Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Vegetarians & Vegans
Most large urban centres have at least one dedicated vegetarian cafe or restaurant: see the
Vegetarians New Zealand
(
www.vegetarians.co.nz
)
website for listings. Beyond this, almost all restaurants and cafes offer some vegetarian menu
choices (although sometimes only one or two). Many eateries also provide gluten-free and vegan options. Always check
that stocks and sauces are vegetarian, too.
In this topic, the vegetarian icon (
) in Eating listings indicates a good vegetarian selection.
TO MARKET, TO MARKET
There are more than 30 farmers markets held around the North Island. Most happen on weekends and are upbeat
local affairs, where visitors can meet local producers and find fresh regional produce. Mobile coffee is usually
present, and tastings are offered by enterprising and innovative stall holders. Bring a carry bag, and get there early
for the best stuff! Check out
www.farmersmarkets.org.nz
for market locations, dates and times.
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
The gay and lesbian tourism industry in NZ isn't as high-profile as it is in neighbouring Australia, but homosexual com-
munities are prominent in Auckland and Wellington and there are myriad support organisations across both islands. NZ
has progressive laws protecting the rights of gays and lesbians, and same-sex marriage was legalised here in 2013. Gen-
erally speaking, Kiwis are fairly relaxed and accepting about homosexuality, but that's not to say that homophobia
doesn't exist.
Resources
There are loads of websites dedicated to gay and lesbian travel in NZ.
Gay Tourism New Zealand
(
www.gaytourismnewzealand.com
)
is a good starting point, with links to various sites. Other worthwhile queer websites
include the following:
Gay NZ
(
www.gaynz.com
)
Lesbian NZ
(
www.lesbian.net.nz
)
Gay Stay
(
www.gaystay.co.nz
)
Check out the nationwide magazine
express
(
www.gayexpress.co.nz
)
every second Wednesday for the latest happenings,
reviews and listings on the NZ gay scene.
Festivals & Events
Big Gay Out
(
www.biggayout.co.nz
) Free festival (food, drink, entertainment) held every February in Auckland.
Out Takes
(
www.outtakes.org.nz
) G&L film festival staged in Auckland and Wellington in May/June.
