New Zealand: Paradise for Food Lovers

New Zealand cuisine is as diverse as it gets. Determined mainly by local ingredients and seasonal variations, New Zealand's cuisine is generally described as the Pacific Rim cuisine with dash of influences from Europe, Asia and Polynesia.

Auckland and the far north region of the country have several specialities, such as citrus fruits, nuts, avocados and Asian vegetables. Tarakihi, hapuku and flounder are the common type of fish in the north; whereas in the colder region of the south there's more emphasis on sole, groper, blue cod and turbot.

In the regions of Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Canterbury and Southland good-quality lamb and beef is easily available. In such areas cervena venison, which is a low-fat, healthy kind of red meat, is also found. If you are into healthy but delicious red meat then get your air tickets to New Zealand and devour on these scrumptious offerings.

For wine lovers, airlines to New Zealand are like airlines to the paradise. A number of country's districts specialise in grape-growing. Each region has its own speciality wines that are offered with amazing local food combinations. Let's have a look at some of the eating joints in New Zealand that are worth a visit.

Mt Maunganui's Providores Urban Food Store has a casual charm but with the serious dose of culinary quality. Patrons can surf videos flickered across the walls as they choose between lip-smacking home-smoked meats, sticky orange jams and buttery fresh-baked pastries.

Stewart Island's Kai Kart is popular for dishing out incredible fish and chips. The tiny eating joint serves fresh blue cod and yummy battered mussels. Enjoy the alfresco dining experience with winds blowing up in your face.

Niagara Falls Café in the Catlins is located in a restored 19th-century schoolhouse. The place serves lip-smacking coffee and delicious cheesecake along with local wines and beers. The café also features an art gallery that makes your visit to the place quite interesting.

If you are in Queenstown and looking for a quick snack, you can't go past Fergburger. A favourite burger joint among the local crowd, it is a must visit for Queenstown visitors. If fancy and sophistication is what you are looking for, then walk into the Solera Vino, a fine-dining French restaurant that is known for its delicate flavours, amazing wine and perfect service. Queenstown is on every visitor's itinerary to the country and even if you don't have it on, you can easily book cheap tickets in any of New Zealand's domestic flights and land up in Queenstown to experience the gourmet pleasure.