Sue49

We eat mostly organic raw veggies, traveling mid April for 10 days in a campervan beginning and ending in Christchurch. Any tips/advice/warnings??

Thanks, Sue

Neil_Oz

Sue, much of the nutritional value of many vegetables is not absorbed if they're eaten raw - but I guess that's not the advice you were after!

Melnq8

Sue, I don't think you'll have any problems finding organic veg in NZ. In fact, I just did a Google search and discovered that organic produce can be purchased at New World, which is a NZ grocery store chain.

I don't know where you'll be, but on the north end of the South Island, fruit and veg stands abound, especially in season. You might want to stop at some of these and check for organic produce as well.

lizF

Well I guess you should stick with things like carrots, potatoes and the like but only if they are grown on Stewart Island as I don't think the soil there would have absorbed any nasties.

Sue49

Thanks for all the feedback! Neil, please don't confuse me!! haha

melnq8, thanks, the stands sound wonderful, and nice to know the grocery store will have our staples.

LizF, thanks for the nasties warnings!

We're so looking forward to this trip, and thanks to all of you who take the time to reply!

Sue

lizF

Have a great trip Sue and those of us who are out and about in NZ and see someone with a carrot hanging out of their mouth, please be sure to wave as it probably will be Sue.
I think you will find Sue that most veggies are nice and fresh as the soil is rich and the air is clean and there is nothing to polute the place anywhere anyway.

Sue49

oh Liz, thanks. Sounds like heaven. . . I just can't wait, what a dream come true this trip is.

After reading about the farm/ag/customs stuff, are they only concerned with fresh fruit, etc., will a trail mix type food be allowed?

Thanks again, Sue

Sue49

Well, time is getting short. . . we leave in 2 1/2 weeks. Does anyone know about the trail mix? I'm wondering what to take for munchies till we get to Christchurch. Thanks again for all the time you take to help!

Sue

Christa

Hi Sue,

The trail mix should be fine but to be on the safe side, make sure to ask one of the customs guys at the airport and to be on the really safe side, tick the Something to Declare box on the form you will be given.Just show the Customs Officers the trail mix and they will either wave you through or take it off you, no problems either way.

It is mainly raw fruits, veggies and seeds etc that NZ Customs are concerned with.

I have quite often had the cute little beagle dog sit by my luggage because of my habit of carrying an orange or apple onto the plane for a snack. Thankfully I have always remembered to either eat or toss the fruit before being caught with it, on the spot fines are a bit of a harsh Welcome to New Zealand call.

Have fun

Sue49

Thanks Christa,

My concern was that this has a apricot base, with essential oils, etc. But now that I know I can just declare it, I feel better, though I sure would hate to give it up.

Thanks again,
Sue

Kiwi_acct

Sue

To be on the safe side. When you land in NZ deposit any open food or dubious objects in any of the declaration bins placed around the arrival hall.

You may find that if you have fruit on you, even dried fruit, that this may contravene the Ministry of Agriculture regulations.

There is an instant fine of NZD $200 which is imposed upon arrival if ANY fruit, veges, honey or meat products are found on you. This fine is not negotiable.

Bear in mind that you can obtain any food you want in NZ. Trail mix is called Scroggin in NZ. It is very popular with trampers and hikers as an energy food.

Organic variations upon it are available at Organic vegetable shops (You will pay a premium)

Check the organic food area in the higher level supermarkets such as Foodtown or New World.

Most towns of any significant size (20,000+) have organic food stores. Ask at the information centre for details.

Road side stall often sell organic produce. Particularly in the far north you will find a lot of organic fruit (oranges, kiwifruit, feijoas and other fruit) for sale on the road side.

Though I do note you are probably spending most if not all your time in the South Island, your best bet for organic produce there is in the Marlborough/Nelson districts.

Good Luck and enjoy your travels.

Steve

Sue49

Great info, Steve

Did a google search and looks like Christchurch is a good place for us to start our trip and fill our campervan with groceries. Unfortunately, time does not permit us to head north from there much, if I want to see Doubtful Sound, and that has become my most important stop, I think.

7 days and counting!!

Thanks again, Sue