New Zealand Food Itinerary: Three Weeks / 21 Days 🥝 [2023]

3-Week Food Itinerary for New Zealand

Make your New Zealand journey a culinary one with this New Zealand food itinerary for three weeks (21 days). Incorporating the flavours of the North Island and South Island, this foodie road trip plan takes you through diverse wine regions to factory tours and hidden artisanry gems. The itinerary also offers recommendations on places to stay, things to do, and, of course, places to eat.

Start planning your gastronomical trip with this New Zealand foodie itinerary for 21 days. Oh, and don’t forget to bookmark The Food Guide to New Zealand – you’re definitely going to need that.

New Zealand Food Itinerary for 3 Weeks: Overview

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Auckland
Day 2 – Explore Auckland
Day 3 – Auckland to The Coromandel
Day 4 – The Coromandel to Rotorua
Day 5 – Explore Rotorua
Day 6 – Rotorua to Whakatane
Day 7 – Whakatane to Gisborne
Day 8 – Explore Gisborne
Day 9 – Gisborne to Napier
Day 10 – Explore Napier
Day 11 – Napier to Palmerston North
Day 12 – Palmerston North to Wellington
Day 13 – Explore Wellington
Day 14 – Wellington to Christchurch
Day 15 – Christchurch to Oamaru
Day 16 – Explore Oamaru
Day 17 – Oamaru to Dunedin
Day 18 – Explore Dunedin
Day 19 – Dunedin to Alexandra
Day 20 – Alexandra to Queenstown
Day 21 – Queenstown to Queenstown Airport

How to Get Around New Zealand in Three Weeks

This 21-day foodie road trip for New Zealand is a self-drive itinerary. However, there are other transport methods that you’ll need to use, while we also offer an alternative way to get around if you don’t want to drive.

Rental car or campervan – Because we recommend hotels, motels and B&Bs in this itinerary, it’s recommended that you use a car rather than a campervan. Use a rental company that has depots in Auckland and Wellington and then Christchurch and Queenstown where this itinerary begins and ends. Get started on your research with Travel By Car in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide.
Domestic flights – This itinerary requires you to travel between Wellington on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island via domestic flight. Get tips on flying in New Zealand in the guide to Domestic Flights in New Zealand and The Travellers’ Guide to New Zealand Airports.
Escorted tours – If you would rather not drive around New Zealand yourself, escorted bus tours provide an effortless alternative. The downside is that these guided tours won’t focus as much on foodie experiences as this itinerary does. Check out a range of fully-guided tours on The Best 20+ Days Tours of New Zealand.

For more advice about transport, check out What is the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand?

New Zealand Foodie Itinerary: Three Weeks / 21 Days

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Auckland

Travel time: 25-40 minutes (depending on traffic)

Welcome to New Zealand and the beginning of your three-week foodie road trip! You’re going to be spending a lot of time in the North Island as part of this 21-day itinerary because the island has been the most populated of the two main islands for centuries. In turn, it’s the island with the most diverse and developed range of cultures, thus, flavours.

Your first stay will be in Auckland, which you can get to after picking up your rental car or by taking one of the other airport transfer options. The latter may help you save money on your car rental daily rate. Then, just pick up your vehicle on Day 3 instead.

You have plenty of time to explore Auckland tomorrow. For now, check out the fantastic coffee scene of the CBD (we recommend The Shelf on High Street) or the seafood fare of Harbourside in the city centre. Check out more recommendations in The Foodie Guide to Auckland. Below, we’ve also listed hotels with spectacular restaurants, which are our recommended accommodations for foodies.

The Best Accommodation in Auckland with Restaurants

Find out more about each accommodation on our list of 10 Best Accommodations in Auckland for Foodies.

Day 2 – Explore Auckland

Auckland‘s foodie scene takes your palette in several directions, literally. You could be hopping on a ferry to the winemaking island of Waiheke Island for a diverse wine tour (Find out more about tours, read reviews and book your experience on Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor). Alternatively, stick to the city centre and do a tour specially designed for food-lovers with The Big Foody (on Viator and Tripadvisor). Inspire yourself with more activities using the list below.

