What to eat when camping in New Zealand

You’re going on a road trip through New Zealand. You pack your bags, rent an RV, and head out on the highway in search of adventure. So you think: what am I going to eat? You can’t go out to eat every night, that would seriously blow your budget, and you can’t make two-minute noodles in your tiny campervan kitchen all the time, that would just be depressing. So why not make the most of your stay in New Zealand and enjoy a great Kiwi tradition…barbecue?

Many campsites in New Zealand have barbecues available for public use. Most are free, but some require prior arrangements with the appropriate authorities. A small portable barbecue can also be purchased, but be sure to check individual area fire hazard warnings before using.

The smell of barbecue will be one of the highlights of your trip. Nothing relaxes you more than sipping a cold drink as the hot smoke drifts past your lounger, into the setting sun. As for real food, a quick trip to the supermarket and you’re all set. To make it a proper Kiwi barbecue, you need to purchase the following:

FILLET. No New Zealand barbecue is complete without steak, and whether you like it cooked to the consistency of shoe leather or practically mooing, New Zealand beef is the way to go.

SAUSAGES, (also called ‘sausages’ in a memento of New Zealand’s British heritage). Let’s face it, no matter how dubious the quality of the sausage, it always tastes like ambrosia when fresh out of the ‘barbie’ and topped with…

KETCHUP. And to prevent the sauce from dripping, of course, you need…

BREAD. White bread, usually. Kids love it.

KEBS. These come in a wide range of flavors. You probably don’t want the hassle of making one from scratch if you live in an RV, so pick up some pre-marinated ones at the grocery store. Chicken in peanut satay is always a good option.

POTATO SALAD. Boil the potatoes, let cool, cover with mayonnaise. So good. You can liven it up by adding extras, like bacon bits and parsley, or asparagus, or whatever you like.

CORN ON THE COB. These are so cheap and so tasty. You don’t even need to add butter, just eat them as is, warm and juicy.

And there you have it: the Great New Zealand Barbecue. It is traditionally accompanied with beer and lots of it. Enjoy.