Is New Zealand Vegan-Friendly?

I asked myself the above question quite often throughout last year as I planned my bucket list trip to Aotearoa. I will never regret switching to a plant-based lifestyle, but there are places in the world where eating a vegan diet is challenging. However, when I began researching and spoke to my cousin, who was traveling with me, my apprehension faded. Based on the route we planned to drive, I scoured the internet for vegan-friendly spots, and my list rapidly grew. I wouldn’t be able to eat everything I wanted within 24 hours, but I did take notes. A lot of notes. So, I hope I can help answer the above question: “Is New Zealand vegan-friendly?”

In short, yes.

Due to its geographical isolation from the rest of the world, New Zealand’s economy and food culture are primarily agricultural, with a strong emphasis on meat and dairy production. So, it’s not surprising that the perception is that the country isn’t vegan-friendly, but it absolutely is. I was able to eat and have multiple options that weren’t simply salads without dressing or fries. Some people do note that the North Island is easier to eat on, but I thought they were equally vegan-friendly.

Your perception of how vegan-friendly the country is will also depend on where you’re flying in from. If you’re coming from the UK or a city like Portland, Oregon, you might be disappointed. Coming from New Jersey, New Zealand was a vegan’s paradise for me, especially in the major cities. I didn’t struggle to eat, even in smaller towns or remote coastal destinations, but if you do venture into truly remote locations or hike for several days straight, you may encounter some issues. Granted, since I was traveling with an omnivore, I didn’t eat at any vegan restaurants during the trip, but I had no trouble finding places where both of us could eat. If you’re also traveling with non-vegetarian companions, this might be helpful for you (and for them).

Here are a few of my best tips:

• Plan Ahead
• I would recommend doing this on any trip, but make sure you do your research beforehand. Thankfully, a lot of people have already done some of the leg work here. HappyCow will be your best friend (although it’s not always the most up-to-date). I also love making new friends and am sharing all of my New Zealand city vegan food guides below for your convenience. Even if there aren’t any vegan or vegetarian-only restaurants where you go, most places will have separate vegan menus, a handful of options, or are happy to accommodate (like in Orepuki). Dig a little deeper, and you will absolutely find good vegan food.

• Get Groceries
• You may not be able to find a ton of meat alternatives if that’s what you’re looking for, but most grocery stores should have an abundance of vegan staples: pastas, breads, fruits and veggies, dairy alternatives, etc. My cousin and I ate a lot of fresh fruit, and I picked up quite a few snacks for myself: vegan chocolate, chips, caramel slices, frozen dumplings, and more. We even did some grocery shopping in Te Anau, and I was able to find quite a few groceries. Additionally, if you’re an apple lover, consider picking up a dozen. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.

• Bring Your Own Snacks
• I recommend this tip for any trip, but with caution. New Zealand is notoriously strict (as it should be) about biosecurity and customs, and what you’re allowed to bring into the country or not. Food is considered a “risk item” by the New Zealand Government. All risk items, including food, that you are carrying must be noted on your arrival declaration, and if you’re unsure, declare it anyway. Some of the risk items listed include: food, fruit, veggies, meat and fish, poultry, honey, any ingredients used in cooking, and all dairy products. You can risk it, but I would exercise reasonable caution. You might be better off buying snacks upon your arrival (Auckland has a vegan grocery store!).

CITY GUIDES

Piggybacking off of my tip above to PLAN AHEAD, I’m sharing all of my vegan food guides for the cities and towns we went to, to help make your research a little less painful. Cheers!

Auckland: One of the more vegan-friendly kiwi cities of the bunch, there are a plethora of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in the city. Plus, there’s a vegan grocery store as mentioned above.

Hamilton: If you’re visiting Hobbiton, you might stop in Hamilton! A little less vegan-friendly, you can still find food options if you don’t eat on the film set (but I have a blog post about that too).

Wellington: If you’re visiting the South Island, you might drive down to Wellington to take the ferry. Wellington was one of my favorite places to eat and if I could go back, there are quite a few other places I’d love to try.

Taupō: One of the most picturesque landscapes in the entire country, Taupō is a frequently visited spot with stunning lake and mountain views.

Rotorua: For Māori culture, ziplining, and tree walks, Rotorua is a must-visit and also hosts a number of vegan-friendly options in town.

Cathedral Cove: A little removed, if you’re driving up the coastline on the North Island or heading to the Coromandel, you might stop in Cathedral Cove for those famous cave views. Don’t worry, though: you’ll find food.

Thames: Though not as frequented as some of the other cities on this list, Thames was a cute little town that had great coffee and a fun main street. We spent the night here on our way down between Hamilton and Cathedral Cove.

Christchurch: One of the best cities on this list for vegan food, I adored Christchurch. We spent a few days here, and I loved everything I ate. There’s fantastic coffee, great vibes, cute markets and boutique shops. And vegan croissants! If you visit Riverside Market, check out this post.

Queenstown: If I had to pick a place to live in upon retirement (if I ever make it there), it might just be Queenstown. The views, the vibes, the bungee, the food: everything was incredible. I miss it terribly, but I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did. And vegans don’t have to worry about not being able to try local favorites like Fergburger!

Tekapo: The most stunning lake I saw (other than Lake Pukaki), the town of Tekapo is renowned for its springtime bloom of lupin flowers (which, by the way, are an invasive species). While there aren’t any vegan or vegetarian-only spots, there are a lot of options (and food trucks).

Wānaka: If you’re visiting the South Island, you might stop in Wānaka for its lavender farms or its famous lakeside tree. I didn’t stop here to eat (only to take photos and visit the lavender farm beforehand), but you should definitely stay for a bite.

Te Anau: And if you’re traveling to Milford Sound at any point, you’re likely going to start your trip from the town of Te Anau.

Do you have any questions about my vegan adventures in New Zealand? Let me know down below!