What’s the food capital of New Zealand? Is it Wellington? Canterbury? Perhaps it’s Auckland.

Wellington is our permanent national capital and the epicenter of New Zealand politics and arts, but Auckland City has become a dining destination. In fact, some would argue that it already is. Auckland appears to be dominating the country’s restaurant culture.

Fifteen of the Auckland eateries have been picked among the finalists for the Cuisine Restaurant of the Year 2009 for their excellent food, well-chosen wine lists and professional staff. Thirty-nine New Zealand establishments feature on the list including several fine-dining Auckland restaurants like:
Merediths Restaurant,
Clooney,
The French Cafe,
O’Connell Street Bistro,
Dine by Peter Gordon,
Rocco,
SPQR