Most travellers can expect to spend between NZ$50 and NZ$150 per person per day on food, depending on their dining preferences. Casual café meals, supermarket purchases and takeaway food can help keep costs down, while fine dining and premium food experiences will increase your daily budget. New Zealand offers options for almost every travel style and budget.
Food is often one of the easiest parts of a travel budget to adjust.
Some visitors prefer simple café breakfasts and casual dinners, while others build their itinerary around regional cuisine, wineries and special dining experiences.
Whether you're exploring Auckland, sampling local produce in Hawke's Bay or enjoying lakeside dining in Queenstown, there are food options to suit a wide range of budgets.
How much does breakfast cost?
Breakfast prices vary depending on where you eat.
| Breakfast Option | Typical Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Coffee and pastry | $8 to $15 |
| Café breakfast | $18 to $35 |
| Hotel breakfast | $25 to $45 |
| Self-catered breakfast | $5 to $15 |
Many accommodation providers include breakfast, particularly boutique properties and bed and breakfasts.
How much does lunch cost?
Lunch is often one of the most affordable meals of the day.
| Lunch Option | Typical Cost (NZD) |
| Sandwich or takeaway | $10 to $18 |
| Café lunch | $18 to $30 |
| Restaurant lunch | $25 to $45 |
Popular tourism destinations such as Rotorua, Taupō and Christchurch offer a wide range of casual dining options.
How much does dinner cost?
Dinner costs can vary significantly depending on the type of restaurant.
| Dinner Option | Typical Cost (NZD) |
| Casual restaurant | $25 to $45 |
| Mid-range restaurant | $40 to $70 |
| Premium dining | $100+ |
Destinations such as Queenstown, Wellington and Hawke's Bay are particularly popular for dining experiences.
For a more detailed breakdown, see What Can I Expect to Pay for a Meal in New Zealand?.
How much do drinks cost?
Typical drink prices include:
| Drink | Typical Cost (NZD) |
| Coffee | $5 to $7 |
| Soft drink | $4 to $7 |
| Smoothie | $8 to $12 |
| Bottle of water | $2 to $5 |
New Zealand's café culture is strong, particularly in cities such as Auckland and Wellington.
Can I save money by buying groceries?
Absolutely.
Many travellers choose accommodation with kitchen facilities and prepare some meals themselves.
Typical supermarket prices include:
| Grocery Item | Approximate Cost (NZD) |
| Bread | $3 to $6 |
| Milk (2L) | $4 to $6 |
| Eggs (12) | $6 to $10 |
| Fresh fruit | Varies seasonally |
| Cheese | $7 to $15 |
This can be particularly useful on longer self-drive itineraries.
Are food costs higher in some destinations?
Yes.
Food prices can be slightly higher in more remote destinations due to transport costs.
Examples include:
Larger centres generally offer the widest range of dining options and price points.
What food experiences are worth budgeting for?
Many visitors choose to include at least one memorable dining experience during their trip.
Popular options include:
- Food and wine experiences
- Fresh seafood in Kaikōura
- Winery lunches in Hawke's Bay
- Waterfront dining in Auckland
- Local produce markets throughout the country
These experiences often become some of the most memorable parts of a New Zealand holiday.
How much should I budget per day for food?
As a rough guide:
| Travel Style | Food Budget Per Person Per Day (NZD) |
| Budget | $50 to $75 |
| Mid-range | $75 to $150 |
| Premium | $150+ |
Your actual costs will depend on how often you dine out, your accommodation style and the types of experiences you choose to include.