A hand holding a glass of wine at Puffin.

Food & Drink

Do you dream of the perfect negroni? Would you fly to another city on a whim for an artfully presented degustation? Let our food and drink experts serve you up all their favourite spots. Rediscover Aotearoa New Zealand’s cities with our insider’s guides and find out what’s your Never Have I Ever…

What's your Food & Drink Never Have I Ever?

  • Anh Chaimontree

    Restaurateur

    HAM
    Pat and Anh inside their restaurant Bahn Mi Caphe.

    Anh Chaimontree's Hamilton

    Food & Drink

    Never stared up at the mechanical hedges or looked down the chequered walkway at Hamilton Gardens’s new Surrealist Garden? It’s restaurateur Anh Chaimontree’s favourite part of her city’s famous gardens.

    Discover Anh’s Hamilton.

    The Surrealist Garden at the Hamilton Gardens.

    Get lost in the Surrealist Garden

    The exterior of Brown Lightning Bros.

    The smell of coffee at Raglan Roast

    A scone on a table.

    Scones from River Kitchen

    The inside of the cafe Grey Street Kitchen.

    Chilli scramble at Grey Street Kitchen

    A plate of noodles on a table.

    Noodle fix at Donburi Ya

    The entrance to Poppies Bookshop in Hamilton.

    Grab a page turner at Poppies Bookshop

    A man browsing books inside Browsers Bookshop in Hamilton.

    Browsing at Browsers

    The entrance to The Scullery in Hamilton.

    Culinary Inspiration at The Scullery

    A bar man making a cocktail at Wonder Horse.

    Bartender's choice at Wonder Horse

    The Waikato River.

    Pick your own Waikato River Walk

  • Olive Tabor

    Owner of Patti's & Cream

    DUN
    Olive standing in front of her ice cream truck.

    Olive Tabor's Dunedin

    Food & Drink

    Never been to John Z Robinson’s studio in Dunedin? Scoop shop owner Olive Tabor loves visiting the tiny studio gallery of this iconon painter, sculptor and jeweller. She says it's like being in the presence of a living legend.

    Discover Olive’s Dunedin.

    Inside the art studio.

    John Z. Robinson art studio

    Fish and chips on a table.

    Detour to Waihola Fish & Chips

    The beach at Huriawa Pā.

    Huriawa Pā Walk

    The front of Kūkū Coffee.

    Best coffee in Dunedin at Kūkū

    Art work inside The Hocken.

    Colin McCahon at the Hocken

    Cray on a table.

    Half a cray at the FishWife

    Close up of dumplings.

    Celery slaw from The Dumpling Lady

    Whareakeake / Murdering Beach.

    Watch the surfers at Whareakeake

    People on a massive motorbike.

    Experience Dunedin on a trike

    A staff member working in the bookshop.

    Feel smart at University Bookshop

  • Rosa and Margo Flanagan

    Two Raw Sisters

    CHC
    The Two Raw sisters in their workshop smiling to camera.

    Margo and Rosa Flanagan's Christchurch

    Food & Drink

    Never strolled this block of independent businesses on the southern end of the city? This is where Margo and Rosa Flanagan run their Two Raw Sisters cooking school. They love to frequent the other passionate businesses here - from coffee at Supreme to souvlaki at Welles Street Restaurant.

    Discover Margo & Rosa’s Christchurch.

    Looking through windows at Welles Street.

    Shop the one stop street

    The inside of the Infinite Definite space.

    Get styled at Infinite Definite

    A flatlay of food at Gatherings.

    Fish supper at Gatherings

    A man standing on the Port Hills.

    Explore the Port Hills

    Surfs in the ocean.

    Surfing at Sumner Beach

    Margo and Rosa running a cooking class.

    Two Raw Sisters cooking workshops

    Herbs ready for planting.

    Shop for heirloom vegetables

    A wait staff carrying plates of food.

    Eat amazing food at 5th Street

    A wait staff serving wine at a atble.

    A goblet of syrah at OGB

    The inside of O-Studio.

    Have a sauna or float at O-Studio

  • Dove Chen

    Champion Barista & Café Owner

    HAM
    Dove Chen standing in his Hamilton Cafe.

