Gluten-free New Zealand Restaurants We Eat at as Coeliacs

If you are coeliac like me, finding gluten-free New Zealand restaurants is essential whether you a eating local, or travelling in our beautiful country.

As Aucklanders, we know there are plenty of eateries catering to food allergies and dietary restrictions, but gluten-free New Zealand restaurants and those that are safe for coeliacs are not always the same.

This is not a comprehensive list of all gluten-free NZ restaurants. Rather, it represents places I like and I felt confident could serve coeliac safe and, in my case, dairy free.

Disclaimer: The information provided below is true and accurate at the time we wrote it and is based on personal experience, unless noted. We encourage you to always verify that your own gluten-free NZ meals are safe for you. See our tips at the bottom of this page.

North Island gluten-free NZ: Our favourite restaurants

We live on the North Island near Auckland, and we often road trip around our beautiful country. While we generally have a kitchen at our favourite places to stay in NZ, we also love to eat out. And we do. Often.

Auckland

As we live in the Auckland region, we have found plenty of fabulous places I can eat at safely and share them here: gluten-free restaurants in Auckland or GF restaurants on the Hibiscus coast. We thought we would add a quick reference here of the 100% free from gluten Auckland options.

• Little Bird Kitchen, Ponsonby
  This is my favourite place to eat lunch in Auckland. Vegan (plant-based) and no gluten (although a few sweets contain oats) means I can eat everything on the menu and nearly everything from the case. Best of all, it’s all great.
• Giapo, Auckland CBD
  The most creative and possibly the best ice cream creations ever, Giapo is 100% coeliac-safe. They even have some vegan options.
• Olas Arepas, Ponsonby
  Another spot in Auckland that we love, they are not only in Ponsonby but they now have a food truck that we recently spotted and ate from in Wynyard Quarter. If you haven’t tried Venezuelan-style arepas, you are missing out.

Hamilton and Cambridge

As I have a good friend living here, we generally stop at one of our three favourite gluten-free NZ cafes for lunch when we road trip from our home in Auckland to Taranaki or to Rotorua.

• Cafe Inc, Hamilton
  My favourite spot in Hamilton, they have a dedicated case filled with fabulous mains and tempting desserts, many of which are also dairy-free.
• Wooden Spoon, Hamilton
  This casual cafe is 100% gluten-free (including a fryer). There were five at our table, and everyone said their food was great, including my healthy salad.
• Lola Breakfast Bar and Cafe, Hamilton
  We got lucky when we found Lola. We stopped for coffee, but the GF meals looked so lovely, and the staff seemed to fully understand coeliac, so we stayed for lunch.
• The Bikery Cafe, Cambridge
  This little cafe next to the Velodrome in Cambridge did a beautiful job with my lunch. The chef even sent someone over to be sure I was happy.

Mangawhai Heads

• Buffalo Roast House, Mangawhai Heads
  I love this take-away spot. Although not 100% gluten-free, the three roast meat options (lamb, beef or pork) and all the sides in the same case are free from gluten, leaving no chance of cross-contamination. We went for the mixed meat option and recommend it.
• Brewed As, Mangawhai Heads
  This could easily be the best coffee spot in New Zealand, though to be fair, Jeff still makes a better cup at home. We didn’t even bother trying anywhere else for coffee; why mess with perfection? I couldn’t resist trying some of the tempting selection of slices that are free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar.
• Gringas, Mangawhai Heads
  For a place this far from Mexico, Gringas makes a pretty authentic burrito. It reminds me of the ones I used to get in California. (Though technically, burritos originated in the U.S.). I had the gluten and dairy-free version, and it totally hit the spot.

