One of the simplest ways to infuse your outdoor accommodation with New Zealand’s flavours is by sourcing local ingredients. Visit farmers’ markets or local grocery stores to pick up fresh produce, seafood, and meats that are iconic to Aotearoa. Think of fresh green-lipped mussels, iwi lamb, or vibrant seasonal vegetables like kūmara and swedes. Incorporating these ingredients into your meals not only supports local producers but also ensures you enjoy authentic Kiwi tastes.
Create a menu that highlights local fare, such as a seafood platter featuring freshly caught fish and shellfish, or a hangi-style roast cooked on an open fire or in a portable oven. Many regions offer unique local products like manuka honey, feijoa, or native herbs such as kawakawa and kānuka, which can add an authentic touch to your cooking. Ask your hosts or local guides for tips on where to find the best ingredients nearby, or even organise a guided foraging trip if available. Using local ingredients transforms your outdoor stay into a true flavour journey through New Zealand.
The Māori culture is rich with culinary traditions that can beautifully complement your outdoor experience. Incorporating Māori flavours into your meals offers a chance to connect with the land and its history. For example, try flavouring dishes with kānuka or kawakawa leaves, which have aromatic and medicinal qualities. These native herbs can be used to season meats, prepare teas, or infuse oils.
To truly immerse yourself, consider preparing a traditional Māori hangi. This method involves cooking food in a pit lined with hot stones, resulting in tender, smoky goodness. While organising an actual hangi might require some planning, many outdoor operators or local Māori communities offer hangi experiences or workshops. Alternatively, you can adapt the flavours by slow-cooking meats or vegetables with native herbs, adding a distinctly Kiwi touch to your outdoor meals.
Including Māori-inspired dishes on your menu not only introduces you to new flavours but also honours the cultural significance of local ingredients. Whether it’s a kawakawa-infused butter, a feijoa chutney, or a simple herbal tea made from native leaves, these additions deepen your appreciation of New Zealand’s culinary heritage.
No outdoor meal in New Zealand is complete without the right beverage to complement the flavours. Support local breweries, wineries, and distilleries by sourcing craft beers, wines, and spirits from the region. Many Kiwi wineries produce distinctive sauvignon blancs, pinot noirs, and aromatic whites that pair beautifully with fresh seafood or grilled meats.
For a truly local experience, try a glass of mānuka honey mead or a spirit distilled from native botanicals. These beverages can be enjoyed on their own or used as ingredients in cocktails. For example, a gin infused with native botanicals like kānuka or manuka can add a unique twist to your outdoor happy hour.
Incorporating local beverages into your outdoor experience enhances the flavour profiles of your meals and provides an authentic taste of New Zealand’s craft scene. Consider organising a tasting session with your hosts or fellow travellers, sharing stories about each brew or drop, and learning about the local production methods.
Cooking outdoors is a highlight of any glamping trip, and adding a Kiwi flavour twist can make it even more memorable. Invest in portable BBQs, camp ovens, or open fire setups that allow you to cook using traditional methods or modern equipment. Prepare recipes that celebrate New Zealand’s culinary staples, such as kumara roasted over an open flame, or fish caught fresh from nearby waters cooked on a wire rack.
Incorporate native ingredients into your cooking by seasoning with Māori herbs or using native bush spices. For example, marinate fish with lemon myrtle and kawakawa for a fragrant, local-inspired dish. Don’t shy away from experimenting with simple yet flavourful marinades or rubs that highlight regional ingredients.
If you’re staying in a location with access to a river or lake, try fishing for your own dinner, then cook it on-site for a true farm-to-table experience. Many outdoor operators can provide fishing gear or organise guided fishing trips, adding an element of adventure to your culinary journey.
Finally, embracing local flavours isn’t just about ingredients and recipes — it’s also about understanding and respecting Māori customs and traditions related to food. Attending a hangi or a Māori kai (meal) experience is a wonderful way to learn about the cultural significance of shared meals and native ingredients. Such experiences often include storytelling, singing, and traditional performances, enriching your connection to the land and its people.
When incorporating local cuisine into your outdoor stay, always ask permission or seek guidance if you plan to forage or harvest native plants. Respect the environment and local communities by following best practices and supporting indigenous-owned businesses whenever possible.
Celebrating New Zealand’s culinary diversity during your outdoor escapade not only makes your stay more memorable but also honours the land’s rich cultural tapestry. From sourcing ingredients to sharing stories over a meal, every step can be a meaningful part of your glamping adventure.
