[CJ22]

In the spirit of useful lists, I thought I'd start a thread on what you can't get in NZ. Somebody mentioned on another thread that you couldn't get Quorn. Is there anything else that NZ simply doesn't [i]do/i], or isn't widely available? (I don't mean specifically foreign goods like Tetley tea-bags or whatever, I mean common things that you'd be surprised not to find).

[peebles16]

Dusters or maybe that's a scottish thing?? Yellow fluffy cloth things you use for dusting and polishing - can't find them anywhere?? Anyone know where or even know what I'm on about :D

Cool thread CJ22 :)
Karenx

[IanW99]

In the spirit of useful lists, I thought I'd start a thread on what you can't get in NZ. Somebody mentioned on another thread that you couldn't get Quorn. Is there anything else that NZ simply doesn't [i]do/i], or isn't widely available? (I don't mean specifically foreign goods like Tetley tea-bags or whatever, I mean common things that you'd be surprised not to find).

Surely, Quorn is just another example like Tetley tea-bags?

Anyway, I still haven't found any cookie dough ice cream or angel cake (any brand).

Ian

[IanW99]

Dusters or maybe that's a scottish thing?? Yellow fluffy cloth things you use for dusting and polishing - can't find them anywhere?? Anyone know where or even know what I'm on about :D

Cool thread CJ22 :)
Karenx

Never seen them in a supermarket, but if you buy tyres from Tony's Tyre service then they give you one (yellow duster). So, they must do them somewhere. Maybe they sell them in car accessory shops?

Ian

[cappuccino]

Dusters or maybe that's a scottish thing?? Yellow fluffy cloth things you use for dusting and polishing - can't find them anywhere?? Anyone know where or even know what I'm on about :D

Cool thread CJ22 :)
Karenx

I found some yellow dusters in a $2 shop!

I'm miffed that they don't have photobooths here - I needed passport photos and had to go to a photography shop and paid $15 for 4 pix!!!

[IanW99]

...
I'm miffed that they don't have photobooths here - I needed passport photos and had to go to a photography shop and paid $15 for 4 pix!!!

We just took a digital photo, and took it to a digital photo shop. Think it cost a dollar, wasn't quite as quick as a photobooth though.

Ian

[Jo Jo]

Surely, Quorn is just another example like Tetley tea-bags?


I'd say Quorn as a brand is, but the stuff Quorn is made of isn't available here, either, if you see what I mean. If you are a vegetarian, this is akin to finding out they don't sell tea here!

One thing that surprised me was Marmite. It's got the same name but it sure as hell doesn't taste the same! So if you love Marmite you might want to ship a few jars, (and maybe mix them together with the NZ Marmite over time so you get used to the taste).

[Jo Jo]

Oh, another thing - the cat litter here is rubbish. I used to buy "The World's Best Cat Litter" which really is the world's best cat litter, but you can't get it here.

[IanW99]

...
One thing that surprised me was Marmite. It's got the same name but it sure as hell doesn't taste the same! So if you love Marmite you might want to ship a few jars, (and maybe mix them together with the NZ Marmite over time so you get used to the taste).

If you like UK Marmite, you'll need to buy "Ourmate" here in NZ, same product but has to be a different name.

Ian

[Jo Jo]

Thanks Ian :nice1 I haven't seen that in our local supermarket, and the next nearest one is about 50 miles away, but next time I venture into a city I'll have a look for it.

[Andy-Dee]

I couldn't find on my recce:
Heinz Ketchup
Gravy Granuals
Ben & Jerry's - daughter will hate that, Cookie dough is her favourite
Wensleydale/Cheshire/Lancashire crumbly cheese
.... but they had good stuff there they didn't have here .. so hey ho

[jubjub]

Never seen them in a supermarket, but if you buy tyres from Tony's Tyre service then they give you one (yellow duster). So, they must do them somewhere. Maybe they sell them in car accessory shops?

Ian

Was just going to say we get given dusters from our garage!

[Jo Jo]

I couldn't find on my recce:
Heinz Ketchup
Gravy Granuals
Ben & Jerry's - daughter will hate that, Cookie dough is her favourite
Wensleydale/Cheshire/Lancashire crumbly cheese
.... but they had good stuff there they didn't have here .. so hey ho

Hi, Heinz Ketchup is definitely available here, and it tastes just the same. We buy it from our local New World.

