
Southland Food & Drink
From the finest ocean fare to fantastic farm fresh produce
Southland is a food lovers’ paradise.
With the perfect amount of sunshine and rain, the region’s fertile plains and coastal waters produce many New Zealand delicacies, from world-famous meat and game to succulent seafood and the freshest, crunchiest vegetables. Whether raised or grown on the land, hunted, fished, or produced, Southland’s food story is connected to people and place. It really is the land of plenty, the ultimate Surf ‘n’ Turf destination.
Savour the South
Take your pick of exceptional tasting, grass-fed lamb, prime pasture-fed beef, and the finest Fiordland venison. Divine dishes that are uniquely Southland are created by talented chefs across vibrant cafes and bakeries, picturesque country pubs and fine-dining restaurants in down-to-earth settings.
Enjoy mouth-watering seafood, including world-famous Bluff oysters, Stewart Island salmon, Fiordland lobster, mussels, paua and blue cod.
Juicy and succulent Bluff oysters are pulled up from the pristine, cool waters of the Foveaux Strait, one of the few natural oyster beds in the world and are prized for their unique flavour. We reckon Bluff oysters are the best in the world but don’t take our word for it, come down and taste them for yourself.
The famous Southland Cheese Roll is a local delicacy and a must-try for any visitor. We recommend multiple tastings to assess the soft crunch of freshly toasted bread, the gooiness of the tasty cheese, and that hint of onion topping it off.
You’ll need to pair your cheese-laden ‘Southland Sushi’ with a stunning, freshly roasted coffee — courtesy of one of Southland’s many artisan coffee roasters
Where to Eat and Drink in Southland
Places to Eat & Drink
Southland is home to a huge number of cafes, restaurants, bakeries, takeaways, dairies, pubs and bars, scattered throughout every region. Friendly Southlanders serve up delicious meals and beverages to visitors and locals…
Bars, Pubs & Breweries
Looking for some typical Southland grub paired with a cold beer, then head on to one of our many…
Cafes & Bakeries
Make your tastebuds happy and follow the smell of freshly baked goods. From a Parisian patisserie to…
Artisan & Speciality Foods
Delicious chocolates, premium wild venison, pure New Zealand honey... Just to name a few of the…
Markets
Southland's market scene offers delicious fare and the freshest produces. We celebrate our…
Takeaways & Food Trucks
In Southland getting takeaways or placing an order at a food truck doesn't mean you have to…
Restaurants
Southland is home to a huge number of restaurants with friendly Southlanders serving up delicious…
Paddock to Plate
Our lush rich soils in Southland provide an abundance of local seasonal food. Many cafes and…
Food Tours
Want to know the ins and outs of some of Southland's delicacies? Go on a food tour and learn all…
Jump into a cooking class, sample delicious southern fare, or join in on a craft beer tastings, Southland has food & drink events for all.
Southland
Stories of our Food Events
Southland Food Gems
The region’s multicultural diversity has brought new and exciting culinary traditions to our tables. Cauli Bao? Duck Wings? Maybe some Venison Tataki?
Be delighted at the variety on offer, from sushi bowls and dumplings to wild hare, delicious river-run trout, salmon and whitebait, authentic pizza, and outrageously good, home-style baking.
Then there are the Southland gems you may not be so familiar with, such as blueberries, saffron, micro-greens, handcrafted gourmet chocolate, Hokonui moonshine whisky, pickles, pies to die for, honey, venison salami and many, many more.
And we can’t forget the humble swede — similar to the turnip, but sweeter and exquisite in a mash with butter.
Southland’s stellar foodie reputation is fuelled by amazing food producers, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, food trucks and countless others — serving up innovative tastes and textures to surprise, tantalise and delight your taste buds.