Air New Zealand’s New In-Flight Menu Challenges What It Means To Eat Local In The Air

Air New Zealand has this week announced a new in-flight menu that places emphasis on local flavors and ingredients that are unique to New Zealand. A Taste of Aotearoa is onboard Business Premier cabins now and will be available on all long-haul flights specifically out of New Zealand. The creative menu features local food producers and fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

The new menu was inspired by manaakitanga—the Māori tradition of hospitality—and is set to celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s culinary heritage.

“Our country’s unique flora and produce are a treasure trove of flavours and ingredients that have inspired us to create a dining experience that celebrates the special flavours of Aotearoa,” Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said in a press release.

“We believe it’s our privilege to showcase the best our country has to offer and share that with the world – and one we take very seriously. Whether it’s on a plate or in a glass, we want to serve up an authentic taste of New Zealand onboard and in our lounges.”

The premium menu includes various options suitable for many different tastes and dietary restrictions; gone are the days of “chicken or beef?”. Highlights include a health-focused superfood salad with horopito-dusted New Zealand salmon; creamy kawakawa mushrooms on rye toast, sautéed spinach and grilled tomatoes; ahiaTM smoked moki on kawakawa blini; and grass-fed New Zealand lamb rump with horopito rub.

The menu will also include seasonal cocktails in partnership with New Zealand drinks creator, East Imperial.

“We couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with East Imperial, who share our love for all things natural and sustainable,” added Geraghty. “Their top-notch products are made right here in New Zealand, with the finest, sustainably sourced, all-natural ingredients.”