Scouting visits for investor migrant clients is something of a specialty for us at Mobile Relocation. We ensure aspiring Kiwis see the country not just as a tourist, but also understand what it’s like to live here. Rest assured it’s not all work though! Enjoying our fresh and flavorful food (kai) is all part of the experience. Here’s just a sample - six region-specific delicacies to whet your appetite for Aotearoa New Zealand.
1. Bluff Oysters (Southland)
New Zealand’s most prized seafood delicacy, Bluff oysters, are considered some of the best in the world. Grown in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Foveaux Strait, these oysters are plumper, sweeter, and more intense in flavor than their international counterparts. Visit Bluff in autumn for the annual Bluff Oyster & Food Festival.
2. Crayfish (Kaikōura, Canterbury)
Kaikōura, which translates to "meal of crayfish" in Māori, is the country’s go-to destination for this luxurious seafood. New Zealand crayfish (rock lobster) is renowned for its sweet, succulent flesh. Fresh crayfish is best enjoyed grilled with a touch of lemon and butter. A Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, with its rich texture and hints of stone fruit, enhances the delicate sweetness of crayfish.
3. Manuka Honey (Central North Island)
New Zealand's liquid gold, Mānuka honey, is prized worldwide for its antibacterial properties and rich, earthy sweetness. While it’s produced in various regions, the best comes from the wild bush of the Central North Island. Look for UMF-certified Mānuka honey at premium honey farms.
4. Lamb (Canterbury & Otago)
New Zealand lamb is internationally acclaimed for its tenderness and rich flavor. Canterbury and Otago are prime lamb-producing regions, known for their ideal farming conditions. Whether slow-roasted, grilled, or braised, it shines alongside a Central Otago Pinot Noir.
5. Kiwifruit (Bay of Plenty)
The Bay of Plenty is the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, producing both the classic green and the sweeter golden varieties. Thanks to the region’s fertile volcanic soil and temperate climate, these nutrient-rich fruits are bursting with vibrant flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh, in a fruit salad, or as part of a dessert, kiwifruit is a refreshing and iconic taste of New Zealand.
6. Whitebait Fritters (West Coast, South Island)
A true Kiwi tradition, whitebait fritters are a seasonal delicacy, especially popular on the rugged West Coast of the South Island. These tiny, translucent fish are lightly bound with egg and pan-fried to perfection. They’re best enjoyed, paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand!
Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements (Kiwi Launch Pad) through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
Source: www.mobile-relocation.com