Napier and Hawke’s Bay

• That Sandwich Place, Napier
  Located on Emerson Street, right in the heart of Napier’s art deco section, they feature about a dozen tasty sandwiches with gluten and dairy-free options. It’s not flash, but my sandwich was tasty and I felt confident they were careful to protect from cross-contamination.
• Hunger Monger, Napier
  We heard great things about this place, but it just wasn’t open on the days we last visited Napier. Too bad, it’s one for next time.
• The Figgery Cafe, Havelock North
  Accredited by Coeliac New Zealand, we knew we were safe here. Being 100% gluten-free and with DF and vegan options, I had so many choices.

New Plymouth

My home away from home, New Plymouth, is one of the easiest places follow my dietary restrictions in New Zealand. I put a few highlights here. Find all my favourite gluten-free New Plymouth restaurants here.

• Deluxe Diner, New Plymouth
  A classic look, the American diner with burgers that are 100% GF. They will use their dedicated fryer IF you request it.
• Kahakai Poke Bowl, New Plymouth
  A 100% GF option located in the Liardet Street Project. Dining is outdoors or takeaway. They offer amazing poke bowls with a choice of meats (my favourite is the pineapple pork, my daughter’s is the chicken), each bowl has rice or spinach plus avocado, edamame, seaweed, and more.
• Wild Pear, New Plymouth
  Possibly the best salads I have tried in a while, this place features vegetarian and plant-based food options. Most of the food (not all) is on my food plan, but the staff seems very familiar with coeliac-safe items.

Palmerston North

• Munch, Palmerston North
  This place is 100% gluten and nut-free, and it’s fantastic. In fact, it is my coeliac daughter’s favourite restaurant in the country. We drove to Palmerston North (adding it as we drove from New Plymouth to Wellington) just to eat here. It was so good that we got takeaway for dinner, too.

Raglan

• The Shack, Raglan
  Healthy and delicious, we opted to have breakfast here twice, as well as great coffee. There were several free from gluten options, and they seemed to understand coeliac requirements.
• Roll Up, Raglan
  We had the best burritos we have enjoyed in NZ to date, and mine was gluten and dairy-free. You can see from this page that we love Mexican-style food. Roll Up has two entrances, Bow Street or Volcom Lane (across from Raglan Roast).
• Orca Eatery & Bar, Raglan
  One of our favourite dinner spots in Raglan, their menu has it all. On our last trip, I enjoyed a gluten-free burger one night and salmon with papaya and lime a different night.
• Wyld, Raglan
  With a dedicated fryer, I knew this place could handle my dietary requirements. And they even had a cabinet with several sweet options that were free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar.

Taupo

• Baked with Love, Taupo
  This is a must-visit cafe if you have dietary restrictions and are in the Taupo area. Coeliac-safe meal options come from either the kitchen or the top shelf of the case, with clearly labelled tongs and separate gluten-free cooking elements. But best of all, the food is irresistible, the coffee is outstanding, and there is more than one GF DF dessert option. 
• Plateau Eatery and Bar, Taupo
  With over half the items on the menu labelled as gluten-free and plenty that were also dairy-free, I had plenty of choices. The menu is mainly shared items, but there were about five mains. I opted for the market fish, and it was terrific.

Wairarapa

• York Bistro, Martinborough, Wairarapa
  Tucked away at Parehua Resort, York Bistro was a lovely surprise. The food was absolutely fabulous, with fresh, locally inspired dishes that were both creative and full of flavour. They seem to fully understand gluten-free and dairy-free and handle them with care.
• Le Grá, Masterton, Wairarapa
  Alongside a wine tasting, we had Le Grá’s impressive food platter. From homemade chutneys to savoury snacks, it was a smorgasbord of little treats, each crafted with love.
• Clareville Bakery, Clareville, just outside Carterton
  We got here just after they closed, but it was recommended by several members of Explore New Zealand, so we were sad we missed it this time.

Wellington Region

As our daughter lives in Wellington, we tend to find ourselves in the capital city often. We do have a few favourite gluten-free NZ restaurants listed here. There are plenty more we enjoy here: Our 24 Go-To GF Wellington Restaurants.

