There are two phrases that New Zealand-based CEO, Tom Leonard, regularly notices in trip feedback: "best group ever" and "great food recommendations".

And honestly, the two are probably more connected than people realise. Some of the best travel memories are formed around shared meals, bakery stops, post-hike burgers, and expertly made flat whites. 

While Aotearoa is famous for mountains, glaciers, beaches, and adventure, one of its greatest hidden strengths is its hospitality scene. Creative, multicultural, and deeply connected to its landscapes.

Whether arriving early, extending a trip, or simply exploring during free time on tour, here are some of Tom’s favourite food and coffee spots from north to south.

Auckland

Surrounded by harbours, volcanoes, beaches, and multicultural neighbourhoods, Auckland’s food scene reflects the city itself. Stylish, varied, and seriously delicious.

Amano has become one of Auckland’s dining institutions, boasting a cafe deli and sit-down restaurant famous for handmade pasta, beautiful pastries, and elegant dining that still somehow feels relaxed and welcoming.

Close to the iconic Sky Tower, Depot Eatery captures classic Kiwi dining perfectly, with fresh seafood, sharing plates, local produce, and a lively atmosphere that always feels social. Next door, Federal Delicatessen is a local favourite serving New York deli energy. The bagels alone are worth the visit!

Over on Karangahape Road, Tempero is one of Auckland’s true foodie gems. The Spanish inspired menu changes frequently, but if the crab gratin is available, order it immediately. Better yet, simply ask to “trust the chef” and let the kitchen surprise you. Nearby, Bestie Cafe sits inside the beautiful St Kevin’s Arcade (bring your journal) and serves some of the best flat whites in the city.

For groups wanting variety without compromising on quality, Elliot Stables and Commercial Bay both offer lively food courts with everything from casual bites to premium waterfront dining.

Bakery lovers should absolutely stop at Daily Bread, while Atomic Coffee continues to be one of Auckland’s most respected coffee roasters and outlets dotted across the city.

If your sweet tooth is calling, Duck Island produces some of New Zealand’s most creative gelato flavours. You may find combinations that sound completely ridiculous until you taste them and suddenly understand the hype.

Rotorua

Where adventure, relaxation, culture, and dining all come wrapped into one unforgettable package. One minute you are rafting waterfalls, the next you are soaking in hot pools wondering whether to book dinner before or after another spa treatment.

El Mexicano Zapata has developed a huge reputation among travellers and locals alike. Many visitors genuinely claim it is the best Mexican food they have eaten outside of Mexico. Coffee lovers should head to Boasters Coffee, Rotorua’s local specialty roastery in the heart of the CBD.

For a relaxed social atmosphere, Pig & Whistle remains one of Rotorua’s classic pubs. Set inside a heritage building, it is the kind of place where travellers naturally settle in for the evening.

Ciabatta Cafe & Bakery produces unforgettable sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods that are ideal before or after adventure activities. Meanwhile, Eat Streat is Rotorua’s buzzing dining precinct, packed with bars, restaurants, and outdoor seating.

One of the most memorable food experiences in Rotorua is a traditional hāngī at Te Puia, where meats and vegetables are cooked underground using geothermal heat. It is more than just a meal. It is an important cultural experience deeply connected to Māori traditions.

Wellington

Packed with personality, this is the kind of city where people regularly lose entire afternoons café hopping and people watching. Speaking from experience. Flight Coffee Hangar is one of the country’s most respected specialty roasteries and a must visit for coffee fans.

On the city’s infamous Cuba Street, Floriditas remains a Wellington classic with beautiful cabinet food, excellent coffee, and people watching opportunities that could entertain you for hours.

Nearby, Fidel’s Cafe perfectly captures Wellington’s bohemian energy. It is colourful, relaxed, slightly chaotic, and exactly what you want from a capital city café.

For brunch by the sea, Maranui Cafe is iconic. Sitting right on the waterfront at Lyall Bay, it combines beach views with excellent coffee and generous brunch plates.

Loretta offers stylish seasonal dining in a relaxed setting, while Customs Brew Bar and Garage Project are perfect for craft beer lovers looking for a lively social atmosphere.

If the sun is shining, head to the rooftop terrace at Dirty Little Secret for cocktails, city views, and one of Wellington’s best open air social spots, or stroll along the iconic waterfront where bars and eateries line the promenade.

Marahau

Golden beaches, turquoise water, sea kayaks and hiking trails dominate the experience here. While it may be limited, the food scene more than holds its own.

The Fat Tui has become legendary among travellers for enormous gourmet burgers that taste even better after a full day of hiking.

Hooked on Marahau and Park Cafe are two of the best spots in town to refuel after a day exploring Abel Tasman National Park. Hooked specializes in fresh local seafood and outdoor dining, while Park Cafe serves excellent wood fired pizzas, quality coffee, and local beers. Both are popular happy hour spots where travellers swap stories over a drink.

Meanwhile, The Barn offers classic backpacker social energy alongside surprisingly great coffee and excellent Vietnamese sandwiches.