    Dove Chen's Hamilton

    Food & Drink

    Never had the high tea experience overlooking the tea fields at the Zealong Tea Estate in Hamilton? Barista champion and café owner Dove Chen appreciates the subtlety of a good brew. He says the stunning Zealong experience is not to be missed. 

    Discover Dove’s Hamilton.

    The inside space at Zealong Tea.

    High Tea and Zealong Tea Estate

    A chimpanzee eating.

    Cheeky Chimps at Hamilton Zoo

    A flatlay of food at Banh Mi.

    Awesome food and tasty cocktails at Bahn Mi Caphe

    The pink interior at Lykke Cafe.

    Mood lift at Lykke Café

    Casabella Lane in Hamilton.

    Boutiques on Casabella Lane

    The Hamilton Lake.

    Chill out at Hamilton Lake

    A bird's eye of view of the Waikato River.

    Hang out with the awa

    The entrance to Rocket Coffee.

    Talk coffee at Rocket

    A waiter holding two plates of food.

    Experience the colourful dishes at The Kirk Café

    A bird's eye view of Gourmet in the Gardens.

    Attend Gourmet in the Gardens

  • Lisa Wicksteed

    Hospitality hero

    CHC
    Lisa standing and smiling to camera.

    Lisa Wicksteed's Christchurch

    Food & Drink

    Never had a line-up of local chardonnay with your tapas? Hospitality legend Lisa Wicksteed recommends the wine “flights” from Cellar Door in the city’s stunning Arts Centre. As a respected restaurateur for 20 years, Lisa knows the magic of heartfelt hospo.

    Discover Lisa’s Christchurch.

    Cellar Door bar at the Arts Centre.

    Fall in love with the Arts Centre

    People dining inside Black Estate in Waipara.

    Jaunt to Black Estate Winery

    Japanese Tacos and a cocktail on the table at Bar Yoku.

    Japanese tacos at Bar Yoku

    The busy Rollickin' Gelato store on New Regent Street.

    Sweet treat at Rollickin’ Gelato

    Staff members standing behind the counter at Spooky Boogie.

    Port-side brew at Spooky Boogie

    A hand holding a glass of champagne.

    Champers at Twenty Seven Steps

    The playground at Victoria Park.

    Relaxation at Victoria Park

    A rooster under peach trees.

    Foraging with Peter Langlands

    Two people standing outside the glasshouse at the Botanic Gardens.

    Botanic Gardens with a cuppa

    A plate of Fluff Oysters on a white table.

    Fluff Oysters from the Farmers Market

  • Kim Higgison

    Ice cream maker & business owner

    HAM
    Kim and Cameron smiling to camera.

    Kim & Cameron's Hamilton

    Food & Drink

    Never experienced Sage, the dining experience in a brew bar in Hamilton? Kim Higgison of Duck Island Ice Cream thinks you should. She’s proud of the creative community in her adopted home of Hamilton.

    Discover Kim’s Hamilton.

    Close up of beer and a plate of food at Sage.

    Eat incredible food at Sage

    The entrance to Brown Lightning Bros.

    Taste a perfect cup

    A bowl of noodles.

    Do it Sichuan style

    Inside the glasshouse at Hamilton Gardens.

    Stroll the hothouse at Hamilton Gardens

    The inside of Hearth Eatery in Hamilton.

    Power lunch it at Hearth

    A man working behind the counter at Ann Fern.

    Cheese and Pickle toasties from Ann Fern

    Lovegrove Lane.

    Stroll down Lovegrove Lane

    Colourful art on a wall at Sandz Studio.

    Inspirational art at Sandz Studio

    Looking towards the sunset from Raglan Wharf.

    Fish and Chips on Raglan wharf

    The outside of the Meteor Theatre building.

    Catch a show at The Meteor

  • Jos Ruffell

    Brewer

    WLG
    Jos and his two dogs outside Garage Project.

    Jos Ruffell's Wellington

    Food & Drink

    Never had the soft-serve from Zany Zeus? Brewer Jos Ruffell goes for the liquorice flavour after a walk in the Remutaka Forest.

