Gluten Free In New Zealand

And we're off!  My hubby and I are headed out on our official month long honeymoon to New Zealand.  I'm looking forward to all of the gluten free adventures we will have there and will make sure to document them all for a an awesome series of Gluten Free In New Zealand here on Gluten Free Travelette!

Speaking of my hubby, he pointed out to me today that I really ought to do a post on how I prepare for my travels.  So I thought I would add to this post how I'm preparing for our 3 1/2 week trip to New Zealand.

Before I go anywhere, I do a whole lot of online research on Google and compile a list of gluten free friendly restaurants, cafes, and shops.  I use search terms such as "Gluten Free in Auckland" or "Gluten Free Restaurants in Auckland" or "Gluten Free Friendly Restaurants in Auckland". I do this for every city we are planning to visit. I also search for organic grocery stores or co-ops, since they tend to have a selection of gluten free foods.  Restaurants and cafes that cater to vegans or vegetarians also tend to be more understanding of other food intolerances.

When booking hotels, I try to stay at places that offer at least a in-room refrigerator.  This way I can go stock up on non-dairy milks and other speciality products when I get there. A room with a microwave or kitchenette is even better!

And then there is packing.  Here is my list of what I'm bring to New Zealand to help me stay safe and gluten free;

• a variety of food bars (My favs are the Caveman Bar or Zing Bars.)
• individual salad dressing packets
• individual tamari soy packets
• individual nut butter packets
• a small pack of crackers
• dried fruit
• homemade beef jerky
• homemade chocolate chip cookies
• a soft collapsable cooler

When we get to New Zealand, one of the very first things we will do is stop at the Gluten Free Grocer, which sells gluten free products.  I'll stock up on snacks and basics that I may not be able to find in other parts of the country as we drive from the north island to the south island. I'll also make sure to buy plenty of fresh fruit that I can snack on as well.

When we eat out, I'll stick to the safest foods possible, mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat.

The five things I will try to remember throughout the whole trip are;

1. Always ask questions and don't be shy.
2. Never assume there will be something safe to eat.
3. Come prepared to not find anything to eat.
4. Nut butter tastes great on pretty much anything.
5. A diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat is actually quite healthy.

Wish us luck!

Comments

[sleepinghorse]

If you get stuck at any time in New Zealand for any reason at all, gluten free issues or non gluten free issues, feel free to leave me a message on my blog and I will try to help you out. I work in Auckland.
If you check my blog and click on the Eating Out category, it may be able to help you while you are in New Zealand, particularly Auckland or Wellington.
I have a gluten free friendly cafe and restaurant page as well but I have only just started it so it is best to use the Eating Out category for now.
I hope you both have a fantastic time in New Zealand.

[Adina Marguerite]

Thanks so much! I wish I had seen your comment sooner!

We had a great time in Auckland and Wellington and got along pretty well in both. We have a couple of days left down in Te Anau and then one last night in Christchurch before we head back to Washington.

When I get back I'll be posting about all the different gluten free friendly spots I got to visit!