t make the rules.
The curries and tandoori oven dishes are particularly noteworthy
My Picks:
Vegetable Samosas
Chili Chicken
Lamb Vindaloo
Garlic Naan
Aloo Paratha
I already yelled about the lamb, so I'll spare you further yapping since I'm feeling charitable 😌. However, I do want to explain two dishes listed that I had not tried before this trip - the Chili Chicken and the Aloo Paratha.
We chose the Chili Chicken as it was one of the restaurant's most well-reviewed dishes. From the Indo-Chinese submenu, this dish offers a gravy-like sauce flavored with soya sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, onions, and chili peppers (as the name implies). It's bright, rich, and very much so umami.
As for the Aloo Paratha, most frequent Indian food diners are more familiar with its cousin, naan. However, I fear I may I actually prefer paratha's to naan. What I love about parathas is that they are fried in ghee, creating these flaky, buttery layers that leave a wonderful flavor and texture mouthfeel...say less.
The Know How
Cuisine: Indian, Indo-Chinese, Turkish
Vibe: Takeout-friendly, Casual & Cozy Dinner or Lunch
Cost: $$
Seating: Indoor & outdoor seating with a beach view
Reservations? Feel free to make a reservation to secure the bag, but you can also walk in! Keep in mind that this local spot is quite popular, so it is often busy at peak hours. If you're feeling introverted, you can also order online through their website.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a peaceful city with deep cultural significance to the Maōri people. It's well known for its geothermal activity that lends a signature sulfuric smell to the air. Thanks to its fertile soil and mild climate, the region supports premium livestock and produce, making locally-sourced ingredients a cornerstone of its culinary identity.
Food culture in Rotorua is alive and well—from the famous Eat Street center to artisan cafes and fine-dining, I promise Rotorua will not disappoint if you come hungry!
Number 8 Wire
One thing to put on your foodie itinerary is a decent steakhouse. If you're in Rotorua, Number 8 Wire is the place to go. This restaurant is known for utilizing local, fresh ingredients to highlight its dish offerings. This spot perfectly balances cozy ambiance with an elevated dining experience. Try to snag a table by the window for some enjoyable people-watching as you enjoy your meal!
Particular Standouts:
The meat. One word: tender. Number Wire 8 features some of the best selected meats that I have tried. Juicy and succulent, the flavors from the meat alone are truly noteworthy. And, if there's one thing you need to try while in the country, it's good lamb. Pair this delicacy with one of their exceptional sauces (black garlic had me 😮💨) and some of their hearty, rich sides (particularly the potato gratin), and you'll be in heaven.
The wait staff. The servers were so kind in the most genuine way. They held the delicate balance of emotional intelligence in their serving—offering space while the meal was being enjoyed while also showing curiosity and small talk when it could be most enjoyed aka not mid meal (maybe one day we'll get this right in America 🙄).
All this to say, Number 8 Wire offers a complete 360° dining experience that will leave your feeling cozy and warm.
The Know How
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Vibe: Cozy and Elevated Dinner/Lunch
Cost: $$-$$$
Seating: Indoor & Outdoor
Reservations? Accepts reservations and walk-ins!
River's Catch
You just know someone's cookin' when you see that iconic canned ketchup. IYKYK.
The fish n' chips gods must have been smiling down upon us because we happened across this spot on our drive back to Auckland. River's Catch gets the crown for being my favorite 'fush and chups' meal we had during our adventure.
Family-owned by a sweet Filipino couple with extensive culinary training, this gem serves up the best of New Zealand in a box: sustainability, creativity, and comfort. My only regret is that I could not try more of their menu, including the inventive Adobo fish tacos!
We ordered a perfect medley of the River's Catch tacklebox, along with a couple of the a la carte options: scallops and crispy calamares! And let me tell you, they have perfected their craft: a crispy, light, and definitely not oily batter hugging a tender, flaky fish packed with flavor.
The calamares had a slightly different batter texture but tasty nonetheless. As a scallop lover, I knew I couldn't pass these bad boys up. They were so delicate yet rich in flavor. Heads up though: the scallop batter combo was a bit mushier in texture on the inside, so if you’re a texture person, that might be one to skip.
