We all know New Zealand is home to amazing food, but even as a local it can be hard to keep track of all the deliciousness on offer.
Sometimes it takes someone from overseas to remind you to appreciate what's in your own backyard, and British foodie influencer @eatingwithtod did just that, sampling a bunch of epic Kiwi eats that we didn't even know existed.
He went all over Aotearoa trying everything from smash burgers, to enormous pies and even geo-thermal boiled eggs!
Here are some of the places we're saving for our next roadie pit stop:
Ashby Pies - St Heliers, Auckland
It's tough competition for the perfect pie in NZ, but this spot has to be in the running. According to Tod, these pies are "life-changing", and we can see why. I mean, JUST LOOK AT ALL THE GOODNESS?? The Beef Cheeks and Cheese pie looks like it's def a must-have.
Te Puia Hotsprings - Rotorua
For hundreds of years, Maori have used geothermal springs as a traditional way to cook food, and now you can, too. At these hot springs, you can cook everything from mussels to eggs while the sulphur elevates the taste! How good!??
Mills Bay Mussels at The Boatshed - Nelson
These juicy green-lipped mussels are caught fresh off the boat and cooked in white wine before you enjoy them sitting over the water at The Boatshed - dreamy much?
Coopers Catch - Kaikoura
Tod reckoned this was his "favourite eat on the whole trip", so it's definitely worth a mention, but you might have to be willing tot catch if yourself.
Tod went out on a fishing charter with Top Catch Charters and caught some beautiful crayfish that he brought into local fish and chip shop Coopers Catch to cook up. That may be the crunchiest batter we've ever seen.
Baby G Burger - Avondale, Auckland
Calling on all cheeseburger connoisseurs, these smashed beef burgers are the real deal. They've made a name for themselves for being cooked to perfection and topped with a divine brioche bun, my tummy is already rumbling.
Toastie Lords - Picton
The humble cheese toastie gets supercharged at this spot, and the sandwich game may never be the same. Fillings range from salmon, to pastrami and even ham & pineapple (and yes, pineapple does belong in toasties).
Giapo - Auckland CBD
If you can't live your Euro summer dreams in Rome this year, an Italian gelato from Giapo might be the next best thing. Tod pointed out they have the most hectic range of cones, and yes, I would also like to add that doughnut on top.
Right, time to get our tourist on and visit some of these spots ASAP.
