Savour the Seasons: Where to Enjoy New Zealand's Most Exquisite Eats
No matter the time of year, there's something exciting to discover (and taste) year-round.
Flick the switch to choose your season.
Savour the Seasons: Where to Enjoy New Zealand's Most Exquisite Eats
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No matter the time of year, there's something exciting to discover (and taste) year-round.
From agrarian restaurants and picturesque wineries to après-ski drinks, a foraging and cooking class, a farmers' market and even an oyster festival, Aotearoa New Zealand has a multitude of culinary experiences across every season.
New Zealand's hospitality scene is known for using seasonal produce that's locally sourced or foraged, paired with drinks by local winemakers, brewers and distillers. To really take advantage of this mindful approach, time your visit with the epicurean experiences you want to sample or partake in, so you can savour the seasonal ingredients and admire the creative ways they're used.
The beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand really starts to come to life through the different seasons. Cooler temperatures mean cosying up with award-winning cool-climate wines against views of the changing foliage and snowfall, while the warmer days of spring bring about al fresco dining, outdoor adventures and fresh seasonal produce. No matter when you visit, you're sure to be well looked after with a warm welcome and sense of manaakitanga, as locals share their knowledge and passion for the land.
We teamed up with 100% Pure New Zealand to highlight some delectable drinking and dining destinations around New Zealand for each season, so you can plan your trip based on the time of year that most appeals to you.
Flick the switch for seasonal dining experiences in autumn, winter and spring.
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You can’t beat the views at Rippon Winery — the family-owned vineyard sits on the western shores of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region, overlooking the Southern Alps.
The vineyard was named the best vineyard in Australasia and ranked 11th in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards list in 2023. Drink in the breathtaking views with a glass of their prestigious pinot noir at the cellar door. Tastings are free by appointment, or you can delve deeper with a tour or private tasting.
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Indulge in all things seafood at this food-fuelled annual autumn event. Since 2004, the festival has been celebrating Bluff oysters — harvested straight from the coastlines of Southland — during peak oyster season in May, with oyster shucking competitions, eating contests, food stalls and live music.
Whether you prefer your oysters raw, freshly battered or with accompaniments, there’s sure to be a style to suit your palate. Once you’ve had your fill of shellfish, there’s also muttonbird, lamb, pork, venison and sometimes even escargot dishes around the festival. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 24, 2025, and nab your tickets before they sell out.
Image: Miles Holden, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
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Take in the changing of the seasons at Ayrburn — an upscale food and wine precinct just outside of Queenstown. The sprawling dining destination boasts eight venues (soon to be nine) that are open daily, so even the fussiest of eaters are catered to.
Pull up a chair outside by the bubbling stream or indoors by the fireplace for all-day bistro dining at The Woolshed, sip on a wine flight in a restored farm building at The Manure Room, and keep the kids happy with a sweet treat from The Dairy. In the evening, there’s plenty of options for intimate drinks and dining, with cocktails by an outdoor fire at The Burr Bar or wine tastings in the subterranean Barrel Room.
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Aotearoa New Zealand is renowned across the globe for its wineries, but its breweries are not to be overlooked. Ideally situated on the top of the South Island with the sunniest climate in New Zealand, Nelson’s brewing history dates back to the 1840s, when German settlers first started cultivating hops in the region.
Spend a day following the Nelson Craft Beer Trail on foot, by bike or via a tour to explore the many breweries around Nelson. The trail takes you from Nelson City to Onekaka, with stops at 22 beer bars and breweries along the way, including New Zealand’s oldest pub.
Image: courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
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Experience some of Martinborough’s finest drops at The Runholder. The Runholder is home to not only two wineries, but also a gin distillery, tasting room and restaurant.
Sample tipples from Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin in the Tasting Room, or opt to elevate your sips with shared plates and main dishes in the Dining Room as you look out over the Martinborough Terrace. Depending on the weather, close out the day with a bottle of wine on the outdoor terrace or by the cosy fireplace. If you’re keen to experience more of what the region has to offer, you can also embark on a tour of the town and its 20-plus wineries, which are largely accessible by bike or on foot.
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The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail takes you through idyllic scenery and top-notch wineries from Hawke’s Bay on the North Island down to Marlborough on the South Island. With crisper temperatures and changing foliage, autumn is the perfect time to embark on the five-day vino voyage.