Jo Jo

[IanW99]

I couldn't find on my recce:
Heinz Ketchup
Gravy Granuals
Ben & Jerry's - daughter will hate that, Cookie dough is her favourite
Wensleydale/Cheshire/Lancashire crumbly cheese
.... but they had good stuff there they didn't have here .. so hey ho

Jo Jo beat me to it :laugh

Definitely do Heinz Ketchup, not as common as Watties but most shops now stock it.

Ian

[jubjub]

Heinz ketchup, deffo here, we can get it every time we need it, doesnt matter which supermarket I feel like going to that week! Same with HP sauce, you have to look carefully for it, but most places have it. But then again I am in Auckland....

Gravy granules, not spotted any yet, you can get gravy sachets, but they are a fixed quantity and you either end up with not enough, or wastage. I still cheat and get some from the british shop *hangs head in shame* as really dont use them that often!

[IanW99]

...
Gravy granules, not spotted any yet, you can get gravy sachets, but they are a fixed quantity and you either end up with not enough, or wastage. I still cheat and get some from the british shop *hangs head in shame* as really dont use them that often!

You can get Bisto Gravy powder here in packets, you just don't get the granules version.

It's not the same gravy as UK, but you get used to it.

Ian

[Moorf]

You can't get bread sauce mix here (my Kiwi neighbour had never even heard of it) ... you can only get it in the British shops and it's ludicrously priced.

[Moorf]

As per Jo Jo I can't get Ourmate in our local supermarket (Four Square) just the local Marmite which is gross - I have to go to a major one - similarly I can't get Colman's Mustard or Heinz or Best Foods Mayo (which is basically Hellmanns) at the local store.

One thing I hadn't seen before and which is being promoted as a new product in Woolworths is Irn Bru - OH v. chuffed when I brought that home. ;)

[IanW99]

...
One thing I hadn't seen before and which is being promoted as a new product in Woolworths is Irn Bru - OH v. chuffed when I brought that home. ;)

That reminds me, you can't get Dandelion and Burdock drink in NZ either (or at least I haven't seen it).

Ian

[Moorf]

I'm sure I've said this before, but as the Watties Baked Beans are awful (I tried, I tried) the best and cheapest option are Oak Brand Baked Beans as the "English Recipe" Heinz Baked Beans are stupidly priced. They taste very similar, enough for this picky b/bean eater anyway :D

I also can't find Victory V's (if anyone knows what they are!). If anyone sees these lozenge sweets please let me know! :nice1

[CJ22]

Can you get 'diet decaffeinated' coke?

We were worried that we wouldn't be able to get Old El Paso Fajita kits, which are a guilty pleasure of ours, but Woolworth do them so that's all right. Bet they don't do the sour cream jars that are sold separately though :)

How about salad in a bag? I like a nice salad for me lunch, but I can't be faffed making it from scratch.

How about nice breads, like fochachia and stuff with tomato and cheese on and chiabatta and the like? Is it 'white' or 'brown'? Do supermarkets bake their own bread like they do here?

Chilli-flavour Doritos!!1!
/runs off to check Woolworths website

[Moorf]

All the coke varieties are here - and you can get salad in a bag even in the smaller supermarkets (but the mesclun mix free-flow salad is usually available from which you fill your own bag ;) )

And don't worry about bread varieties, the supermarkets have loads - and if they don't have it a local bakery will.... and yes, the larger supermarkets have bakeries too :yes

[zardell]

You can get Bisto Gravy powder here in packets, you just don't get the granules version.

It's not the same gravy as UK, but you get used to it.

Ian




No Ian, it's not the same and no, I couldn't get used to it......it's absolutely awful !!!!!!!!

:laugh

I brought bucket loads of Bisto in our container, but meanwhile I resorted to making it in the 'Just How My Mum Used To Make It' way with the pan juices and flour.

Julie

xx

[zardell]

New Zealand has got the biggest and some of the best choices of bread varieties anywhere !!

Honest!!!!!!

Julie

xx

[Andy-Dee]

I am soooo happy about the ketchup news - I love mashing it up in mash

Victory V's Moorf - you must have the constitution of an elephant - I'm very impressed!

