Kiwi Kai GSW

Queenstown

Queenstown may be famous for big scenery and even bigger energy, but it also knows how to feed you well. Fergbaker (part of the Shotover street Ferg ‘empire’ of burgers, drinks, gelato and baked goods) is a reliably fantastic stop - the Ferg Steak, Mushroom & Blue Cheese pie is the stuff dreams are made of, and the Boston Cream donut has a cult following. If you’ve just picked up a rental car from the airport, you might also want to consider stocking up at The Boat Shed Bakery at the marina before you hit the highway. Their real-deal croissants and pastries - especially the choux - are the kind that will transport you instantly to Europe. Country Lane, just outside town, is also great because it offers a few wonderful options, all in restored historic buildings. Black Lab Coffee Roasters is a top-quality caffeine fix, The Remarkable Cookie is aptly named, and Sunday's pizzas (and other dishes) are the kind you’ll think about for weeks afterwards. If you’re in Arrowtown, Provisions of Arrowtown is a local favourite for brunch, lunch or a coffee and treat to go (don’t miss their sticky buns). Their focus on local, fresh ingredients gives you a great taste of the region in a charming ex-miner's cottage.

Wānaka

Wānaka’s food scene punches above its relatively small size, and it’s hard to go wrong wandering Brownston Street, where food trucks serve up great tastes from places like Southeast Asia, Mexico, Italy, France and more. Pembroke Patisserie delivers top-tier pastries and excellent coffee, while Fedeli is a huge local favourite for seasonal, fresh and delicious grab-and-go. Crumb Bakehouse has a cabinet full of generous baking - just try and walk past it without buying something.

Waitaki

In Oamaru, Whitestone Cheese is a must. Pick up a wedge or two to enjoy back at your accommodation, or settle into the Diner & Deli for a cheese platter, small plates, a South Island cheese roll, or a seriously stacked burger. Waitaki Braids Café and the Totara Store - the latter known for its excellent home baking as well as shelves lined with interesting artisan groceries - are beloved local stops. And if you’re a salmon fan, definitely make time for High Country Salmon in Twizel, where you’ll find sashimi-grade, smoked, cured and frozen salmon alongside everything you need to assemble the perfect local picnic or evening platter. You can even try catching your own, if time permits.

Central Otago

Fruit features heavily in Central Otago - and not just in the form of pinot noir grapes. Jackson Orchards in Cromwell is a near-mandatory stop, celebrated for producing some of the country’s finest stonefruit (if you’re lucky enough to visit in summer), alongside an impressive array of dried fruits, nuts, sweets, spreads, jerky, pasta, olives, gourmet salts and other snackable temptations. Inside, Kitchen Window offers fresh salads and vibrant Buddha bowls, while outside, few things rival the simple pleasure of a fresh fruit ice cream on a hot Central Otago day.

Pie competition is fierce in this part of the world. Jimmy’s in Roxburgh has been a fixture for five decades, but in recent years has had to share its fans with the deservedly popular Sanga’s and Waipiata Pies. Each place has a loyal following - the only sensible option is to try them all and decide for yourself.

For coffee, cake or lunch, build in time for spots like Industry Lane or The Courthouse Café, (they take their cabinet food and home baking pretty seriously in these parts). Bella’s Coffee and Ice Cream does exactly what the name promises, but also has a strong lineup of cabinet treats. While Carrick is deservedly best known for its wine and first-rate cellar-door dining, not everyone realises they also turn out fantastic pizza on the lawn out the back, best enjoyed with a glass in hand and those wide-open Central Otago views stretching out in front of you.

Southland

In tiny Athol, The Athol Shop takes low-and-slow pretty seriously, turning out amazing brisket, pork shoulder and other BBQ goodness - their hoagies are absolutely legendary. In Invercargill, locals will tell you Fat Bastard Pies is a must, and The Batch Cafe is always busy for good reason - their commitment to supporting local producers and the community is next level, and all the food is exceptional. Coffee lovers should also look out for Amplify Coffee Co and Roasted x Toasted by ROAR COFFEE, (you’re going to want to try one of their epic toasties while you’re there), while the Seriously Good Chocolate Company offers excellent cacao-based indulgence - if you have any room left.

Fiordland

Te Anau and Fiordland may be known for wilderness, but they don’t skimp on good food. Ditto is a standout, delivering bold Asian flavours including the legendary local venison bao - grab a Vietnamese coffee if you need a pick-me-up for the drive. Brunel Peaks Cafe and Bar is a community favourite serving up hearty fare, while Milford Road Merchant has you covered for excellent coffee, cheese scones, sweet treats and a huge array of local supplies in a fun retro setting. If you’re heading further, Sandfly Café is a great roadside stop too.

Clutha & Dunedin

Between Dunedin and Invercargill, seafood lovers should make a stop at Waihola Fresh Fish Supply, where the fresh blue cod and chips have earned a devoted following. In nearby tiny Lawrence, the Village Green caravan dishes up excellent pizza alongside relaxed community vibes, with guest food trucks occasionally adding to the mix. Dunedin itself, of course, delivers far more good eating than anyone could cover in a single trip. On the Otago peninsula, seek out Augustine’s of Portobello Farmstore and Kitchen for cracking coffee and café fare built around the best local ingredients - and lamingtons widely considered among the region’s finest - or settle in at Carey’s Bay Historic Hotel, a favourite for old-school chowder and seafood platters. Port Chalmers Fish Supply is another reliable classic (the blue cod burger has a big fan club), while Kissing Gate Café in Middlemarch rounds things out with consistently good food and a warm welcome, especially appreciated by those fresh off the Central Otago Rail Trail (don’t leave without trying the cheese puff).