Food Experiences in Auckland

Tour Waiheke Islands’ wineries (more info on Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor)
Join a culinary tour of the city centre (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Treat yourself to fine dining at Harbourside, Kazuya and more!
Try out Auckland’s street eats
Discover the bar scene on a cocktail tour (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

See our 8 Best Things to Do in Auckland for Foodies for more information on each experience.

Day 3 – Auckland to The Coromandel

Travel time: 1h25mins to 2h30mins (depending on Coromandel accommodation)

Pick up your rental vehicle in Auckland city centre, if you haven’t already, and start exploring the real New Zealand. Set your sights on the glorious beaches, seafood and artisanry goodness of the Coromandel Peninsula. On your way there, stop by the Cheese Barn in Matatoki to sample a variety of locally made cheeses. As you reach Hahei, take a self-guided tour of Cathedral Cove Macadamias and get a taste of a real Kiwi boutique winery at Mercury Bay Estate or Purangi Estate.

Food Experiences in The Coromandel

Hit the foodie hotspots along the Hauraki Rail Trail
Try wine and other beverages at a local winery
Mingle with the locals at a farmers’ market
Pick up artisan cheese, chutneys, honey and more
Embark on a guided hiking food tour (find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor).

For more information on each activity, check out 7 Things to Do in the Coromandel for Foodies.

The Best Accommodation in the Coromandel with Restaurants/Meals/Breakfasts

The Coromandel’s best accommodations for breakfasts, meals and restaurants are scattered throughout the peninsula, so drive times from Auckland will vary depending on where you stay.

Lady Bowen Bed & Breakfast, Thames
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, Pauanui Beach
Coghill Cottage, Whitianga
The Church Accommodation, Hahei
Rapaura Watergardens, Thames

For more information on our top picks, take a look at the 10 Best Accommodations in the Coromandel for Foodies.

Day 4 – The Coromandel to Rotorua

Travel time: 3 hours

Drive south to Rotorua via Omahu Valley Road so you can visit Omahu Valley Citrus who specialise in, well, citrus products. Visits must be made by appointment. Then stop by Paeroa to take a photo with a giant sculpture of New Zealand’s very own soft drink, L&P. L&P can be found in any convenience store (otherwise known as a dairy), supermarket or restaurant in New Zealand.

Speaking of refreshments, a good town to stop by for such is Te Aroha. The town also has a cool walk up Mt Te Aroha, as well as mineral hot pools.

Your final destination today is the geothermal hotspot of Rotorua. Rotorua also has a strong Maori presence, making a hangi buffet experience an absolute must! Hangi is a Polynesian style of cooking where food is slow-cooked in an underground oven. Both Mitai Maori Village (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Tamaki Maori Village (on Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor) and Te Puia (on KKday, Klook, Viator and Tripadvisor) serve hangi buffets in their evening tours. These tours also include cultural performances and an insight into their traditions and customs.

The Best Accommodation in Rotorua with Restaurants

Check out the 10 Best Accommodations in Rotorua for Foodies for more information on our top picks.

Day 5 – Explore Rotorua

If you haven’t tried Maori food yet, head to Whakawerawera Living Maori Village to see how they cook food using the village’s geothermal vents (more info on Klook, Viator or Tripadvisor). Otherwise, you might be interested in diving into the New Zealand farming industry at Agrodome (on Viator, Tripadvisor and KKday). See more experiences listed below, as well as dining recommendations in The Foodie Guide to Rotorua.

Food Experiences in Rotorua

Try a Maori hangi (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do a blueberry orchard tour
Visit Rotorua’s local winery and craft beer pub
Learn about New Zealand farming on the Agrodome (on Viator, Tripadvisor and KKday)
Save the date for the Rotorua Farmers’ Market and Rotorua Night Market.