One of the trail’s many highlights is Craggy Range. Nestled at the base of the towering Te Mata Peak in Hawke’s Bay, the family-owned winery has been making award-winning drops since 1998. Drop in for a tour and tasting, or opt to pair your wine with canapés made using seasonal produce sourced from the property’s organic garden and local producers.
Image: Matt Crawford, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
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With a multi-course set menu that utilises the best seasonal produce directly from the restaurant’s garden or foraged from nearby, all you have to do at Hillside is sit back and enjoy.
The innovative restaurant in Wellington pushes culinary boundaries with plant-based dishes paired with drinks solely from Aotearoa New Zealand, which are free from any animal products. You won’t find any imitation meat here — the focus is on highlighting the flavours and aromatics of the fresh produce, rather than trying to transform them into something else.
Image: Asher Boote
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Take in the views of a tranquil lake and rolling vineyards at Glass House Kitchen. Situated on the sprawling Brick Bay vineyard only an hour north of Auckland, the restaurant serves seasonal produce in an enchanting space with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Most of the produce is sourced from the property’s vegetable garden, fruit orchard and farm, while its range of premium wines is handcrafted at the vineyard onsite. The property is also home to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, which features over 70 sculptures by New Zealand artists across two kilometres of bushland. The restaurant is open all day, from brunch to afternoon tea and dinner, so you can explore the property or go for a wine tasting between bites.
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Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t still visit the beach. The east coast of the North Island features stretches of tranquil beaches waiting to be explored, minus the hassle of the summer crowds. While you’re in Gisborne, settle in at Tahu for a long lunch or intimate dinner with waterfront views over Midway Beach.
The kitchen serves accessible yet elegant dishes that champion locally sourced produce, such as fish tacos with pineapple and cucumber salsa; pork belly bites with miso and date purée; lamb rump with chipotle and kumara purée and mint and parsley gremolata; and even bento boxes to delight the little ones.
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Cooler temperatures and cheese go hand in hand, and Whitestone Cheese Diner and Deli in the South Island’s Ōamaru is serving up just that.
Nibble on a cheese board of Whitestone’s own seasonal creations, or level this up with a pairing of cheese and local boutique wines. For something heartier, there’s a menu chock-full of cheesy goodness, from baked brie or jalapeño poppers with tasty cheese to a four-cheese mac and cheese, burgers, southern-style barbecue ribs and lemon cheesecake.
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Cosy up in this dimly lit downstairs bar and bistro, which serves contemporary Filipino fare using seasonal ingredients sourced from around Aotearoa New Zealand.
The menu changes seasonally, but past dishes have included spicy tuna on toast with mayo, anchovy and flying fish caviar; crab and prawn lumpia with plum sweet chilli; suglaw of grilled pork and raw tuna with nashi pear, macapuno and creme fraiche; and wild venison tartare with soy yoghurt, preserved plum and potato skin cracker.
Image: Bar Magda Instagram
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Add a sense of grandeur to your New Zealand adventure with a trip to the Ballroom Cafe at Larnach Castle.
The refined dining room features vaulted wooden beams and dazzling chandeliers, which pair with dishes like poached eggs, beer-battered fish and chips, and sesame lamb salad.
After finishing your feast, take the opportunity to explore one of just five locations in New Zealand to receive the prestigious ‘Garden of International Significance’ designation.
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When the Southern Alps are transformed by snowfall, the view at Lake Tekapo becomes even more breathtaking. The best way to take in the view is with a coffee in hand, so head to Astro Cafe for panoramic vistas, toasty drinks and snacks.
Perched atop Mount John, the unpretentious cafe has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, so you can take in the view from the comfort of the indoors. Work up an appetite with the 8.9-kilometre Mount John track, or take a scenic drive up to the mountain.
Image: Miles Holden, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
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Part of the sustainability-driven Sherwood boutique hotel, Sherwood Restaurant is all about a connection to the land.
Taking inspiration from the surrounding landscapes, the ever-changing menu is designed to reflect the seasons, using ingredients sourced from the onsite vegetable garden, foraged in the area or bought locally. The drinks list is equally mindful, featuring local natural wines and craft beers. That said, the restaurant is still laidback and accessible, with woodfired flatbreads, seafood, pasta, a Wagyu bavette and Lumina lamb shoulder.
