14 Jul Vegan New Zealand: Discovering the Flavors of Aotearoa
New Zealand’s South Island is a haven for vegan travelers, offering a wide range of plant-based dining options and delicious vegan goods. From cozy cafes to luxurious breakfasts, I was on a mission to uncover the best vegan spots in this stunning region. And, oh, did I find some gems! In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through my favorite vegan haunts in the South Island, showcasing the mouth-watering dishes and products that left me wanting more.
Vegan Guide in New Zealand: A South Island Adventure
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Eatery by Frank, Queenstown
Our Vegan New Zealand adventure in Queenstown led us to Eatery by Frank, a charming and cozy cafe that offers a range of delicious vegan dishes. This eatery boasts a carefully curated menu that caters to plant-based diets, featuring a variety of vegan options that showcase the region’s fresh and vibrant ingredients. Some of the standout vegan options at Eatery by Frank include:
- Ginger Slice – A rich, moist, and flavorful vegan dessert that is a must-try for any sweet-toothed vegan traveler. This cake satisfies cravings while adhering to a plant-based diet.
- Vegan Superfood Salad – A refreshing and nutritious dish featuring a mix of seasonal greens, fresh vegetables, and plant-based protein. This salad exemplifies the cafe’s commitment to using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
From the refreshing vegan salad and the heavenly ginger cake to the cozy atmosphere and inviting decor, Eatery by Frank is a must-visit for any vegan traveler. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and valued. With a range of vegan options, Eatery by Frank is a true gem for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy dining experience in New Zealand’s South Island.
Hustl. Cafe, Queenstown
Hustl. Cafe is a trendy and stylish eatery that caters to plant-based diets. With a menu that boasts an impressive array of vegan options, including a scrumptious pumpkin falafel wrap, rich vegan brownie, satisfying vegan burger, and carrot cake, Hustl. Cafe is a must-visit for any vegan traveler seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
In addition to its delicious vegan options, Hustl. Cafe also offers a trendy and stylish atmosphere, with a modern and minimalist decor and a friendly and attentive staff. The eatery’s location in the Frankton makes it easy to access, whether you’re a local or a visitor.
Mint Folk & Co, Twizel
Our stay at High Country Cabin near Twizel led us to Mint Folk & Co,, our next stop in our Vegan New Zealand Adventure. Mint Folk & Co. is a charming and cozy cafe that offers a range of delicious vegan dishes. This eatery boasts a carefully curated menu that caters to plant-based diets, featuring a variety of vegan options that showcase the region’s fresh and vibrant ingredients.
From the Green Goodness Salad, featuring fresh and flavorful greens, to the roasted veggies and avocado toasts, Mint Folk & Co’s vegan options are a must-try for any vegan traveler. The eatery’s cozy atmosphere and inviting decor make it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery, Wanaka
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery’s location in Wanaka makes it a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the South Island and it’s the perfect spot for vegan travellers in New Zealand. With a range of vegan options, It is a true gem for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy dining experience in New Zealand’s South Island. This eatery boasts a carefully curated menu that caters to plant-based diets, featuring a variety of vegan options that showcase the region’s fresh and vibrant ingredients.
The Hummus Pumpkin Salad at Scroggin Coffee and Eatery is a must-try for any vegan traveler. This dish features fresh and flavorful greens, tender roasted pumpkin, and a delicious house-made hummus, all topped with a tangy vinaigrette. The eatery’s commitment to using locally sourced and organic ingredients ensures that every dish is both delicious and healthy.
Little Aosta, Arrowtown
In the picturesque town of Arrowtown, I stumbled upon Little Aosta. It surprised us with its delicious vegan options. While known for its authentic Italian cuisine, Little Aosta caters to diverse dietary needs, offering a vegan-friendly marinara pizza and a side salad.
The vegan marinara pizza is a delightful combination of fresh tomato sauce and flavorful herbs. The crust is thin and crispy, cooked to perfection in their wood-fired oven, adding a smoky aroma to the dish. The side salad is a refreshing accompaniment, featuring a mix of seasonal greens, fresh vegetables, and a light vinaigrette.
Little Aosta’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a rustic decor that evokes the charm of traditional Italian trattorias. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a romantic dinner, Little Aosta is a perfect spot to enjoy delicious Italian food with a vegan twist.