Check out the 8 Things to Do in Rotorua for Foodies for elaboration on each activity.

Day 6 – Rotorua to Whakatane

Travel time: 1h15mins

After you’re satisfied that you’ve done everything you want to do in Rotorua, it’s a reasonable drive to Whakatane. The coastal town has pick-your-own berry farms (open in summer), as well as fudge tastings at Tui Aotearoa and chocolates from Scilla Chocolates.

An almost obligatory experience, however, is sitting on Ohope Beach with some fresh Kiwi-style fish and chips. Try any one of Fisherman’s Wharf Cafe, Ohiwa Oyster Farm, Gibbo’s on the Wharf and others listed in The Foodie Guide to Whakatane.

Food Experiences in Whakatane

Pick your own berries at one of the berry farms
Try craft beers at the Mata Brewery & Tasting Room
Try authentic Maori food at Mataatua or with NATIVConnectioNZ
Do a fudge tasting at Tui Aotearoa
Pick up some Bay of Plenty chocolates at Scilla Chocolates.

Take a look at the 9 Things to Do in Whakatane for Foodies for more information on each experience.

The Best Accommodation in Whakatane with Restaurants

Take a look at the 10 Best Accommodations in Whakatane for Foodies for more information on our top picks.

Day 7 – Whakatane to Gisborne

Travel time: 2h45mins

Take the stunning journey from Whakatane through the Waioeka Gorge to Gisborne following Opotiki to Gisborne via The Waioeka Gorge: 8 Epic Stops! for things to do.

You’ll eventually arrive in the funky little wine region of Gisborne, where we recommend a guided wine tasting at the Gisborne Wine Centre. Or, if beer is more your thing, the Sunshine Brewery is well worth seeking out.

For dinner, try the casual yet elegant fine dining establishment of The Works. See more suggestions in The Foodie Guide to Gisborne.

The Best Accommodation in Gisborne with Restaurants/Meals/Breakfasts

Take a look at the 10 Best Accommodations in Gisborne for Foodies for more information on our top picks.

Day 8 – Explore Gisborne

Today could be the day that you explore the wineries around Gisborne, such as Millton Vineyards & Winery, Matawhero Wines and Bushmere Estate. You could otherwise watch a cidery factory at work through the display windows of the Harvest Cidery. They offer tastings too.

Food Experiences in Gisborne

Visit the wineries around Gisborne
Try craft beer at the Sunshine Brewery
Taste cider and watch it being made at the Harvest Cidery
Have a comprehensive tasting session at the Gisborne Wine Centre
Hit one of Gisborne’s wine or beer festivals.

Check out the 8 Things to Do in Gisborne for Foodies for elaboration on each experience.

Day 9 – Gisborne to Napier

Travel time: 2h55mins

Continue down the east coast today stopping by the quaint tearooms and cafes of Morere and Wairoa. Then, it’s onto New Zealand’s original wine region, Hawke’s Bay. It’s not just all about the wine though, as the region hosts one of the oldest farmers’ markets in New Zealand, while attractions surrounding manuka honey and chocolate are also on the menu.

Speaking of the menu, take your pick of restaurants in Napier like the art deco-interiors of the Emporium Eatery & Bar, fresh seafood from Hunger Monger, and an eclectic mix of flavours at the Indonesian-Dutch fusion restaurant of Restaurant Indonesia. As you can probably guess by now, more information and recommendations can be found in our Foodie Guide to Napier.

The Best Accommodation in Napier with Restaurants

Check out the 10 Best Accommodations in Napier for Foodies for more information on our top picks.

Day 10 – Explore Napier

Let’s waste no time diving into the winery experiences of Hawke’s Bay. Tours like Prinsy’s Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Vines and Views Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor) and others will handle the driving and the cellar door tasting fees while you handle the wine tastings.

If you’re lucky enough to be around on a weekend, don’t miss the Napier Urban Farmers’ Market or Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. Otherwise, delve into the world of honey-making at the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre.