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Escape the cold and discover a new favourite wine at The Puffin. The quirky bar pours organic, biodynamic and minimal intervention wines with a list that changes weekly. Hidden beneath the Intrepid Hotel, it’s a convenient spot to unwind after a day spent taking in the sights and culture of Wellington.
If wine isn’t your thing, The Puffin also offers cocktails, New Zealand beers, spirits and fortified wines that can be paired with a selection of small plates or a locally sourced cheese and charcuterie board.
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Set against a backdrop of staggering mountains on a tree-lined street, and only a short drive from Queenstown, The Fork and Tap exudes rustic charm. The beloved neighbourhood pub is housed in a 150-year-old building with a spacious deck, garden bar and fireplace outside, complemented by a modern dining room and open kitchen indoors.
Take your pick from 19 local craft beers on tap and Central Otago wines. If you get hungry, there’s a tight menu of uncomplicated pub fare, including pizzas, fish and chips, burgers, a pork belly sandwich and an eggplant parm. The pub also regularly welcomes local musicians, with live Irish music on Wednesdays.
Image: Photos by Leigh, The Fork and Tap Facebook
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Powderkeg has been a welcoming haven for skiers since 1989. The après-ski institution serves generous portions of food and refreshing tipples in an old-school, wood-lined space with a fireplace.
Whether you pull up at the bar for a beer or mulled wine or come to dine on Powderkeg’s hearty dishes, you’re sure to feel reinvigorated after a long day on the slopes. The kitchen uses local, organic produce where possible, with crowd-pleasing plates such as glazed pork belly with Asian salad, house-smoked pork ribs with fries, scotch fillet with red wine jus and potato and herb rosti, and spinach, pumpkin and cashew ravioli.
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Go from white-water rafting to munching on New Zealand’s best toasties in Rotorua. Okere Falls Store offers comforting cafe fare with a community-focused and eco-friendly ethos.
The menu includes beloved brunch classics such as Turkish eggs, chilli scramble, eggs benedict and banoffee waffles. From 11am, there’s also a pork belly noodle bowl, smash burger and, of course, its renowned loaded toastie. The eatery’s toasties won the Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover in 2022 and 2024. Wash it down with an icy craft beer — Okere Falls Store boasts the biggest selection in Rotorua — and then head to one of the thermal springs dotted around the area to soak away the chill.
Image: Okere Falls Store Instagram
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Only open during the ski season, this bustling restaurant and pub has skiers covered with everything from equipment rentals and lift passes to coffee, woodfired pizzas and New Zealand drops.
Nab a seat by the outdoor fire and revel in the day’s excitement over a local craft beer or Central Otago wine as you tuck into shared plates, pizzas and burgers. Depending on the night, you might get lucky with happy hour, quiz nights or live music and DJs late into the evening.
Image: Après by Cardrona Facebook
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With riverside views, two fireplaces and a menu of modern European fare that showcases seasonal produce, Miro is a dreamy place to hole up for half a day as you go from coffee to cocktails.
Come for elegant breakfast dishes — think French toast with matcha anglaise and butterbean toffee, hot honey and halloumi toast with avocado mousse, and truffled eggs with herbs and sourdough — and you’ll easily end up staying for lunch and afternoon bites by the fire.
Image: Miro Instagram
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Embrace the balmy spring temperatures with sparkling oceanfront views and bright wines at boutique winery Omata Estate. The vineyard is situated on a peninsular near Russell, overlooking the picturesque Bay of Islands.
Settle in at a table outdoors for a tasting flight of the vineyard’s pinot gris, rosé, chardonnay and syrah, which you can pair with a seafood or cheese platter, woodfired pizzas and gelato. For non-wine drinkers — though that might change after visiting the estate — there’s options ranging from coffee and soft drinks to beer, cider and cocktail jugs.
Image: Alistair Guthrie, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
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Nothing says spring like vibrant flowers, fresh produce and sunshine, and the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market has all that and more. About an hour’s drive from Auckland, Matakana Village is a great pit stop to pick up snacks and supplies on a road trip up to the Bay of Islands.
Held every Saturday from 8am–1pm, the market has 30-plus stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, flowers and bread to cakes, salad dressings, wine and hard kombucha. Listen to live music as you browse and grab some much-needed coffee and snacks along the way, like bacon and egg rolls, pies, crêpes and Belgian waffles.
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Taste the ocean as you look out onto the water with Azabu’s seafood-forward menu. The buzzing restaurant overlooks Mission Bay with a sweeping outdoor terrace illuminated with festoon lights.
