Christmas decorations have appeared, the weather is finally warming up and the excitement for summer is building.
While there’s plenty to look forward to at this time of year - holidays with loved ones, great weather, and long days at the beach - nothing can top the delicious delights that a New Zealand summer offers.
Here are few of our favourite quintessential Kiwi summer foods to enjoy:
NZ Seafood
Although generally available all year round, summer is a great time to get in the water to dive and collect kaimoana (food that has been gathered from the sea).
Think Crayfish, Paua, Mussels, Kina (Sea Urchin)
One of our favourite seafood to enjoy is crayfish. Crayfish are in the same family as lobsters, so they taste similar. If you want to enjoy this delicacy and don’t want to get in the water yourself, you will find it at most fishmongers, and many restaurants.
If you are looking to sample seafood unique to New Zealand, then this is the perfect time of year to sample kina - a sea urchin that’s endemic to our country. Kina is an acquired taste that divides seafood lovers. Those that do enjoy the flavour describe it as rich, sweet, briny, creamy and undeniably oceanic. Lovers of kina often enjoy the food raw and fresh, having just dived for it. For those that are not quite as brave, you can find it served in a variety of ways in many quality restaurants throughout the country.
Cherries
Nothing signals the season quite like the arrival of these glossy red baubles.
Only available for a short period during December & January, Cherries can be found in all supermarkets, fruit markets and also at roadside fruit stalls throughout the country.
The undisputed cherry growing capital of New Zealand is the Central Otago town of Cromwell, which is bursting with orchards specialising in stone fruit.
As well as hosting an annual Cherry Festival in December, there is also a hotly contested National Cherry Stone Spitting Championship.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a staple in the Kiwi summer diet. Big, red and delicious, they are incredibly versatile. Teamed with trifle or pav, served with ice cream, blended in smoothies or devoured straight from the punnet ,New Zealanders will enjoy more than 300 tonnes of strawberries during the warmer months.
As well as being able to purchase them at supermarkets, farmers markets and fruit stalls, many strawberry growers allow ‘Pick your own’, which can make for a fun (and yummy) day out.
Pavlova
Despite what Australians may say, pavlova originated in New Zealand! This incredible dessert features a base of meringue which is then smothered in whipped cream and fresh fruit. It’s decadent and delicious.
Pavlova is somewhat of a summer tradition and is often part of a big family Christmas lunch.
Fish and Chips
A bonafide Kiwi favourite, Fish ‘n’ Chips are all about the location - best enjoyed while sitting on a New Zealand beach on a balmy summer evening.
Freshly caught Snapper, Tarakihi and Hoki are the most common types of fish used, which is then battered and deep fried. Be sure to order enough chips for everyone! Then, grab some Watties tomato sauce, unwrap the newspaper parcel of fried goodies and enjoy with some fresh white bread (for a chip ‘butty’).
A word of warning - don’t be tempted to throw a spare chip to the gathering seagulls as that will be the end of your peaceful picnic!
Hokey Pokey Ice cream
Nothing beats soaking up the sun on a waterfront stroll while savouring an ice cream in a cone.
Hokey Pokey is one of NZ’s top selling ice creams and can be found at almost every dairy (corner store) in the country. A uniquely Kiwi flavour, it is essentially vanilla ice cream packed full of chunks of honeycomb toffee. It’s sweet, satisfying and rather addictive!
Fruju Ice blocks
If ice cream is not for you, grab a Fruju.
Simply put, a Fruju is like a fruit juice frozen on a stick and is an emblem of the New Zealand Summer.
With their juiciness, icy crunch and fruity flavours (Pineapple Crush, Grapefruit & Lemon and Orange Rush), they are the ideal refreshment on a hot day.
Wherever in New Zealand you find yourself, be sure to indulge in some of the regional delights that are on offer and enjoy the flavours of a Kiwi summer.
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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.
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