Food Experiences in Napier

Do a driven wine tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)…
… Or a self-guided cycling tour of the wineries (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Check out the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market
Visit the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
Do a chocolate tour at Silky Oaks Chocolates.

For more information on each experience and more, check out the 10 Things to Do in Napier for Foodies.

Day 11 – Napier to Palmerston North

Travel time: 2h25mins

Continue your way south today as you make your way to your next city destination, Palmerston North. If you haven’t already, travel via Hastings to sample its charming eateries. Then it’s a journey through the rural heart of Hawke’s Bay where you could stop by Oruawharo Homestead for high tea.

After passing through the dramatic scenery of the Manawatu Gorge and perhaps walking off your high tea on the Tawa Loop Walk, you’ll have more cool cafes to experience in Ashhurst, such as The Herb Farm which uses its herb garden to create all sorts of herbal products.

Finally, you’ve reached Palmerston North, fondly known by the locals as “Palmy”. If you have time, jump on the Arrosta Coffee roastery tour to experience the passion behind the coffee bean.

Food Experiences in Palmerston North

Experience the bustling farmers’ markets
Take a tour of a coffee roastery
Browse honey products and taste honey ice cream at Waireka Honey
Take a brewery tour of the Tui Brewery
Find out about milk production at Robotic Dairy Farm Tours.

Take a look at the 7 Things to Do in Palmerston North for Foodies for information on all these experiences and their locations.

The Best Accommodation in Palmerston North with Restaurants/Meals/Breakfasts

For more information on our top recommendations, see the 10 Best Accommodations in Palmerston North for Foodies.

Day 12 – Palmerston North to Wellington

Travel time: 2 hours

Wellington has an eclectic mix of eateries to suit a range of tastes. If you want something classically Kiwi, pick up a New Zealand-style savoury pie from the likes of Caffee L’affare, Clareville Bakery and Midnight Espresso. Iconic fish & chips can be found at the Wellington Seamarket on Cuba Street and The Mt. Vic Chippery on Majoribanks Street, while a more fancy twist of the sea fare can be found at Ortega Fish Shack and Shed 5.

Want more? We list more great eateries in the 5 Cool Cafes With the Best Coffee in Wellington, 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Wellington and Cheap Eats in Wellington.

The Best Accommodation in Wellington with Restaurants/Meals/Breakfasts

See 10 Best Accommodations in Wellington for Foodies for more information about each activity.

Day 13 – Explore Wellington

Dive deeper into Wellington’s flavours today with a guided food tour. Zest Food Tours will take you to experience the hidden artisanry gems of the city, which you can find out more about on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Wellington also has a thing for craft beer, so either guide yourself using the 14 Breweries & Craft Beer Bars in Wellington or jump on a brewery-hopping tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Food Experiences in Wellington

Check out the local craft beer breweries
Take a tour to the Wairarapa wine region with Zozo Travel (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Treat yourself to the Wellington Chocolate Factory tour
Try out the local street eats
Join Zest Food Tours for a culinary tour of the city (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

See our 9 Things to Do in Wellington for Foodies for more information on each activity.

Day 14 – Wellington to Christchurch

Travel time: 20 minutes drive then 1h5mins flight then 20 minutes drive

Because we’ve spent a lot of time on the North Island, it’s time to take a quick flight to Christchurch to continue our culinary journey in the lower South Island. Return your rental vehicle to the Wellington depot then catch your flight to Christchurch Airport where you can pick up a new rental car.

If you’ve been on a mission to visit every wine region so far in New Zealand then you get another opportunity with the Waipara Valley. Either tour the wineries yourself using the 10 Wonderful Wineries in the Waipara Valley or join a wine tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). You also have another chance to try a Maori hangi at Ko Tane Maori Experience, while a city sightseeing dinner on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant is another option (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Food Experiences in Christchurch

Tour the Waipara wine region (more info Viator and Tripadvisor)
Experience Christchurch’s iconic farmers’ markets
Try a Maori hangi
Enjoy fine dining on the Christchurch tram (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Taste and tour The Spirits Workshop Distillery.

