New Zealand has a wide range of local and imported food. The country is a major producer of lamb, venison, pork, chicken and beef, and dairy products are abundant and inexpensive. Almost all types of fruit are available in the shops. New Zealanders generally have a balanced diet of vegetables with either meat or fish and potatoes. Dinner is usually considered to be the main meal.

There are many types of restaurants, coffee shops, take-away and fast food outlets. They range from exclusive and expensive evening restaurants to casual dining. As well as New Zealand-style food, in bigger cities students will also find every sort of international and ethnic food. These include Chinese, French, Greek, Indian, Thai, and Turkish foods.

New Zealand cities and towns have excellent public water supplies and tap water is fresh and safe to drink.

Some familiar fast food chains available in New Zealand include McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut and Burger King. Traditional food in New Zealand includes the meat pie, roast dinners, fish and chips, ice cream and pavlova.

New Zealand has large supermarkets where you can buy anything from fresh fish to wine and beer. Supermarkets are open everyday, some 24 hours. There are also specialist shops selling Asian foods and products although many of these products are now also available in the supermarkets.