Feed the Family

Supermarkets

There are two main supermarket chains operating in New Zealand - Progressive Enterprises and Foodstuffs.

They operate the following supermarkets in different regions across the country: Foodtown, Woolworths, Countdown, Fresh Choice, Super Value, Pak 'n' Save, New World, and Four Square.

You will find at least 2 supermarkets in most towns and cities. Woolworths also offers an on-line shopping option with door-to-door delivery. For a list of every day grocery items and their prices, click here.

Pak 'n' Save has traditionally come out on top as the best value for money - there are supermarkets in most major town and city centres. More recently, nationwide hypermarket, The Warehouse (affectionately known as 'The Big Red Shed'), has started offfering groceries, fruit and vegetables in selected stores. Supermarkets also sell a good selection of beer and wine at reasonable prices, but are not permitted to sell spirits.

In smaller towns and rural centres, you're likely to find a Four Square, which is mini-supermarket. Four Square offers the basics for those times when you need a loaf of bread or a bottle of milk, but avoid doing your weekly shop here as prices tend to be higher and the variety less.

Butcheries & Produce Stores

New Zealand has a range of local butcheries and fruit and vegetable stores, where you can buy fresh produce at prices that often rival those charged by supermarkets. In many cases, prices can be cheaper because these stores are owned and operated by the grower or wholesaler.

In regions known for their fruit and vegetable production (eg. Hawkes Bay, Bay of Plenty, Blenheim, Nelson) you will often find roadside stalls where you can buy produce directly from the grower or orchardist. This is particularly common in the South Island, where you leave your money in an 'honesty box'.

The Local Dairy

New Zealand also has 'the local dairy' - a small store in which you can buy the essential grocery items and toiletries. Dairies are also traditionally the place to go for a Kiwi icecream in a cone, a mixed bag of lollies (sweets) and a meat pie!

Petrol/Gas Stations

Most of our petrol stations (service stations) also stock grocery items, with some of the larger stations also offering coffee and food to go. Those in town and city centres are often open late and some operate around the clock.