Memorable dishes evoke strong emotions, whether through exceptional taste, innovative preparation, or personal significance, and there are plenty in New Zealand’s diverse culinary scene. These are five of the best dishes to have in our books.
Turkey tails, Island Style BBQ
710 Great South Rd, B2, Auckland. Ph: 027 225 8726
Savoured in the Pacific Islands, turkey tails are not something you commonly find on the menu in eateries. Turkey tails have been described as “the most delicious thing you didn’t know you could eat,” and became a favourite in the 1950s when US poultry firms “dumped” turkey tails in the islands. Island BBQ has them tossed in a marinade and grilled to the most delicious, golden brown dish. Best eaten with a side of chips and salad, or take it away and wash it down with a cold bottle of Tui. Note though, that they don’t have turkey tails every day, so best to call and check before you head out that way. Visitors we have taken to try these turkey tails continue to talk about it long after they left the shores of Aotearoa.
Fresh shucked oysters, Clevedon Coast Oysters
914 Clevedon-Kawakawa Bay Rd, Papakura. Ph: 09 2928017
This 60km drive from central Auckland is well worth the trip for an unforgettable shellfish experience and slurping freshly shucked oysters. Clevedon Coast Oysters does not have its own restaurant, but from their little takeaway called The Oyster Gallery, they offer natural oysters, oyster tempura, oyster fritters, and oyster sliders. Note that this is open only on weekends, 10am to 4pm, every Saturday and Sunday.
Website: clevedonoysters.co.nz
Sweet Bambi, Fergburger
42 Shotover Street, Queenstown. Ph: 03 4411232
Sweet Bambi is the most delicious burger on the menu, we feel, at this iconic burger eatery in Queenstown. The patty is made from the meat of wild Fiordland deer, and ingredients include Brie cheese, boysenberry and caramelized onion chutney, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and aioli. Just don’t visualize the large eyes and cuteness of the young Bambi in the Disney movie when biting into this burger. Fergburger has made a name for itself as having the “best burger in New Zealand” since opening in 2001. It has a pretty massive menu, with more than 20 beef, pork, chicken, lamb, fish, and vegetarian options, too, if lamb/venison isn’t your thing. All the menu items are made with NZ meat and locally sourced ingredients.
Website: fergburger.com
Fresh live salmon, Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Cafe
230 McCallum Road, Tākaka 7183
Salmon doesn’t get any fresher than the ones here, where you get to fish for your own sashimi. Anatoki offers a “lake-to-table” experience with on-site salmon fishing where guests can cast a line and catch their own seafood lunch. No experience required. Anatoki provides all the necessary gear free of charge, and they will later prepare the freshly caught salmon in their cafe. Salmon may be the target, but here have been occasions where longfin eels and brown trout may feature in the catch too. Anotaki operates 10am to 4pm every day.
Website: anatokisalmon.co.nz
Fire-roasted Tua Tua (NZ cockles), Metita
The Grand by SkyCity, Level 3/90 Federal St, Auckland. Ph: 09 363 7030
Metita offers an elevated take on Pasifika cuisine, and is the first and only eatery of its kind in New Zealand. Helmed by leading Aotearoa chef Michael Meredith, the restaurant at SkyCity champions his Samoan heritage. Dedicated to sharing stories of the Pacific and showcasing traditional Pacific flavours, one of the dishes that is not to be missed is the Fire-Roasted Tua Tua. Michael combines traditional and modern methods in his cooking, and his Tua Tua dish is served with okra and harissa. Tua Tua, also known as New Zealand cockles, is a delicious and popular seafood dish. They are typically cooked by placing them on a hot grill or barbeque until they open, then seasoned with butter, herbs, and lemon. Metita is open 5pm to 9.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Website: skycityauckland.co.nz
