Credit: Graeme Murray
Experience Award Winning Food
They’ve been mentioned in the news. Your friends and family have raved about them. They’re listed on countless best-of-the-best articles.
The Central South Island’s renowned foodie destinations have catapulted into stardom for very, very delicious reasons. Starting in Ōtautahi Christchurch, these regional highlights will set you up to explore vast natural landscapes found only a stone’s throw away.
From award-winning pies to the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste, discover why these makers and producers have become their region’s foodie claim to fame.
Dimitris Greek Food, Christchurch
What do the All Blacks and Bill Clinton’s diplomatic protection squad have in common? They’ve all smashed back a souvlaki from Dimitris Greek Food – a local Christchurch favourite for more than 30 years. Dimitris keep it simple with a classic meat, salad and pita bread combo, but it’s their homemade marinades, tzatziki, hummus and falafel that really set them apart.
Fairlie Pies, Mackenzie
Fairlie Bakehouse produces more handmade pies than the population of the small town it calls home. Less than 900 people live in Fairlie, yet the iconic bakery serves upwards of 2000 award-winning pies a day. Their top-selling pork belly pie with apple sauce and crackling is worth sinking your teeth into.
Crayfish and kaimoana, Kaikōura
With the Pacific Ocean lapping at the town’s doorstep, fresh crayfish is a way of life in Kaikōura. A short drive north of the township is Nins Bin, where crayfish has been caught and prepared in the same way for three generations – served simply with lemon, butter and garlic, from a homey caravan on State Highway 1. Keep driving north and you’ll find Karaka Lobster, who serve crayfish nearly as big as the lobster sculpture on their roof!
Gourmet truffles, Hurunui
Elevate your palate to luxurious heights with freshly harvested North Canterbury truffles. Cooler weather signals the perfect time to hunt and savour one of the world’s rarest delicacies on Kings Truffles’ family-owned farm. North Canterbury’s limestone country boasts perfect truffle growing conditions — the earthy and nutty ingredient can only flourish in select climates across the globe.
Blackball Salami, West Coast
From a small, family-run butchery to becoming a household name in the sausage world, The Blackball Salami Company is one of the West Coast’s greatest success stories. Their salami, sausage, patty and black pudding range are naturally cured and smoked, producing award-winning results. The iconic butchery is a true hidden gem, located in the historic coal mining town of Blackball, about a 20-minute drive from Greymouth.
Hokitika Sandwich Company, West Coast
Hungry for New Zealand’s best sandwich? The Hokitika Sandwich Company has got you covered! Holidaymakers across the country often return to the West Coast town just to try new flavours. Their success comes down to the uber-local ingredients: Hokitika-sourced bread and meat and freshly picked greens. If you’re not lucky enough to be in Hokitika, their branch opened recently in Christchurch and delivers the same great sandwiches (without the wild West Coast beach view to eat them by).
Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery , South Canterbury
Going strong since the 1970s, Barker’s is the classic Kiwi brand found in just about every supermarket, fridge and pantry across the land. Experience where the magic began at their Foodstore and Eatery in Geraldine. Sample your way through the products they’re famous for under one roof, from jams and jellies to chutneys and syrups.
