Living in New Zealand

Food & Groceries in New Zealand: What to Expect, Where to Shop & Costs (2026)

• 11 min read
Share:
Food and Groceries in New Zealand - Family shopping at NZ supermarket with fresh produce and local products

One of the first things you'll notice when you arrive in New Zealand is how different grocery shopping feels. The supermarkets look familiar, but the brands are different, the prices surprise you, and you might struggle to find your usual comfort foods.

Food is deeply personal — it's not just about nutrition, it's about comfort, culture, and connection. Whether you're from the UK wondering where to find proper tea biscuits, from India looking for fresh coriander and spices, or from South Africa craving biltong, this guide will help you navigate New Zealand's food landscape with confidence.

This post covers the supermarket chains, realistic food costs, where to find international and ethnic foods, budgeting strategies, and the cultural quirks of eating in New Zealand.

Understanding New Zealand's Supermarket Landscape

New Zealand's grocery market is dominated by two major companies: Woolworths NZ (which owns Countdown and Fresh Choice) and Foodstuffs (which owns New World and Pak'nSave). Understanding the differences between these stores will save you money and frustration.

Pak'nSave: The Budget Champion

Pak'nSave is New Zealand's discount supermarket chain, and it's where savvy locals shop to save money.

What to expect:

Best for: Families, budget-conscious shoppers, bulk buying, meal prepping

Countdown: The Middle Ground

Countdown is New Zealand's largest supermarket chain by store count, offering a balance between price and convenience.

What to expect:

Best for: Convenience, weekly shops, urban dwellers, online delivery

New World: The Premium Option

New World positions itself as the premium supermarket experience in New Zealand.

What to expect:

Best for: Quality-focused shoppers, special ingredients, better fresh produce

Other Options

Fresh Choice & SuperValue: Locally-owned supermarkets, similar to New World but smaller. Good for supporting local business.

The Warehouse: Not a supermarket, but sells basic groceries at competitive prices (pantry staples, snacks, frozen foods).

Farmers markets: Weekend markets in most cities offering fresh, local produce at reasonable prices. Great for connecting with local growers.

What Food Actually Costs in New Zealand (2026 Prices)

Food prices in New Zealand are higher than many countries, especially for imported goods. Here's what to expect for common items:

Fresh Produce

Pantry Staples

What's Expensive

Prepare to pay premium prices for:

What's Affordable

Budget-friendly items in New Zealand:

For a complete breakdown of all living expenses including food budgets for families and individuals, see our detailed cost of living guide for New Zealand.

Finding Your Cultural & Ethnic Foods

One of the biggest concerns for migrants is finding familiar foods from home. New Zealand is multicultural, and most cities have good options for international groceries.

Asian Groceries

New Zealand has excellent Asian supermarkets, especially in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Major chains:

You'll find fresh Asian vegetables, noodles, sauces, frozen dumplings, rice varieties, and specialty ingredients at significantly lower prices than mainstream supermarkets.

Indian & South Asian Groceries

Indian supermarkets are widespread in New Zealand cities.

What you'll find:

Popular chains include Spice World, Indian Groceries, and independent stores in most suburbs with significant Indian populations.

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean

Auckland and Wellington have good Middle Eastern grocers.

Common finds:

British & European Foods

Many UK and European products are available in major supermarkets, though at premium prices.

British staples you'll find:

Specialty stores like British Food Shop and European Food Warehouse stock harder-to-find items, but expect to pay significantly more than UK prices.

African & Latin American

These are harder to find but improving, especially in Auckland.

African grocers: Some stores cater to African migrants, stocking cassava, plantain, fufu, African spices, and ingredients.

Latin American: Limited but growing. Some specialty stores stock Mexican ingredients, chorizo, South American products.

Realistic Weekly Grocery Budgets

Here's what most migrants spend on groceries per week in 2026:

Single person:

Couple:

Family of four:

These figures assume cooking at home. Eating out or buying takeaways significantly increases costs.

Money-Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping in NZ

1. Shop at Pak'nSave

The price difference between Pak'nSave and New World can be 20-30% on your total shop. If you're on a budget, make Pak'nSave your primary store.

2. Buy Seasonal Produce

New Zealand has distinct seasons, and produce prices fluctuate dramatically. Tomatoes in summer cost $3-$4 per kg; in winter they're $8-$12 per kg. Learn what's in season and adjust your meals accordingly.

3. Use Loyalty Programs

Countdown's Onecard and New World's Clubcard offer fuel discounts and periodic specials. These add up over time.

4. Shop at Ethnic Supermarkets

Asian and Indian supermarkets offer significantly cheaper prices on rice, noodles, spices, vegetables, and many pantry staples compared to mainstream stores.

5. Buy in Bulk When Things Are on Special

New Zealand supermarkets run regular specials (often 40-50% off). Stock up on non-perishables when you see good deals.

6. Cook from Scratch

Pre-made meals, sauces, and processed foods are expensive. Cooking from basic ingredients saves substantial money.

7. Check Reduced-to-Clear Sections

Most supermarkets mark down items nearing expiry dates in the late afternoon/evening. You can save 50% or more on meat, bread, and produce.

8. Grow Your Own (If You Have Space)

Fresh herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, and other vegetables grow well in New Zealand. Even a small balcony garden saves money.

9. Join Community Food Co-ops

Some communities have food cooperatives or buying clubs where members buy in bulk and share costs.

Eating Out vs Cooking at Home

Eating out in New Zealand is expensive compared to many countries.

Typical costs:

Most migrants quickly realize that cooking at home is essential for staying within budget. A home-cooked meal typically costs $5-$10 per person compared to $20-$40 for restaurant dining.

New Zealand Food Culture & Quirks

Understanding Kiwi food culture helps you adjust and find what you'll love about eating in New Zealand.

Things You'll Discover

Smaller portions: Restaurant portions are often smaller than US or Australian servings.

Kiwi classics: Mince and cheese pies, fish and chips, pavlova, lamingtons, hokey pokey ice cream, L&P (soft drink).

Coffee culture: New Zealanders take their coffee seriously. Flat whites are a national treasure.

Fresh seafood: Coastal cities have excellent fresh fish, mussels, oysters, crayfish.

BBQ culture: Kiwis love outdoor cooking in summer. Sausages and steak are BBQ staples.

Afternoon tea: Many Kiwis still enjoy a mid-afternoon cuppa with biscuits.

For more on understanding Kiwi culture beyond food, including social norms and making friends, read our comprehensive guide on understanding Kiwi culture and making friends in New Zealand.

Your First Week: What to Buy

When you first arrive in New Zealand, here's a practical shopping list to get started:

Pantry basics:

Fresh essentials:

Household basics:

Most new arrivals spend $150-$250 on their initial grocery shop to stock up on basics. For guidance on setting up all aspects of your new home during your first week, including where to shop for essentials, see our first 6 months in New Zealand guide.

Final Thoughts: Food Is Part of the Adventure

Adjusting to a new country's food culture takes time. You'll miss certain products from home, discover new favorites, and eventually create a hybrid shopping routine that blends the familiar with the new.

The good news? New Zealand's food landscape is multicultural, quality is generally high, and you'll find ways to make it work within your budget. Give yourself a few months to figure out your go-to stores, learn seasonal patterns, and discover which local products you love.

Food shopping becomes routine surprisingly quickly — and before you know it, you'll be the one giving advice to newly arrived migrants.

Planning Your Move to New Zealand?

Create your personalized immigration checklist, track every task, and access official resources and trusted service providers. Stay organized throughout your entire migration journey.

Get Started Free

2-minute setup • 100% Free • No credit card required

Continue Your Research: