23 Famous New Zealand Beverages

Lemon & Paeroa, or L&P, is a popular New Zealand soft drink from Paeroa in the Waikato region, created around 1907. It blends lemon juice with naturally carbonated mineral water, offering a mildly sweet, tangy flavor with a refreshing fizz.

Known as “World Famous in New Zealand,” L&P is enjoyed year-round, especially at picnics and social events. Limited editions like sugar-free, L&P Sour and Chilli & Lime flavors add variety. This beloved drink evokes nostalgia and national pride, especially during summer.

Flat white coffee, a well-loved New Zealand creation, has gained worldwide fame. It combines a double shot of espresso with steamed milk, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture.

Enjoyed primarily at breakfast or brunch, it reflects New Zealand’s passion for quality coffee and expert brewing techniques.

Originally from New Zealand and Australia, the flat white is now found in coffee shops globally, from London to New York. Variations like almond and soy flat whites cater to different dietary needs.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a renowned New Zealand wine from the Marlborough region. Known for its crisp acidity, herbaceous notes, and tropical fruit flavors like grapefruit and passionfruit, it offers a refreshing and zesty taste.

Wineries like Cloudy Bay, Brancott Estate, and Villa Maria make popular variations that are enjoyed globally. This versatile wine pairs well with seafood, salads, and poultry, making it a favorite for meals and social gatherings, especially in spring and summer.

42 Below Vodka, a top-notch New Zealand spirit, stands out for its purity and smoothness. Named after New Zealand’s spot 42 degrees below the equator, it’s crafted from non-GM wheat and pristine volcanic spring water and distilled four times for unbeatable clarity.

Its smooth, slightly sweet flavor with a taste of citrus and a nutty aftertaste makes it a fantastic cocktail base. Unique variations like Feijoa, Passionfruit, and Kiwi showcase New Zealand’s unique fruits.

Loved worldwide, 42 Below Vodka is perfect for any occasion, from fancy dinner parties to laid-back hangouts, and it’s enjoyed all year long.

Lion Red beer, known as Lion Red, is a beloved New Zealand lager brewed since 1907. It’s celebrated for its full-bodied malt flavor, balanced hop bitterness, and slight sweetness. It offers a smooth and crisp taste with a golden amber color, mild malt, and spicy hop aroma.

Popular in New Zealand and internationally, Lion Red is a go-to for barbecues, social gatherings, and casual drinks. Its moderate 4.0% alcohol content makes it perfect for extended enjoyment.

Deeply connected to New Zealand’s sports culture, especially rugby, Lion Red has a long history of sponsoring teams like the New Zealand Rugby League and regional squads.

DB Draught is a classic New Zealand beer called Dominion Breweries Draught. It boasts a clear copper-gold color, a slightly sweet, malty flavor with caramel notes, and mild hop bitterness.

With its smooth texture and 4.0% alcohol content, it’s perfect for extended social gatherings. Loved year-round, DB Draught fits any occasion, from casual dinners to sporting events.

Tui beer, known as Tui East India Pale Ale, has been a staple in New Zealand since 1889. Originating from Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka, it became popular in the 1990s.

Tui features a mildly bitter taste with a touch of malt sweetness, caramel, and fruitiness, making it smooth and refreshing.

With a 4% alcohol content, it’s perfect for social gatherings and barbecues. Variations like Tui Golden Lager and Tui Dark cater to different tastes, and it’s enjoyed year-round at events like V8 Day at the Tui Brewery.

Speight’s Ale, often called Speight’s Gold Medal Ale, is a New Zealand Dunedin classic established in 1876. Known for its balanced malty flavor with a hint of bitterness, it gained fame after winning gold medals at the 1880 Melbourne Exhibition.

Speight’s offers variations like Old Dark and Triple Hop Pilsner, which are enjoyed year-round during meals and social events. Deeply connected to New Zealand’s culture, it’s a favorite at rugby matches and community gatherings.

