We are pure veggies, coming to NZ in Feb. Just wanted to check on how easily vegeterian food is available in S. Island.

It seemed to be pretty widely available in restaurants and larger towns although you might not have much variety. In the very small towns there might be only a fish and chips place and/or a dairy (small food store with some food to go) and might be harder finding something to eat. Food is pretty well labeled and mostly made on site so they should be able to fix you up.

Store hours can still be a problem in small towns.

In Qneenstown between Indian and Japanese restaurants (many others of course too) I ate vegetarian very nicely. Even on the hike I took there was a vegetarian sandwich packed in with the lot. There were tons of ethic restaurants likely to have good vegetarian options. The stores I didn't see so much but as it is going into summer I'd be stunned if fresh fruits and veggies weren't available.

If you are vegan that may be another story. I.e., the spinach dish I had at the Indian restaurant had "cottage cheese" cubes in it.

NZ is a great place for vegetarians. I'm quasi vegetarian myself, and I was amazed to find vegetarian options at every restaurant, pub and cafe we visited. I doubt you'll have a problem, although as mentioned above, small towns will have fewer options.

BTW - cottage cheese cubes = paneer (very good)

Yes they were great -- they listed it as cottage cheese (which I had never seen--the places back home all said paneer).

Thanks a ton! Thats a relief! And nope we are not vegans, so milk products are most welcome however we don't eat fish even...