• 1154 Pastoria, Te Aro, Wellington
  One taste of the reasonably priced pasta dinner, and there was no question in my mind as to why there always seems to be a queue for dinner. Best of all (for me), they offer gluten-free pasta that is safe for coeliacs. If you have other restrictions too, ask to see the dietary restriction menu.
• BambuchiSan, Hataitai, Wellington
  This place is 100% gluten-free, and the Canadian-Japanese-inspired cuisine is creative and fun. It’s a small place, and we had a booking, or we wouldn’t have gotten in.
• Neo Cafe and Eatery, Te Aro, Wellington
  Popular and well worth the wait. The breakfast was a tasty combination of flavours, and the staff fully understands coeliac, dairy-free and other dietary restrictions. My GF bagel was piled high with toppings and, honestly, one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. 
• Ambience, Kapiti Coast
  I felt really safe eating here as they are extremely careful, even distinguishing between coeliac and just GF. They have a separate fryer and plenty of Keto options. Only down side, the music is very loud.

Whanganui

• Stellar Restaurant and Bar, Whanganui
  Not 100% GF, but they did a great job with our meals, and the staff is well-versed in coeliac safety. We ate here more than once, and I enjoyed both a steak and a fabulous piece of salmon. There is a dedicated GF fryer.
• Honest Kitchen, Whanganui
  Take-away lunch only, this place is perfect. They have all their coeliac-safe options individually wrapped in the case, or they can make something from food in the back, not out of the case. We took our food across the street to the park and enjoyed it.
• Thai Villa Restaurant, Whanganui
  Classic Thai with lots of GF options. I enjoyed my coconut curry.
• Spice Guru, Whanganui
  A nice find as nearly everything at this Indian restaurant on the menu was labelled GF and almost all was dairy free as well.

South Island gluten-free NZ: Our top restaurant picks

We lived on the South Island for five winters seasons, giving us plenty of time for slow road trips with many overnight stops. These all include dining out.

Christchurch / Kaikoura / Akaroa

We chose to group these three areas together, as many people take a day trip to Kaikoura or Akaroa from Christchurch. And while we love spending time in Kaikoura or Akaroa, as a dairy-free coeliac I found it difficult to eat in either. Next time we will bring packed lunches with us from Christchurch.

Even the renowned Akaroa Fish and Chips shop displays the words ‘gluten free’ told me that they are not safe for coeliacs. Here’s where we did eat safely:

• Herba Gourmet, Riverside Market, Christchurch
  100% gluten-free, Herba Gourmet is a winner if you like salads. These are not boring salads, but rather interesting, fresh, and flavourful. This is a must-eat at in Christchurch. Even my “normal” eater friends enjoyed it.
• Diner 66, Christchurch Central
  Another classic American-style dinner, this one is accredited by Coeliac New Zealand, so we know they go the extra mile.
• Bully Hayes, Akaroa
  This was the only place in town that I found that could do gluten-free that seemed safe for coeliacs. I am sure there are others; we just didn’t see them. Here, I chose to have fresh Akaroa Salmon, and it was possibly the best salmon I have tried.
• Black Rabbit Pizza, Kaikoura
  I found this one in a coeliac group, and it was the only place I ate at in Kaikoura where I felt my food was looked after well.

Hanmer Springs

• PowerHouse Cafe, Hanmer Springs
  This is a total winner. They not only fully understand coeliac disease but also have some fantastic options on the menu. We ate here more than once, enjoying lunch and breakfast (they are not open for dinner. I had the GF-DF pancakes, a tasty work of art.
• Spice Village, Hanmer Springs
  Flavourful Indian food offers a menu identifying gluten-free items and featuring mains that are a bit different from what we see at more traditional Indian restaurants.