Kaikōura

The name itself roughly translates to "meal of crayfish’" in te reo Māori, so seafood naturally plays a huge role here. For classic fish and chips, Coopers Catch really is the traditional Kaikōura stop and always delivers.

Moreover, the famous Kaikōura Seafood BBQ has become famous for its roadside crayfish served fresh beside the ocean. Travellers looking to try something uniquely New Zealand should also keep an eye out for seasonal pāua fritters, made using local abalone shellfish and considered a true Kiwi seafood delicacy.

For hearty budget friendly meals, Strawberry Tree offers popular steak and chips specials alongside a rooftop terrace bar and stunning views that becomes especially lively during summer evenings.

And before hitting the road again, Why Not Cafe remains one of the South Island’s best coffee stops. A special shoutout to their chilli chicken wraps too!

Christchurch

Creative laneways, riverside dining, modern architecture, and buzzing food spaces now define much of this reinvented city centre.

One of the city’s most vibrant areas is New Regent Street, famous for its colourful heritage buildings, glowing lights at night, and the historic tram rolls through. The area is packed with eateries, dessert spots, cocktail bars, and a lively evening atmosphere.

C1 Espresso remains one of Christchurch’s most iconic cafés, famous for its quirky pneumatic tube delivery system that literally sends burgers flying through pipes.

For variety, Riverside Market is one of the best food halls in the country and ideal for groups who all want something different.

Grizzly Baked Goods has achieved cult status among bakery lovers and frequently sells out early. For something casual and delicious, Thai Container serves fantastic Thai food from brightly coloured shipping containers.

Meanwhile, Mexico brings a lively atmosphere, giant margaritas, and colourful décor that makes group dinners particularly fun.

Franz Josef

A tiny glacier town on the West Coast, but punching well above its weight when it comes to food, with many spots enjoying dramatic views of rainforest and the glacier valley.

Full Of Beans serves what many travellers consider the best coffee in town and on a clear day, sitting outside with a latte comes paired with an epic alpine backdrop. For larger dinners, Monsoon Restaurant remains one of the most reliable group dining options in Franz Josef.

And then there is King Tiger Eastern Eating House, an unexpected little gem serving excellent Asian fusion dishes in the middle of glacier country.

Wānaka

Wānaka sits beside one of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes and beneath the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park. 

Big Fig has become famous for generous slow cooked meals packed with flavour and served quickly for hungry adventurers.

Two blocks back from the lakefront, the local food van park creates a relaxed outdoor dining atmosphere with excellent mountain views. Popular favourites include Burrito Craft for huge burritos, Dripping Bowl for healthy Buddha bowls packed with fresh ingredients, and Firebird for spicy fried chicken that regularly draws a queue.

And before any big hiking day, The Doughbin Bakery is the perfect place to load up on award-winning pies, pastries, sandwiches, and road trip snacks.

Queenstown

After days filled with hiking, skiing, jet boating, bungy jumping, or wine tasting, people here are very ready to eat in New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown. We should start with the obvious…

Yes, Fergburger often has a huge queue. Yes, everybody talks about it. And yes, it genuinely is worth it. Next door, Fergbaker somehow matches the reputation with incredible pies, pastries, baked treats, and desserts that are almost impossible to walk past. And on the contrary, rarely a queue.

Just down the road, Balls and Bangles has become one of Queenstown’s cult favourites for loaded bagels. For lively group dinners, Winnies remains one of the town’s most popular venues. Great pizzas, pasta, salads, and a retractable roof that opens during summer all help create an unforgettable atmosphere.

For brunch and specialty coffee, Yonder and Vudu Cafe are both traveller favourites with consistently excellent menus.

Meanwhile, Lone Star delivers huge portions and energetic Tex Mex inspired dining, while Botswana Butchery offers premium lakeside dining perfect for celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.

And all the delicious bits in between…

Some of New Zealand’s best food discoveries happen in tiny towns you would otherwise drive straight through. Fairlie Bakehouse is legendary for pies and absolutely lives up to the reputation.

In Geraldine, the famous vanilla slice from either Berry Barn or Barker’s Cafe has become an essential South Island road trip stop.

In Waitomo, The Tomo combines a lively atmosphere with delicious stone grill dining. In Tekapo, both Greedy Cow Cafe and Mackenzie Grill are excellent stops for coffee, comfort food, and locally sourced New Zealand meats.

And somewhere in Te Anau (en route to Milford Sound), there is an excellent new sourdough café serving flaky pastries and fantastic coffee that he’s determined to keep gatekept for a little bit longer. Just kidding… it’s called Elsa’s Goodies. 

The reality is that New Zealand is packed with fantastic places to wine and dine and this list barely scratches the surface. But perhaps that is simply the perfect excuse to come back and explore even more of Aotearoa one day.

Read more:

Must-sees in Middle Earth: top things to do in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s North vs South island: how to pick.

Inside the pack: what to bring for 22 days of hiking, cycling, and adventure in NZ.