Food & Grocery in New Zealand
Germany has rapidly emerged as a preferred destination for international students from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa — offering a unique combination of world-class education, affordable tuition, and strong job prospects.

1. Popular Grocery Chains in New Zealand
These supermarkets are widely available and cater to a range of budgets. Most have online ordering, home delivery, and loyalty programs.
- 🛒 Countdown – Nationwide chain with weekly discounts and online shopping.
- 🛒 New World – Quality fresh produce and local brands; Clubcard discounts available.
- 🛒 Pak’nSave – New Zealand’s most affordable supermarket; bulk shopping is common.
- 🛒 Four Square– Small convenience stores in suburban and rural areas.
- 🛒SuperValue – Budget-friendly option for essentials in smaller towns.
💡 Tip: Look out for “Specials” and “Club Deals” on apps and flyers every week.
2. Online Grocery Delivery Platforms
For students who prefer convenience or don’t have transport, these services are useful:
- 🚚 Countdown Online Shopping – Home delivery or click-and-collect
- 🚚 Supie – Auckland-based ethical online supermarket
- 🚚 Gilmours – Bulk food delivery (ideal for shared student housing)
- 🚚 The Warehouse – Groceries – Basic grocery items with flat-rate delivery
- 🚚 HelloFresh NZ– Meal kit delivery for students learning to cook
3. South Asian, Southeast Asian, and African Grocery Stores
These stores stock spices, lentils, rice, instant foods, halal items, and products from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
🇮🇳 South Asian Stores
- 🛍️ Khyber Spice Invader (Auckland)
- 🛍️ Sabzi Bazaar (Wellington)
- 🛍️ Davis Trading Co. (nationwide) – Bulk and ethnic food supplier
- 🛍️ Lotus Supermarket (Christchurch)
🌏 Southeast Asian Stores
- 🛍️ Tianze Asian Supermarket (Dunedin)
- 🛍️ Taiping Supermarket (Auckland) – Offers Malaysian, Thai, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese items
- 🛍️ Fresh and Save – Filipino and Pacific Island groceries
🌍 African Stores
- 🛍️ Afro Caribbean Groceries (Auckland)
- 🛍️ Halal Groceries NZ (Online) – Delivers halal and African groceries across New Zealand
- 🛍️ African Market NZ (Hamilton)
4. Dining on a Budget – Student-Friendly Food Chains
For affordable dining options outside of home:
- 🍔 Domino’s NZ – Frequent student combo deals and pizzas under $10
- 🍜 Tank Juice & Salads – Healthy smoothies, wraps, and lunch bowls
- 🥡 Pita Pit NZ – Custom wraps, salads, and student offers
- 🥙 Hell Pizza – Creative toppings and local flavours
- 🍱St Pierre’s Sushi – Sushi, donburi, and loyalty card savings
- 🍟 McDonald’s NZ & KFC NZ – Inexpensive meals for occasional takeouts
- 🍲 Bun Hun Vietnamese Eatery – Student-favourite in Wellington
- 🍛 Little India Restaurant Chain – Authentic North Indian food with lunch combos
5. Tips for Cooking and Eating Affordably
- 💡 Shop at Pak’nSave or use student markets near universities for cheaper fresh produce
- 🥬 Buy seasonal fruits & veggies for lower prices
- 🥫 Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers
- 🛍️ Split grocery bills with flatmates and use shared cooking
- 📱 Use Too Good To Go, Foodprint, or local uni Facebook groups to find cheap food pickups