Big Fig, Wanaka
Big Fig in Wanaka is a beloved cafe that impresses with its diverse menu of both hot and cold plant-based dishes. In addition to their popular breakfast bowls and curries, the eatery also offers a range of tempting cold options.
One of the must-try items at Big Fig is their vegan Gözleme. This traditional Turkish flatbread is filled with onion and delicious vegan feta cheese, making it a unique and delectable offering. The flavorful filling is wrapped in a soft, freshly baked dough, creating a satisfying and portable meal.
Beyond the signature Gözleme, the cafe also serves up an array of other hot dishes. Favorites include the Lentil and Vegetable Curry, a comforting and aromatic plant-based curry served with fluffy rice or naan bread. They also offer a few vegan dessert options if you want to end your meal with something sweet.
Stoneridge Estate, Queenstown
Nestled in the breathtaking Lake Hayes, Stoneridge Estate is not only a luxury accommodation but also a destination for exceptional vegan dining. The estate’s restaurant offers a made-to-order breakfast menu, which can be easily customized to make it vegan, allowing guests to curate their ideal plant-based morning meal.
The vegan breakfast options at Stoneridge Estate are both diverse and customizable. I had avocado toasts with my choice of bread and a delicious coffee.
Sudima Queenstown
Located in the heart of Frankton, the Sudima Queenstown hotel offers an exceptional vegan-friendly breakfast experience for guests and visitors alike. The hotel’s restaurant showcases a made-to-order breakfast menu, allowing patrons to customize their plant-based morning meal.
One of the standout vegan offerings is the smoothie bowl. Prepared fresh to order, this vibrant and nourishing dish features a base of blended fruits and greens, topped with an array of colorful and textured toppings. Think crunchy granola, fresh berries, sliced banana and coconut yogurt – a visually stunning and delicious way to start the day.
In addition to the smoothie bowls, Sudima Queenstown also features a selection of freshly baked vegan sourdough breads. These artisanal loaves can be enjoyed on their own or as the foundation for a variety of vegan toast creations. Whether you prefer avocado, nut butter, or a selection of seasonal jams, the hotel’s sourdough provides the perfect canvas for a satisfying plant-based breakfast.
Bailiez Cafe & Bar, Te Anau
Located in the quaint town of Te Anau, Bailiez Cafe & Bar has become a go-to destination for vegan travelers exploring the Fiordland. The cafe’s menu features a range of plant-based dishes, including a standout vegan burger and a nutrient-dense superfood salad.
The Vegan Burger at Bailiez Cafe & Bar is a must-try for any plant-based diner. The patty is made from a blend of high-quality vegan proteins, ensuring a satisfying and substantial base for the burger. The patty is then topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and a delicious vegan sauce, all nestled between a soft, freshly baked bun.
Complementing the hearty vegan burger is the cafe’s Super Seeded Salad. This vibrant and nourishing dish features a bed of mixed greens, quinoa, and an assortment of nutrient-dense seeds. The salad is dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette, making it a refreshing and satisfying accompaniment to the burger.
Bailiez Cafe & Bar’s commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every vegan dish is not only delicious but also bursting with wholesome nutrition. The cafe’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its attentive staff, further enhances the dining experience for vegan visitors to Te Anau.
Whether you’re seeking a satisfying main course or a nutritious side, Bailiez Cafe & Bar’s vegan burger and super seeded salad are sure to impress and leave you feeling nourished and energized during your South Island adventures.
High Country Cabin, Twizel
I had the chance to stay at an amazing Airbnb called High Country Cabin near Twizel during my vegan New Zealand Adventure, Vegan travelers staying at High Country Cabin Airbnbs in New Zealand’s South Island can take advantage of the well-equipped kitchens to prepare their own meals.
The local grocery stores and supermarkets provide a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds – perfect for crafting delicious vegan dishes.
Cabins come with essential cooking equipment, allowing you to whip up hearty stir-fries, comforting curries, nourish bowls, and more. You can also utilize the region’s artisanal vegan bread options, like Cottage Land Rye Sourdough, for avocado toast and sandwiches.
The peaceful cabin setting provides the ideal backdrop for savoring your homemade vegan creations while immersed in the stunning South Island landscapes.
Fergburger, Mrs Ferg & Fergbaker, Queenstown
Fergburger and its sister establishments, Mrs Ferg and Fergbaker, are renowned throughout New Zealand for their exceptional burgers and baked goods. And the good news for vegan travelers is that these iconic Queenstown eateries offer a variety of plant-based options to enjoy.
