New Zealand isn’t particularly known for its food. Most travelers flock to New Zealand to explore its diverse natural wonders, meet friendly locals, and try bizarre extreme sports—like rolling down a hill in a human-size hamster ball or bungee jumping where it was invented.
Still, while most travelers don’t come for the cuisine, eating inevitably accompanies—and enhances—any trip.
New Zealand’s cuisine closely parallels that of neighboring Australia. Historically, it features hearty British settler fare like meat pies, fish and chips, and custard squares—plus the Oceania-born pavlova, a meringue fruit dessert inspired by the Russian ballerina’s early 1900s visit.
The local Indigenous Māori also contributed their hangi tradition, cooking with heated rocks in a pit oven. Modern hangis use foil and wire baskets to cook root vegetables like kumara (sweet potato), pork, lamb, potatoes, pumpkin, and cabbage.
As New Zealand becomes more cosmopolitan, the cuisine now draws from Asian, Mediterranean, and Pacific Rim traditions.
While vegetarianism wasn’t historically common in New Zealand, recent trends have brought more meatless options—especially in Auckland, the multicultural capital.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler eating plant-based, this New Zealand travel guide highlights vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots—aka the best restaurants in Auckland for meat-free eaters!
1. Mister’s Real Food
Mister’s Real Food is passionate about locally farmed, organic whole food. Everything is produced in their gluten- and dairy-free kitchen.
The space is industrial yet charming, with brick walls, exposed beams, and wrought iron accents. Enjoy 100% gluten- and dairy-free breakfast and lunch dishes like acai bowls, porridge with housemade almond milk, and house bread topped with organic eggs.
At lunch, go for globally-inspired bowls like the Jordan Bowl with hummus, lemon, sumac, and braised lamb (or skip the lamb), or the Malaysian Bowl with rice noodles, crushed peanuts, and grilled king prawn cutlet.
They also offer cold-pressed juices, nut milks, smoothies, coffee, and vegan sweets like salted peanut butter brownies, orange blossom mini tortes with lemon cashew cream, and salted caramel cake.
Ground Floor, 12 Wyndham Street, Auckland; Open Mon–Fri 7 AM–3 PM, Sat 8 AM–3 PM
2. Revive Café
With two CBD locations, Revive Café serves a rotating all-vegetarian menu with daily vegan specials. Meals are made from minimally processed produce, whole grains, and proteins like beans, tofu, and nuts.
Try their signature Mushroom & Thyme Frittata, along with hot meals, salads, and hearty hot pots. You can even grab their cookbook to recreate the dishes at home.
24 Wyndham St & 33 Lorne St, Auckland Central; Open Weekdays 11 AM–7 PM
3. Soul Bar and Bistro
Located on the scenic Viaduct Harbour, Soul Bar and Bistro offers a rotating vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan options. Non-veg guests will find seafood and meat too.
Highlights include Aubergine Caponata on sourdough with garlic yogurt, Sweetcorn Tortellini with honey-rosemary butter, and salads with roast carrot, parsley, and goat’s curd.
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland; Open 7 days, 11 AM–late
4. Little Bird Organics & The Unbakery
Little Bird Organics provides a healthy alternative to heavily processed foods. Everything is handmade, unrefined, non-pasteurized, non-pressurized, and raw.
They make their own nut milks, preserves, cultured cheeses, cereals, yogurts, and more. You can even take part in a cleanse or cooking class.
Kingsland: 385 New North Rd; Open daily 8 AM–3 PM
Ponsonby: Cnr Summer St & Ponsonby Rd; Open daily 7 AM–4 PM
Britomart: 14 Customs St East; Open Mon–Fri 6:30 AM–6:30 PM, Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
5. Scarecrow & The Urban Farmer’s Market
Scarecrow is a grocer, florist, and kitchen in one cozy space near Albert Park. While not fully vegetarian, it celebrates regional ingredients and has excellent meat-free options.
A sample menu might include Butternut & Pumpkin Seed Duke with fried sage, followed by a Slow-Roasted Carrot Lentil Stew. For dessert, try the beetroot and cashew cake with sesame and candied beets.
Victoria Street East, Auckland Central; Open daily 9 AM–7 PM
Budget-Friendly Choices:
6. Sunflower Thai Vegetarian
This casual gem in Auckland’s CBD offers mock meat and veggie-based Thai, Chinese, and even American-style dishes. Everything is vegetarian, but meat eaters won’t feel like anything’s missing.
6/50 High Street, Auckland Central; Open weekdays 11 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–9 PM
7. Blue Bird Café
Located in Mount Eden, Blue Bird Café offers globally inspired vegetarian comfort food—think nachos, rice bowls, and burgers. It’s a spiritual and peaceful spot, run by members of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, which also offers meditation classes.
299 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden; Open Mon–Sat 8 AM–3 PM