Serving Japanese fare with Peruvian influences, the menu includes a wide array of raw fish, from sashimi omakase and sushi rolls to ceviche and tiradito, alongside cooked plates of tempura, dumplings and grilled meats.
Image: Azabu Mission Bay Website
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Spring is the season of renewal and growth, so what better time to get out amongst nature and show your appreciation for the land? At Hapuku Kitchen, you can join in for a farm-to-table cooking class or a multi-course meal made with foraged and sustainably farmed produce from Kaikōura.
Across four or six hours, you’ll forage for produce, collect eggs, feed the animals, do some planting, and then return to the kitchen to prepare your feast. After the class, you’ll be able to taste your creations with drinks from Canterbury and Marlborough winemakers and brewers. Other experiences include a catch-and-cook class with a two-hour fishing charter, a foraging and fishing adventure, and private cooking lessons and meals. Keep an eye on Hapuku Kitchen’s calendar for upcoming events.
Image: Miles Holden, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
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Helmed by chef Karl Martin-Boulton, The Green is a culinary celebration of the Waikato region. With a view over the Waikato River, the degustation menu changes each day and incorporates produce from local suppliers, growers and artisan producers.
It’ll be a meal you won’t easily forget as Martin-Boulton crafts each dish right in front of you at his eight-seater chef’s table. You won’t be presented with a menu when you arrive — instead, Martin-Boulton will carefully explain each item and answer any questions in a truly intimate dining experience.
Image: The Green Instagram
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You could easily spend a whole morning at Birdwoods, which comprises an outdoor sculpture garden, gallery, café and old-school sweet shop on a rural property just outside of Havelock North, in the stunning foodie paradise of Hawke’s Bay.
Meander through the gardens and gallery to discover works by New Zealand and African artists, and then continue to enjoy the sunshine outdoors with the cafe’s all-day brunch or lunch menu. The café also serves high tea in the conservatory at 10.30am or 2.30pm, which comes with a small bottle of bubbles. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the sweet shop, housed in an old Victorian cottage, for some delectable treats to bring home.
Image: Birdwoods Website
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Although small in size, this wine bar is big on sustainability. With a pescatarian menu that changes frequently depending on what’s available that day and wine and spirits solely from Aotearoa New Zealand, the 22-seater restaurant will make you feel good about dining out.
Graze uses only New Zealand-grown produce from mindful suppliers or foraged in the area, and responsibly sourced seafood caught by local fishermen who spear catch, hand dive or single-line catch the fish. In addition, most of the bar’s equipment and furnishings were purchased secondhand or made with reclaimed materials.
Image: Celeste Fontein
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Escape to the North-East Otago countryside on New Zealand’s South Island for seasonal dining surrounded by lush gardens at Riverstone Kitchen.
Chef Bevan Smith opened the restaurant on his family farm in 2006 and it soon went on to be recognised as Restaurant of the Year by Cuisine Magazine in 2010. The simple all-day menu utilises fresh produce from the property’s gardens, orchards and nearby farms, with dishes such as seared squid with Asian greens and nahm jim, roast chicken with tarragon sauce, slow-cooked beef cheeks with salsa verde, and rhubarb meringue cake with plum sorbet. After lunch, take a stroll through Riverstone Gardens to see bright blooms, vegetable plots, berries, apple trees and bird aviaries, and then meander over to the moat-encircled Riverstone Castle.
Image: Riverstone Kitchen Instagram
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This small restaurant feels like stepping into a close friend’s dining room. The simple but warm space keeps the focus on the stellar food and drink, with a menu that spotlights organic, seasonal veggies, sustainably caught fish and low-intervention wines.
Gatherings serves dinner from Wednesday–Saturday (and stays open until 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays), making it a cosy place to book in for a leisurely catch-up with friends on a spring evening.
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Situated in the verdant Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Ilex Cafe is the perfect way to kick off a spring day in the park. The space incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows, slanted panels and transparent walls to let in as much light as possible.
Enjoy a coffee and pastry, a full lunch or even a cheeky cocktail in this sun-soaked spot with leafy surrounds. The menu is designed to change with the seasons and takes inspiration from the gardens, using locally grown and sourced produce.
Image: Hannah Bird, Ilex Café Website
With extraordinary experiences year-round, discover when New Zealand is best for you. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here.
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