At Fergburger, vegans can indulge in the Vegan Bun-Believable Burger, which features a delectable tempura-fried tofu patty. This unique and satisfying burger is sure to impress even the most discerning vegan palate.
Moving on to the sweet treats, Mrs Ferg and Fergbaker have an impressive selection of vegan-friendly desserts. Visitors can savor the Vegan Chocolate Gelato, a rich and creamy plant-based take on the classic Italian frozen treat. For a refreshing option, the Kiwi Sorbet is a must-try, showcasing the vibrant flavors of New Zealand’s iconic fruit.
And the vegan offerings don’t stop there. Fergbaker also serves up freshly baked vegan pretzels, vegan sandwich with black bean & quinoa patties, topped with vegan cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying snack while exploring Queenstown.
With their commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs, Fergburger, Mrs Ferg, and Fergbaker have solidified their status as must-visit destinations for vegan travelers in Queenstown. Whether you’re craving a hearty burger, a sweet indulgence, or a savory.
Baker’s Lane, Queenstown
Baker’s Lane is a beloved local bakery that offers a delectable selection of vegan donuts, including a standout Biscoff Donut. This indulgent plant-based creation features a fluffy, perfectly-fried donut base that is generously coated in a rich and creamy Biscoff spread, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.
The Biscoff Donut from Baker’s Lane is a true delight for vegan sweet-toothed travelers. The use of high-quality, ethically-sourced ingredients ensures that each bite is not only delicious but also guilt-free.
Whether you enjoy the Biscoff Donut as a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon snack, this vegan treat is sure to become a highlight of our vegan New Zealand adventure, If you are a sweet tooth like me, be sure to add a visit to Baker’s Lane in Frankton to your South Island itinerary to stock up on their mouthwatering vegan donuts.
The Hard Antler, Haast
Located in the charming town of Haast, The Hard Antler is a must-visit restaurant when exploring the West Coast. This unique establishment offers a plant-based respite amidst the region’s stunning natural landscapes.
The Hard Antler’s menu is a true delight for vegans, featuring a wide array of delicious and creative dishes. One standout offering is their vegan burger, which showcases a savory, meat-free patty that is full of flavors and rich in texture.
But The Hard Antler isn’t just about the food – the establishment also boasts a cozy and welcoming ambiance, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the Wesr Coast’s rugged landscapes. The rustic, timber-clad interior and the friendly service create a truly memorable dining experience for locals and visitors.
Spiker Cafe, Haast
In the picturesque town of Haast, you will be delighted to discover Spiker Cafe, a local establishment that offers a variety of plant-based breakfast options to fuel their adventures.
One standout vegan item on Spiker Cafe’s menu is their hearty vegan muesli. This nourishing breakfast dish features a base of wholesome, homemade muesli made with a blend of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. The muesli is served with fresh seasonal fruits and creamy oat milk, creating a satisfying and flavor-packed start to the day.
The use of high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients at Spiker Cafe ensures that every bite of the muesli bowl is bursting with natural sweetness and crunch. The addition of the plant-based oat milk provides a rich and creamy complement to the textural elements of the muesli, making it a truly nourishing and delicious vegan breakfast option.
For Coffee Lovers
In the charming town of Arrowtown, you’ll find the renowned Wolf Coffee Roaster, a local coffee roaster known for sourcing and roasting some of the South Island’s finest single origin beans. This is a must-visit destination for vegan travelers seeking a delicious and ethically-sourced coffee experience.
At the cozy café, visitors can indulge in a variety of brewing methods, from pour-over to rich espresso. The roaster’s commitment to sustainability and direct trade partnerships ensures every cup is bursting with flavor and produced with care for the environment.
The rotating selection of single origin offerings allows you to explore the diverse flavors of their premium beans, from bright and fruity to smooth and chocolatey. The knowledgeable baristas are on hand to guide you towards your perfect plant-based brew.
Beyond the exceptional coffee, the Wolf Coffee Roaster also offers some pastries and cakes, creating a nourishing and delicious stop during your Arrowtown adventures. The café’s cozy atmosphere and sustainability focus make it a truly memorable experience for any travelers.
Honest Chocolate, Auckland
If you are stopping over in Auckland during your vegan New Zealand adventure, you would be remiss not to seek out the exceptional chocolate creations from Honest Chocolate, a renowned producer based in Auckland.