See the 9 Things to Do in Christchurch for Foodies for more details on each experience.

The Best Accommodation in Christchurch with Restaurants

Find out more about our top picks in the 10 Best Accommodations in Christchurch for Foodies.

Day 15 – Christchurch to Oamaru

Travel time: 3h10mins

As you make your way from Christchurch to Oamaru today, stop by Ashburton and Timaru for their delightful selection of cafes.

Once you reach Oamaru, you have the choice between a cheese factory tour (see on Viator and Tripadvisor), artisan goodies in the Victorian Precinct, a confectionary factory and, yes, another wine region!

We’ll go over the food tours and experiences tomorrow. Until then, our dining recommendations include Cucina for their artful plates of Italian and South American cuisine and the Riverstone Kitchen which grows its own produce on-site. See The Foodie Guide to Oamaru for more recommendations.

The Beach Accommodation in Oamaru with Restaurants/Meals/Breakfasts

See the 10 Best Accommodations in Oamaru for Foodies for more information on our top picks.

Day 16 – Explore Oamaru

Now, where were we on the cheese? Oh yes, visit Whitestone Cheese, which offers comprehensive tours of their cheese factory including cheese tastings. Find out more about Whitestone Cheese, as well as read reviews and book tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.

You can always travel part-way up the Waitaki Valley to pop into its boutique wineries of New Zealand’s newest wine region. But we must insist that you spend some time browsing the Victorian Precinct. Not only does it hide brewbars like Scott’s Brewing Co., homemade artisan products at the Riverstone Larder, and European-style Harbour Street Bakery, but its magnificent white limestone architecture is like nowhere else in New Zealand.

Food Experiences in Oamaru

Tour a cheese factory (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Venture to the Waitaki Valley wine region
Try some craft beer in the Victorian Precinct…
… And pick up a pie, ice cream and artisan goods in the Victorian Precinct
Get some naughty road trip snacks from Rainbow Confectionery.

Take a look at the 7 Things to Do in Oamaru for Foodies for more details on each experience.

Day 17 – Oamaru to Dunedin

Travel time: 1h35mins

Head south today to the city of Dunedin, perhaps stopping by the perfectly spherical natural wonders of the Moeraki Boulders and grabbing a coffee at its cafe. Aim to get there at low tide for the best view of the boulders.

As always, we’ll discuss some of the activities in Dunedin tomorrow, some of which you’ll probably be able to fit into today. For now, book a table at Moiety for its fine dining plates of New Zealand fare in a casual setting. You might also like Bracken which gets you into the Scottish heritage spirit of Dunedin along with farm-to-table dining. Find out more in The Foodie Guide to Dunedin.

The Best Accommodation in Dunedin with Restaurants/Meals/Breakfasts

See 10 Best Accommodations in Dunedin for Foodies for more details on each accommodation.

Day 18 – Explore Dunedin

Dunedin is kinda famous for its beers, being home to one of the most popular Kiwi beer brands. Explore New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery on the Speight’s Brewery Tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). You can also do a chocolate factory tour at OCHO Chocolate Factory (on Viator and Tripadvisor) or treat yourself to high tea at Dunedin’s castle, Larnach Castle (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Food Experiences in Dunedin

Tour the Speight’s Brewery with beer tastings (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Browse the Otago Farmers’ Market
Join a chocolate factory tour (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Drink real cow’s milk at Windy Ridge Dairy or Holy Cow
Indulge in high tea at Larnach Castle (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Head to our 8 Things to Do in Dunedin for Foodies for more information on each activity.