    Discover Jos's Wellington.

    The front counter at Zany Zeus.

    Soft serve from Zany Zeus

    A flight of beers.

    Fresh-as beer from Garage Project Taproom

    People dining inside Ortega Fish Shack.

    Steak frites at Ortega Fish Shack

    Close up of noodles on a table.

    Taste of Home at the Architecture School

    Croissants at French Cancan.

    French Cancan almond croissant

    Cycling in the Remutaka Forest Park.

    Recharge in the Remutaka Forest Park

    Records on display inside Slow Boat Records.

    While away an afternoon at Slow Boat Records

    A couple walking up Mt Victoria.

    Foraging at Mt Victoria Town Belt

    Bottles of wine on shelves at Everyday Wine.

    A light red from Everyday Wine

    Inside a movie theatre at Embassy Theatre.

    Cocktail and a movie at Embassy Theatre

  • Josh Thomas

    Bar owner

    DUN
    Josh Thomas looking to camera inside his bar.

    Josh Thomas's Dunedin

    Food & Drink

    Never swum off the deserted boatshed at Pūrākaunui? Designer and bar owner Josh Thomas calls it “magical”. He likes to gather cockles here, too. Josh loves Dunedin’s deserted beaches and connected people.

    Discover Josh’s Dunedin.

    Close up of Purakaunui Cockles.

    Gather cockles at Pūrākaunui

    People dining inside ADJO in Dunedin.

    Smoked mackerel from ADJØ

    The botanic terraces.

    Drinks in the sun on The Terraces

    People playing football at Bethune's Gully.

    Mind blowing views from Bethune’s Gully

    A baker moving bread.

    Lunch perfection at Side-on

    The Blue Oyster sign

    Emerging and experimental art at Blue Oyster

    A couple dining inside Best Cafe.

    Old school fish and chips from Best Café

    The top of buildings in the Wharf Area of Dunedin.

    Wander the Wharf Area

    People dining outside Albar.

    Grab a pint of Emerson's at Albar

    A woman reading in the foyer at Regent Theatre.

    Enjoy the cinema at the Regent Theatre

  • Flip Grater

    Musician & vegan butcher

    CHC
    A photo of Flip and her husband inside Grater Goods.

    Flip Grater's Christchurch

    Food & Drink

    Never had a sushi taco? Musician and vegan butcher Flip Grater can help. Bar Yoku is a favourite in her inner-city neighbourhood and is part of the healthy, sustainable vibe curated at The Welder complex.

    Discover Flip’s Christchurch.

    Inside The Welder.

    Taste and shop The Welder

    Giant noodles at Miss Peppercorn.

    Authentic szechuan at Miss Peppercorns

    People eating ice cream at Utopia Ice.

    Sumner Village flavours

    A flatlay of patisseries on a table.

    French patisseries from Sweet Soul

    Inside the Junk and Disorderly store.

    Explore Sydenham

    A customer being served at Grater Goods.

    Plant-based charcuterie

    People heading to the surf at New Brighton beach.

    New Brighton Beach reset

    A plate of food on a table at Samuari Bowl.

    Vegan ramen at Samurai Bowl

    People walking around the BNZ Centre.

    Shopping in Cashel Square

    A family shopping at Lyttelton Market.

    Italian-Indonesian street fusion

  • Beth Brash

    Foodie

    WLG
    A photo of Beth Brash sitting against a bright yellow wall.

    Beth Brash's Wellington

    Food & Drink

    Never tried the eggplant claypot at KC Café? Wellington on a Plate programme manager Beth Brash lives, eats and dreams food. And she thinks this is the perfect finish to a night out.

    Discover Beth's Wellington.

    A very large menu on the wal at KC Cafe and Takeaway in Wellington.

    Find foodie heaven at KC Café

    Wine on a table at Puffin.

    Wine narnia at Puffin Wine Bar

    The entrance to Rita restaurant in Wellington.

    Intimate Dining at Rita

    Inside the Mason restaurant.

    Cocktails at Mason

    Two people chatting at the bar inside Goldings Free Dive.

    Find your local at Goldings Free Dive

    People dining at a large shared table inside Milk Crate.