Monteith’s beer, from Greymouth’s West Coast, has been a New Zealand favorite since 1868. Founded by Stewart Monteith, it offers a variety of beers known for their rich, balanced flavors.

Highlights include the malty Monteith’s Original Ale, the crisp Golden Lager, and the rich, dark Monteith’s Black. Seasonal brews like Winter Ale are eagerly awaited, and unique varieties such as Summer Ale and Radler cater to diverse tastes.

Monteith’s is popular in New Zealand and abroad. It also plays a significant role in local events and festivals, embodying the spirit of New Zealand beer culture.

New Zealand’s Pinot Noir is a well-liked red wine from regions like Marlborough, Central Otago, Wairarapa, and North Canterbury.

Each region adds unique flavors: Marlborough’s bright red fruits, Central Otago’s complex fruit and spice mix, Wairarapa’s rich dark plums, and North Canterbury’s earthy, spicy notes.

Famous producers like Cloudy Bay and Felton Road highlight the diversity of New Zealand’s Pinot Noir. Enjoyed year-round, especially in fall and winter, it is a staple at events like the Pinot Noir NZ festival, celebrating the best of New Zealand’s Pinot Noir.

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, has been a standout New Zealand red wine since the mid-1800s. It thrives in regions like Hawke’s Bay and Waiheke Island, offering refined, spicy flavors and a rich texture.

Typically dry and full-bodied, it features medium to high tannins and flavors like blueberry, black plum, and milk chocolate with hints of tobacco and black pepper.

Notable vineyards like Gimblett Gravels and Man O’ War produce aromatic, spicy wines with floral notes. Popular in the US, UK, and Australia, New Zealand Syrah pairs well with lamb, gyros, and tandoori meats.

Black Mac, a classic New Zealand porter from Mac’s Brewery, has been a favorite since 1983. Brewed with five different malts and Fuggle hops, it offers rich flavors of caramel, licorice, and chocolate with a slightly spicy aroma.

Enjoyed year-round, it pairs perfectly with hearty meals like blue cheese, oysters, steak, and even chocolate brownies for dessert.

With a 4.8% alcohol content, Black Mac is ideal for casual gatherings and refined dining. Its consistent quality and numerous awards highlight its place in New Zealand’s craft beer scene.

Garage Project beer, founded in 2011 in Wellington’s Aro Valley, is a beloved New Zealand brewery known for its innovative and experimental brews. Created by Ian and Pete Gillespie, and Jos Ruffell, Garage Project offers over 640 unique beers.

Standouts include the hoppy “Pernicious Weed,” the spicy “La Calavera Catrina,” and the adventurous “Umami Monster,” featuring flavors from tropical fruits to coffee and chocolate.

Famous locally and internationally, Garage Project’s beers, like Hāpi Daze, Death From Above, and Aro Noir, are enjoyed year-round and are a hit at craft beer festivals.

Tuatara APA, from New Zealand’s Kāpiti Coast, is a standout craft beer founded in 2000 by Carl Vasta. Tuatara APA offers refreshing citrus and pine notes, mild malt sweetness, and tropical hints of mango and passionfruit, with a light to medium body and a crisp finish.

Enjoyed both in New Zealand and abroad, Tuatara APA pairs well with dishes like pulled pork sandwiches and crispy-skinned snapper. Known for its quality and creativity, Tuatara Brewery also offers other notable brews like Helles Lager and Conehead Air Hopped IPA.

Emerson’s Beer, founded in 1992 by Richard Emerson in Dunedin, is a key player in New Zealand’s craft beer scene. Known for high-quality traditional brewing, Emerson’s offers a variety of beers, from the caramel-touched 1812 Pale Ale to the rich London Porter.

Year-round favorites include Bookbinder Bitter, Pilsner, and Bird Dog IPA, while seasonal specials like Taieri George and JP Belgian Ale add unique twists.