Nelson

• Lily’s Cafe, Nelson
  Before I walked into Lily’s Cafe, I had no idea that gluten-free scones could be this good. And even better, they make vegan cheese scones. If that wasn’t enough, I had a heavenly almond masala chai. If you are coeliac like me, this is my top Nelson cafe recommendation. 
• Chokdee Thai Cuisine, Nelson
  Delicious Thai food and a staff that fully understands coeliac disease. In fact, every dish is made from scratch, so they have good control over ingredients.

Picton

• Oxley’s Bar and Kitchen, Picton
  My list of places to eat in Picton will always be short because I want to eat at Oxley’s every time we pass through. It’s that good. There are plenty of options on the menu to choose from, but my favourite is the chicken Salad, although I was eating salmon in the photo.
• Seabreeze Cafe and Bar, Picton
  What impressed me here was that as soon as I said coeliac, the manager made my meal. I don’t know if this always happens, but it sure gave me a boost of confidence.

Queenstown

• Eric’s Fish and Chips, Queenstown
  I can’t ask for more safety than from a 100% gluten-free fish and chips shop. And with their GF fryer, there are a few interesting options like fried pineapple or potato spirals. This one is a family favourite.
   

Our favourite multi-location restaurants

These are our favourite multi-location restaurants where I feel safe eating as a coeliac.

• Joe’s Garage
  Joe’s is our go-to gluten-free New Zealand restaurant in several cities (Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Ashburton, Queenstown, and Dunedin). The menu offers plenty of options for me, and one of my favourites is the Jose Burrito. The food is well-presented and quite tasty. Their dedicated fryer means I have lots of choices.
• Lone Star
  Featuring a classic Texas menu, Lone Star is best known for its ribs. I always ask to see their allergy checklist before I order. Lone Star has franchises in about 17 cities throughout the country. We have eaten at many of them and never been disappointed.
• Duck Island Ice Cream
  Before I even looked at the flavours, I saw the sign that reminded me to tell them if I was coeliac. As soon as I did, they let me know that my ice cream would come from a very safe from cross-contamination area in the back. Best of all, the ice cream is fantastic, as good as we had in Italy.
• Hell Pizza (take away)
  Not only is their GF pizza a perfect substitute, they are the first fast-food chain in New Zealand to have had some of their locations certified by Coeliac New Zealand’s Dining Out Programme.
• Burger Fuel
  Gourmet burgers with gluten-free options. Note that there is only one fryer, so the fries are not coeliac safe. Based on our family experience, I recommend always verifying they got it right before you bite into it.
• St Pierres Sushi
  Most (but not all) St. Pierre’s understand and have a procedure for coeliac safety. We have watched staff change to fresh gloves, fresh food bowl, and a new workspace.

Tips for ordering gluten-free in New Zealand restaurants

Most coeliacs already know all of this, but I know I forget every once in a while, so even I like to read my own reminders before I eat gluten-free in New Zealand or anywhere.

• Always ask questions, as many as you need to feel safe about your meal.
• Even if the menu stipulates gluten-free, be sure to tell the server of your dietary requirements. I always request to have gluten-free or coeliac written on the order to the kitchen.
• To avoid cross-contamination, verify that they have a separate fryer and toaster from those used with gluten if you are ordering anything that uses those items.
• Things change. Confirm that your food will be coeliac-safe this time, even if you have ordered the same meal in the past.
• When the food arrives, I always verify that it’s coeliac safe. There have been a few times when the server says “oops” and takes back my selections. I have been glutened in a few places when I skip this important step.

Practical information for eating gluten-free in New Zealand

• The Find Me Gluten Free app searches for user-reviewed restaurants anywhere in New Zealand. It is free to download and use.
• If you are a member of Coeliac New Zealand, check out their Dining Out Guide.
• If you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, check out the Coeliac Disease New Zealand Facebook group.
• If you’re staying in, here are tips to make your own kitchen gluten free.
• Have a kitchen and want to cook your own gluten-free meals? Don’t miss these yummy recipes on our food blog.

Where will you eat gluten-free in New Zealand?