    Chili Cheese Scones at Milk Crate

    An indoor pool at Tory Urban Retreat.

    Escape to Tory Urban Retreat

    The inside of Burger Liquor.

    The Smokey at Burger Liquor

    The Makara Wind Farm in Wellington.

    Explore Makara Wind Farm

    Pots and cups on display on shelves inside Vessel.

    Source handmade souvenirs at Vessel

  • Dariush Lolaiy

    Chef & cookbook author

    AKL
    Dariush Lolaiy looking to camera.

    Dariush Lolaiy's Auckland

    Food & Drink

    Never had a special occasion meal at Cocoro? Chef Dariush Lolaiy describes Makoto’s food as nothing short of magic - plus the best sake selection in town. It’s his favourite special occasion restaurant.

    Discover Dariush’s Auckland.

    The entrance to Cocoro.

    Kitchen magic at Cocoro

    Noodles in a bowl.

    Best noodles on Dominion Road

    The inside of the Satya Chai Lounge.

    Quiet cocktails at Satya

    The beach at Kauri Point Domain.

    Walk Kauri Point Domain

    Food on a plate at Apero.

    French classics from Apero

    People walking around Commercial Bay.

    Explore the ever-changing downtown

    A man pouring beer.

    Tastings at Kingsland Cellar Door

    A barista making coffee at The Candy Shop.

    Try some of the city's best coffee

    Martins Bay in Auckland.

    Coastal retreat to Martins Bay

    A close up of Crane Brothers suits.

    Dress up in Crane Brothers

  • Yeshe Dawa

    Gluten free baker

    AKL
    Yeshe Dawa smiling to camera.

    Yeshe Dawa's Auckland

    Food & Drink

    Never strolled the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Community Gardens? Gluten-free baker Yeshe Dawa loves looking at the way different people approach their edible gardens. Yeshe loves connecting with Auckland’s local food culture and green spaces.

    Discover Yeshe’s Auckland.

    The gardens at Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Community Gardens.

    Walk the food forest in Point Chev

    A worker planting vegetable seeds.

    Explore OMG inner city garden

    The inside of the Duck Island Ponsonby store.

    Dairy free ice cream from Duck Island

    The exterior of Cielito Lindo.

    Best tacos from Cielito Lindo

    A Wise Boys burger in a box.

    Plant-based burgers at Wise Boys

    A path at the Rock Forest.

    Disappear into the Maungawhau bush

    A stream at Project Twin Streams.

    Discover Project Twin Streams

    The Okura Bush walkway.

    Walk with the Kauri in Okura Bush

    Vintage finds inside Panmure Habitat.

    Hunt out vintage finds

    Swans in a lake at Western Springs.

    Spot the elephants in Western Springs

  • Sarah & Otis Frizzell

    Owners of The Lucky Taco

    AKL
    Sarah and Otis in front of their food truck The Lucky Taco.

    Sarah & Otis Frizzell's Auckland

    Food & Drink

    Never been to the Miann Chocolate Factory in Morningside? Sarah & Otis Frizzell reckon the owner is a bit like Willy Wonka. You can see the chocolate being made - and then pop over to the MorningCidery for a Lucky Taco Cider - an award-winning habanero ginger drop that Otis & Sarah helped create.

    Discover Sarah & Otis’s Auckland.

    The inside of Endemic World gallery in Auckland.

    Accessible art at Endemic World Gallery

    Sun streaming in to Cook the Books in Auckland.

    Foodie reads at Cook The Books

    Soup and dumplings on a table at Tianze.

    Lucky noodles at Tianze

    Unwind at Oakley Creek Waterfall

    Ducks on the banks at Western Springs.

    Ducks and eels at Western Springs

    Beers and clothes on display at Urbanaut Brewery.

    Take a tour at Urbanaut Brewery

    The outside dining area at Morning Cider.

    MorningCider and chocolate

    The exterior of the Fo Guang Shan temple.

    Get some Zen at Fo Guang Shan

    Three plates of food at Homeland.

    Join the foodie cult at Homeland

    People dining outside Conch in Auckland.

    Vinyl at Conch

Wellington