Oh, and the fries!! I'm normally not a thick-cut girlie, but for these, I will make an exception. Crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, these taters were the perfect pairing with the meal.
My tacklebox came with a salad reminiscent of coleslaw. One thing about me: I 👹HATE👹 a mayonnaise-heavy slaw. But this, this was not so (once again proving why River's Catch is indeed superior 😌). It was bright and citrusy and cut the fried meal perfectly. Also pro tip: squeeze that Meyer lemon allll over your meal. Similar to the coleslaw, the sweet acidity balances out the flavors and add a layer of delicious complexity.
The Know How
Cuisine: Seafood, Fast Food
Vibe: Takeout-friendly (highly recommend), Casual Lunch, or a Quick Nibble
Cost: $
Seating: Indoor & Outdoor
Reservations? Walk right on up to the counter to order!
BONUS CONTENT: Honorable Munchies
Me 🤝🏼 Snacks. What would our trip have been without all the munchies along the way (I mean, what else was I going to do in the car—enjoy the view? 🙃).
While I know there is an entire Avengers assembly of iconic New Zealand snacks I have yet to try, here are the ones I tried and loved:
Chicken Chips but the ETA Ripples brand ONLY 😤: I mean what are you even doing if you aren't shoving your hand into a bag of these. I seriously don’t understand why America hasn’t caught on to this flavor — it’s pure savory heaven. I know most people swear by the Bluebird brand, but I found ETA to deliver way more flavor. I haven’t tried Bluebird's Thin Cut version yet (and I do love a crisp, thin chip), so who knows, I might be swayed. But for now, it’s Team ETA all the way.
Mānuka Honey: This goes without saying, but New Zealand’s mānuka honey is some of the best in the world, thanks to the native mānuka tree. Known for its nutrient-rich, healing properties, it’s basically liquid gold. And yes, you should be packing a few jars in your suitcase.
If you get the chance, visit a local honey farm! I came across Arataki Honey during our roadtrip and fell in love with their wide flavor range. If you want to branch out, give their Kamahi honey a try, a specialty variety that's rich, sweet, creamy, and finishes with a delightful buttery aftertaste!
Whittaker's Chocolate: If Whittaker's has no lovers, then I'm dead. As a clinically diagnosed sweet tooth, you best KNOW it was love at first bite. In my 29 years of life, I've had a lot of chocolate, and I can confidently say this is the best chocolate I've ever tasted. Sweet, creamy, and satisfyingly thick, Whittaker's nails both texture and flavor in every bar. While their creative offerings are 🤌🏽, the real litmus test is their classic Milk Chocolate. Which is phenomenal, duh.
Mayceys sour gummies: While most will say go for the sour feijoas (which are tasty indeed), I much prefer the sour fruit mix. Not only do you get to experience that signature feijoa zing, but you also get some classics like peach, strawberry, and grape! What can I say, I like a lil diversity to my treats 🙂↕️
RJ's Fabulicious Sweets Duos Sour Gummy Rings: By now, you've probably caught on that I cannot refuse a sour candy coated in sugar. Same goes for RJ's sour gummy rings. The name is not overhyped because it is fabulicious indeed. What makes these stand out from among the rest is the depth of flavor and the unique combinations I've never had before: Raspberry, Pineapple, Blackcurrant, Orange and Watermelon—you won't be disappointed.
Hokey Pokey anything: Hokey Pokey might just be one of New Zealand's best kept secrets (although I have started noticing some ice cream pop-ups here and there in the States...we're catching on...slowly). Also known as honeycomb toffee, this crunchy confectionary has rich caramel notes and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that I fear may be my new addiction. While you can find Hokey Pokey-flavored ice cream at most local shops, I highly recommend getting your hands on Whittaker’s Hokey Pokey Crunch bar (and no, I am sadly not sponsored by Whittaker's Chocolate...yet)!
Closing Remarks
Well, our time together has come to an end. But don't you worry!! We’ll be zooming over to the South Island soon for a little group therapy session about all the food I miss from there 😭🍽️
Of course, there’s so much I didn’t get to try, so if you’ve been to any of these spots (or have your own must-visit recs), please drop them my way!
See ya soon, besties!
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