The Kiwi Barbecue (BBQ)
It’s a way of life in New Zealand – the Great Kiwi BBQ
One of the aspects of travel that is often a highlight for most people is experiencing authentic cuisine. Outdoor eating is a natural part of the Kiwi lifestyle, bringing the heat out of the kitchen on hot summer days. Most households are well equipped with barbecues in their back gardens. Although a typical Kiwi barbecue is often privy to those with friends or family in the country, it is possible to have this authentic experience with Trueblue Kiwi tours.
These traditional Kiwi barbeques open your senses to the smell of oil, smoke, and charcoal-clad meat and vegetables. The smell of citronella keeps the mosquitos away, whilst you munch on corn on the cob, skewers of chicken, and slabs of steak. Yet the Kiwi barbeque experience moves beyond the meal itself, as you can relax into the social aspect that is at the heart of the dining experience, finding yourself talking with full stomachs as the sun sets.
Having a BBQ in Wellington
During the Historic Houses and Kiwi BBQ tour, you can work up an appetite in the day on a half day city tour in Wellington. You will visit a historic building for a guided tour, whet your appetite with a sweet treat, and be guided through a historic New Zealand cottage from the colonial era. At the end you’ll take part in an interactive dinner full of barbequed goodness, hosted by a Truleblue Kiwi foodies on the grounds of a historic premise.
Having a BBQ in Queenstown
If you find yourself near Queenstown, you can feast upon a gourmet barbeque on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at Walter Peak Station. Known as a high-country sheep station, you can also enjoy an evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship, and take in some incredible mountainous views. The setting is also known as the backdrop for filming in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Having a BBQ in Waitomo
Waitomo, located in the North Island, is also home to the great iconic Kiwi barbeque experience, set amongst native bush and farmland fields. Waitomo also boasts a range of cave systems, where you can see the caves light up with the natural glow worms that live there. A boat trip under the caves will enable you to see your way in the darkness with this natural phenomenon.
BBQ Language
Whilst it’s well known to abbreviate this type of meal to the word ‘barbie’, the expression ‘bring a plate’ is less commonly known. This translates as being told to bring some food along for a communal food sharing. Barbeques are also held on the beaches and parks, with many of them featuring barbeque stations that are free for the public to use as they please. Some carry a fee, and they may require booking ahead, but you would find it difficult to avoid having at least one barbeque whilst in the country, and with these public options, all you have to do is ‘bring a plate’ for all in your party.
Soak up the last of the sun on a summer’s eve, or set up a portable gas barbecue for a hot alfresco picnic at any time of year. With Kiwi barbecues likely to feature meat, fish, and vegetables, there’s something to love for everyone. For many, even Christmas dinner is a case of simply throwing food on the barbie, so whatever season you step into the country, make sure to enjoy this no-fuss tasty Kiwi cuisine.