Honest Chocolate is committed to crafting premium, plant-based chocolate that celebrates the natural flavors of their high-quality ingredients. Two of their standout vegan offerings that I absolutely love are:
- Almond & Pineapple Tablet: This decadent vegan chocolate bar features an 88% cacao content, ensuring an intense and complex flavor profile that chocolate enthusiasts will adore. The rich, dark chocolate is elevated by the addition of crunchy, roasted almonds and the bright, tropical notes of pineapple.
- 100% Dark Chocolate: For the true chocolate connoisseur, Honest Chocolate’s 100% dark chocolate bar is a must-try. Boasting an intense, complex flavor profile, this unadulterated chocolate creation allows the natural cacao beans to shine in all their glory.
Both the Chocolate & Pineapple Tablet and the 100% Dark Chocolate bars from Honest Chocolate are crafted using ethically-sourced, premium cacao beans and sweetened with unrefined coconut sugar, ensuring a truly decadent and guilt-free vegan chocolate experience.
Vegan Finds at South Island Grocery Stores
Beyond restaurants, I also discovered a treasure trove of vegan goodies at grocery stores across the South Island. Some of my favorite finds include:
These treats and snacks were perfect for on-the-go fuel or as a sweet indulgence.
Vegan Pie from Kai Pai
A hearty and satisfying plant-based pie option, perfect for a quick and nourishing meal.
Vegan Magnum Ice Cream
A dairy-free take on the classic Magnum ice cream bar, allowing vegans to indulge in a creamy, chocolatey treat.
Tom & Luke Snack Balls
Bite-sized vegan snacks that are packed with flavor and nutrients, great for on-the-go sustenance.
Choc Peanut Coated Pic’s Peanut Butter Snackaball
When stocking up on provisions for your vegan New Zealand adventure, one treat you’ll definitely want to seek out is the Choc Peanut Coated Pic’s Peanut Butter Snackaball. This delectable vegan snack is the result of a collaboration between two renowned South Island producers – Pic’s Peanut Butter and The Happy Snack Company. The Snackaballs feature a creamy, all-natural peanut butter core that is coated in a rich, chocolatey shell, creating a truly indulgent and satisfying plant-based treat.
Blue Dinosaur Lamington Bar
A plant-based spin on the beloved Australian lamington cake, featuring a coconut-coated, chocolate-dipped delight.
Pure Delish Primal Bars
Nutrient-dense vegan bars made with wholesome ingredients, ideal for fueling your South Island adventures.
Blue Frog Crossover Pic’s Granola
A collaborative vegan granola product that combines the deliciousness of Blue Frog and the renowned Pic’s nut butters.
Make It Raw Granola
A raw, plant-based granola that provides a wholesome and crunchy breakfast or snack option.
Cottage Land Rye Sourdough
A standout vegan bread option found in South Island grocery stores. Crafted using a careful fermentation process, this artisanal loaf offers a flavorful and hearty rye-based sourdough that is 100% plant-based.
Rebel Bakehouse Wraps
These versatile, plant-based wraps make for a convenient and tasty base for vegan burritos and wrap for a quick snack or light meal. I tried both Everything and spinach flavors and they are both amazing!
The Happy Snack Company Crispy Chickpeas (Lightly Salted)
A nutritious and satisfying crunchy snack to enjoy on their own or as a topping.
Lisa’s Kitchen Caramelised Onions Hummus
A creamy and flavorful hummus that pairs perfectly with fresh veggies or the Rebel Bakehouse wraps.
Cookie Time Vegan Cookies
These delectable plant-based cookies are the perfect sweet treat to indulge in during your adventure in New Zealand.
Cookie Time Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a decadent dessert, these vegan ice cream sandwiches made with Cookie Time cookies are a must-try, available in most supermarkets such as Foursquare and Woolsworth.
Kombucha
When it comes to vegan-friendly beverages, there is certainly no shortage of kombucha choices in New Zealand’s South Island. As you stock up on groceries for your High Country Cabin Airbnb stay, you’ll find a wide variety of kombucha brands and flavors lining the shelves of local supermarkets and specialty food stores.
Conclusion
My recent adventure in New Zealand’s South Island was a dream come true. From the stunning scenery to the mouth-watering dishes, each stop on my journey left me feeling grateful and inspired. If you’re a vegan traveler planning a trip to this incredible region, be sure to add these eateries and products to your must-try list. Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you!