Emerson’s commitment to quality, with unpasteurized beers retaining natural flavors, makes them a staple at pubs, restaurants, and beer festivals across New Zealand and beyond.

Tohu wines, the world’s first Māori-owned wine company, was founded in 1998. Part of the Kono family, Tohu creates wines reflecting New Zealand’s unique terroirs, especially from Marlborough’s Awatere Valley and Nelson’s Whenua Matua vineyard.

Their range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Méthode Traditionnelle, known for flavors like vibrant tropical fruits and rich berries.

The winery emphasizes sustainability and Māori values, earning numerous accolades, including being served at a dinner for former U.S. President Barack Obama in Auckland.

Hãhã Wine, established in 2011, is a family-owned New Zealand brand known for its vibrant, flavorful wines. With vineyards in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, they produce renowned wines like tropical and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc, dark plum, and cherry-noted Pinot Noir. Hãhã also offers sparkling wines like Brut Cuvée and Brut Rosé.

Popular in New Zealand and internationally, Hãhã Wines are enjoyed year-round for various occasions. Committed to sustainability, all their vineyards and facilities are certified 100% sustainable by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand™ (SWNZ).

New Zealand apple cider, especially from Nelson and Tasman, is loved for its fresh, crisp taste. These regions produce around 60% of the country’s cider, balancing sweetness and acidity with rich apple flavors and notes from floral to spicy.

Popular ciders include Old Mout’s Kiwi & Lime, Zeffer’s Apple Crumble, and Peckham’s traditional ciders. Enjoyed year-round and perfect with foods like cheeses and barbecued meats, New Zealand cider shines at events like the New Zealand Cider Festival in Nelson.

Kiwi fruit juice, or kiwi juice, is a beloved New Zealand drink. Initially called the Chinese gooseberry, the kiwifruit was introduced in the early 20th century and renamed to connect with New Zealand’s national bird.

The juice mixes sweet and tart flavors with a smooth, pulpy texture. It’s a refreshing drink enjoyed at breakfast or anytime. Known for its digestive benefits and high antioxidants, it’s a favorite in juice bars and food festivals.

Manuka honey drinks are a New Zealand specialty made from the nectar of the Manuka tree. These drinks are known for their antibacterial properties and rich, earthy flavor.

Manuka honey drinks are enjoyed for their health benefits, such as improving digestion and immunity. They are available worldwide in health food stores and are a staple in wellness circles. Whether hot or cold, these drinks are a comforting and unique addition to any occasion.

Kombucha, a fermented sweet tea, is loved in New Zealand and worldwide. Kombucha’s taste ranges from mildly sweet to sour, often with hints of fruit, herbs, or spices. Popular flavors include pineapple and ginger, turmeric and ginseng, and raspberry and lime.

Kombucha is popular year-round in New Zealand and is growing in places like Australia, the U.S., and Europe. Its probiotics and potential digestive benefits make it a versatile drink enjoyed at any time.

Feijoa juice, also known as Pineapple Guava Juice, is a New Zealand favorite made from the exotic feijoa fruit. This fruit drink blends pineapple, guava, strawberry, and apple flavors with a hint of mint or eucalyptus.

The juice is smooth and slightly grainy, making it refreshing. Popular versions include feijoa and apple juice, feijoa smoothies with yogurt or dairy-free options, and feijoa mocktails with herbs and lime.

Enjoyed especially during the feijoa season from March to June, Feijoa Juice is perfect any time of day. Local festivals celebrate the fruit, featuring it in various dishes and drinks.

From the heart-shaped leaves of the kawakawa plant, Kawakawa tea is a traditional Māori drink with a slightly spicy, earthy flavor. Often enjoyed hot, it can be enhanced with ginger or lemon. Known for its health benefits, it aids digestion, promotes circulation, and soothes inflammation.

A staple in Māori herbal medicine, kawakawa tea is enjoyed year-round and is gaining popularity beyond New Zealand.