Day 19 – Dunedin to Alexandra

Travel time: 2h20mins

Today’s pitstops include Milton and Lawrence, the latter being a popular stop of the Clutha Gold Trail for quaint cafes and must-visit chocolate shop, The Lawrence Mint. The Gabriels Gully Walk among a historic gold mining site is pretty cool too. You’ll also find plenty of walks in Roxburgh on your way to Alexandra.

Enjoy the rest of the day and tomorrow in the more off-the-beaten-track foodie’s paradise of Alexandra or the neighbouring town of Clyde. Speaking of Clyde, Olivers is a must-try eatery, or should we say three eateries! We also like Paulina’s Bar pioneering railroad theme combined with Spanish, Italian and Japanese cuisine. You can even stay at a winery overnight – check out our accommodation recommendations below.

Food Experiences in Alexandra and Clyde

Tour the boutique wineries of Alexandra
Sample craft beer at the local breweries
Pick your own raspberries or enjoy afternoon tea at Monte Christo Raspberry Cafe
Check out the Alexandra Friday Food and Produce Market
Enjoy local cuisine at the restaurants and cafes.

Check out the 5 Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde for Foodies for more details on each experience.

The Best Accommodation in Alexandra and Clyde with Restaurants and Vineyards

Grey Ridge Vineyard Experience
Olivers Central Otago Lodge & Stables
Centennial Court Hotel
Omakau Commercial Hotel
Hawkdun Rise Vineyard & Accommodation

For more details on our top picks, check out the 10 Best Accommodations in Alexandra & Clyde for Foodies.

Day 20 – Alexandra to Queenstown

Travel time: 1h10mins

Your final destination today is Queenstown but not without passing through one last wine region in New Zealand, the Central Otago wine region. Your first port of call is Cromwell, proving its fruit-producing superiority with a giant fruit sculpture. You can stop by a few more wineries here, but we recommend waiting to take a wine tour from Queenstown (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook). That way, you don’t have to worry about appointing a designated driver in your group.

After passing by the vineyards of the Gibbston Valley, take a quick detour to Arrowtown for its charming historic buildings, sweet shops and ice cream parlours lining the town and Arrow River.

Queenstown is then your final destination on this foodie itinerary. Celebrate your amazing journey with a meal at the back alley-eatery of The Bunker. They specialise in game meats and cocktails. Or, let’s be honest, you just want to see what this “Fergburger” hype is about, so call in early to avoid the long queue. Check out The Foodie Guide to Queenstown for more suggestions.

The Best Accommodation in Queenstown with Restaurants

Find out more about each place to stay in our 10 Best Accommodations in Queenstown for Foodies.

Day 21 – Queenstown to Queenstown Airport

Travel time: 10 minutes

Book your flight out of Queenstown for the evening, because you’re going to want to spend as much time here as possible. After all, it’s your last opportunity to tour a wine region, whether it’s by bike (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or on a small-group driving tour (on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook). For something a little different by this point, we recommend experiencing a gourmet Kiwi barbecue on the high country farm of Walter Peak (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday).

Food Experiences in Queenstown

Do a tour of the Gibbston Valley wineries (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Hop on a craft brewery tour (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Cruise and indulge in a gourmet barbecue at Walter Peak (on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday)
Browse the local farmers’ market
Try a famous oversized burger.

For more information on each activity, check out 10 Things to Do in Queenstown for Foodies.

After you’ve ticked everything off your New Zealand foodie bucket list, it’s time to leave via Queenstown Airport. Catch your flight, whether it’s connecting to Christchurch, Auckland or Australia and beyond…

One final tip: there are some popular Queenstown brands at the airport should you need to pick up some last-minute souvenirs from The Remarkable Sweet Shop or Patagonia Chocolates.

More About a New Zealand Food Itinerary for Three Weeks / 21 Days

That’s it for our New Zealand food itinerary for three weeks (21 days). If this itinerary didn’t quite suit you, perhaps you’d be more into these alternatives:

Finally, get more advice for planning an entire trip to New Zealand surrounding culinary experiences in The Foodie Guide to New Zealand.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page