The traditional Māori hangi is a much-loved, centuries-old New Zealand cooking method that involves steaming food in an earth oven. The process is slow and methodical, allowing flavors to marry and mingle over a number of hours, resulting in succulent and tender dishes that are hard to replicate. Here are the best places around New Zealand to try the famed hangi.
Restaurants
If you’re looking to experience New Zealand’s cultural history through its cuisine, the best places to get a hangi are at local Māori and Pacific Island restaurants. Here you’ll be served hangi-style dishes and learn more about the ingredients and flavors that make up this classic cooking process.
- The Hangi Pit (Auckland) – Auckland’s first Māori and Pacific Island hangi restaurant. Specialises in traditional hangi dishes with a modern twist.
- Tuteremoana Hangi House (Rotorua) – Located in Ohinemutu, this is a great place to experience the traditional Māori hangi in its historical and cultural context.
Hangi Takeaways
For those who prefer to take their hangi home, many Māori and Pacific Island takeaways now offer traditional hangi-style meals. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion at home.
- Te Puni Takeaway (Wellington) – Wellington’s oldest family-run Māori and Pacific Island takeaway. Here you’ll find the best hangi meals in town.
- Manu Takeaways (Christchurch) – This family-run business has been supplying traditional Māori hangi takeaways since the 1970s.
Hangi Festivals
If you’re looking for a true cultural experience, consider attending a hangi festival. These one-day events celebrate the traditional Māori food and culture and typically include live entertainment and demonstrations from local cultural practitioners.
- Hangi In The Park (Auckland) – The largest annual hangi festival in the country. Here you’ll find hangi cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and plenty of food.
- Hangi Toa (Tauranga) – Held in the heart of the city, Hangi Toa celebrates the traditional Māori cooking method with food, music, and cultural performances.
- Kai Fest (Whanganui) – This one-day event is a great way to discover the traditional Māori and Pacific Island hangi in its natural environment. Enjoy hangi cooking demonstrations and a variety of cultural performances.
The hangi is an integral part of New Zealand’s culture and heritage and is an experience that few visitors get to sample. So if you’re looking to experience a traditional hangi in all its glory, make sure to visit one of the many Māori or Pacific Island restaurants, takeaways, or festivals in New Zealand.