[zardell]

Moorf.

If you can't get Victory V's, I'd be happy to post you some Fishermans Friends.

They have loads of 'em here in every shop/supermarket - they keep 'em next to the ciggies !!!!!!!

Julie

xx

[dusk]

New Zealand has got the biggest and some of the best choices of bread varieties anywhere !!

Honest!!!!!!

Julie

xx
this is good news :yes

[CJ22]

How about crisps? I had an American friend in Chicago demand I sent them beef and onion crisps, on the grounds that they were 'exotic' and you couldn't get interesting flavours in America. Will I be able to get prawn cocktail in Auckland??

[Gemini]

I can't believe you can't get gammon here, they have pigs and have bacon, so why not gammon?

[jubjub]

How about crisps? I had an American friend in Chicago demand I sent them beef and onion crisps, on the grounds that they were 'exotic' and you couldn't get interesting flavours in America. Will I be able to get prawn cocktail in Auckland??

You can get all manner of weird and wacky flavours here, but not prawn cocktail.... but if you are prepared to pay you can get Walkers from the british shops

[CJ22]

No I'll settle for Kiwi flavour or whatever they have. So long as it's not just plain or cheese and onion :)

[wiki]

That reminds me, you can't get Dandelion and Burdock drink in NZ either (or at least I haven't seen it).

Ian


The Lollie Shop in central Invercargill sells both Irn Bru and Dandelion and Burdock in normal and diet versions. Must be all the Scottish and Lancs settlers down here.

They also sell Dr Pepper and few other "exotics" - and at $2.50-$3 a can it's not as cheap as the can machine at work, but certainly on a par with what you'd pay at a cafe for a fruit juice or cola.

Also, my dad made and sold gammon steaks at his butchery - but he's retired now, so sorry can't send you up some vac-packed.

We miss Hagen Dazs.

[lockstock]

Leather dog collars and leads which don't look like something out of a bondage fetish store.

[tea drinker]

What about mint flavoured hot chocolate...the powered kind that you mix with hot water? Something like 'Options'

[LesleyS]

I can't find Horseradish Sauce in a jar (the hot stuff) - e tried the Masterfoods one and it was vinegary and yuk!

[RamblingPaddies]

we can't find pampers nappies anywhere - but this has been well documented on this forum before.

the native ones just fall off the bairn !

[peebles16]

Yep nappies are pants (sorry couldn't resist :D) our youngest still in pullups at night and wets through every time -grr!!

Karenx

[peebles16]

Oh just remembered seedless grapes anyone?? Can only find seeded ones and they are no good for the wee one who used to eat them by the bucket load in the UK

Karenx

[Tia Maria]

Oh just remembered seedless grapes anyone?? Can only find seeded ones and they are no good for the wee one who used to eat them by the bucket load in the UK

Karenx

This one really irritates me, yes you can get them but only occasionally (we've found them in New World) - I haven't noticed a seasonal aspect to them and the minute I see someone with them I have to ask which shop they got them in and nip out and get some before they run out again.

On the quality side of food, I haven't seen any potato waffles

And you can get them, but not a very wide choice - children's magazines.

I can't remember who asked, but yes you can get salad in a bag, not as nice a variety as M&S, but it will do.

Anyone seen Butternut Squash?

Cheers

Tia

[Familyofmonkeys]

Anyone seen Butternut Squash?



Saw them all over the place when we arrived last May (one of our favourites)....and a ton of other squash varieties e.g. harlequin squash, that we used to get in Sainsburies in UK. Only difference is they often call them 'pumpkin' here rather than 'squash'.

[Moorf]

I can't find Horseradish Sauce in a jar (the hot stuff) - e tried the Masterfoods one and it was vinegary and yuk!

There's another brand called "Royalty" that we use... can get it in New World and Woollies here... much nicer that Masterfoods. :nice1

[Moorf]

With fresh produce, like squashes etc, remember that what's available is dependent on the season here... it was a pain at first but it's quite nice looking forward to the time of year you can have leeks and parsnips etc.

[Moorf]

Moorf.

If you can't get Victory V's, I'd be happy to post you some Fishermans Friends.

