Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in New Zealand
Daily food budget: $18–$36 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$18
per person/day
Mid-range
$36
per person/day
Luxury
$80
per person/day
What Meals Cost
Meat pie$5-7
Fish and chips$10-15
Cafe brunch$15-22
Restaurant dinner$25-45
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Walk the free Great Walks and DOC tracks instead of paying for adventure activities.
Dining in New Zealand
Eating well in New Zealand doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.