They have loads of 'em here in every shop/supermarket - they keep 'em next to the ciggies !!!!!!!

Julie

xx

Strangely I can't stand Fishermans' Friends :o - I know, I know, I'm picky...

Craving Victory V's now!! :wah

[dilanium]

Can you get Feline Pine or some similar type of pine based cat litter?

[buzztalks]

bath sponges????

[cappuccino]

Lavender scented ironing water?

[RamblingPaddies]

Anyone seen Butternut Squash?



loads of them at our local farmers market every sunday !

[Moorf]

bath sponges????

Yup, in most big supermarkets or pharmacies....

... there's not a huge selection of bath bubbles here though as far as I've seen...

[RedKev]

I love lucozade. It's here in wellington but I've only found 1 starmart that stocks it. Quite frustrating as I tend to drink it mostly when I'm hunover & when I'm hungover I couldn't be bothered walking to the shop for it :laugh

[Moorf]

Another Lucozade lover here - great for hangovers!! Just wish you could still get the bottles in that crispy orange plastic wrapping :D kinda makes me feel better just looking at it!!

I find it in most big garages, and take note of where they are, but it's a bit hit and miss as to where it can be found.

[peebles16]

Irn Bru best hangover cure ever :yes

Karenx

[Moorf]

Irn Bru best hangover cure ever :yes

Karenx

Oh yessss.... with a fried egg buttie :D

[peebles16]

Bacon buttie for me please with plenty HP - yum :D

Karenx

[kanatakiwi]

Strangely I can't stand Fishermans' Friends :o - I know, I know, I'm picky...

Craving Victory V's now!! :wah

Fishermans friends available many many places in AKL, dairies, garage, etc etc. good luck on locating down there

[Sam B]

Only 1 variety and flavour (Radox) of bubblebath in the whole of NZ. Shower gel galore, but no bubblebath and defo no nice posh ones. Many Kiwis look horrified when you admit to favouring baths and have told me it's unhygienic.

Buffalo mozarella - well you can if you drive to speciality shop in Hamilton and remortgage your house...

Fruit corner yoghurts.

Sure there's loads more but can't remember at the mo

[jubjub]

You can get fruit bottom yogurts Sam! although they are pretty pricey, think they are greek yogurt based?

If you want non Radox bubble bath its Lush or body shop.... and if you look carefully in Kmart or Life Pharmacy you can find some of the Boots natural range (yes UK boots stuff!!)

[Sam B]

But can you get Muller fruit corner, including the ones with choc crispy bits etc. My 11 year old is in mourning for these. Fruit bottoms won't do apparently.

[jamie7121]

We really miss the crispy morning rolls that we used to get in Glasgow, slap some good bacon on a buttered crispy roll, sheer heaven. But try as we might we have not found a roll to match.

[peebles16]

We really miss the crispy morning rolls that we used to get in Glasgow, slap some good bacon on a buttered crispy roll, sheer heaven. But try as we might we have not found a roll to match.

Ah you cannae beat a well-fired roll :)

Karen

[jamie7121]

Ah you cannae beat a well-fired roll :)

Karen

we loved them, used to nip round to the wee dairy and get half a dozen and a pack of Tulip bacon, bliss!

[wiki]

We really miss the crispy morning rolls that we used to get in Glasgow, slap some good bacon on a buttered crispy roll, sheer heaven. But try as we might we have not found a roll to match.

You can't even get proper morning rolls in England, so NZ is a long shot unless you get a Scottish baker to emigrate. I used to get a friend to bring me back morning rolls from trips to see her parents in Banff, because the morning rolls from up there were so amazingly good :nice1

[peebles16]

we loved them, used to nip round to the wee dairy and get half a dozen and a pack of Tulip bacon, bliss!

Or lorne sausage - yummy :) OMG god I miss that fat filled tasty square thing :exit
Karenx

[jubjub]

Karen, you can get Lorne here, by mail order....

Will you guys stop talking about well fired rolls & bacon, gawd, you will be talking about tattie scones next! (oh, and i know somewhere that makes them too!) ;)

[jubjub]

A wee linkie

http://www.mcphees.co.nz/product_info.php?products_id=1761
http://www.haggis.co.nz/secondpage.html

I now have acraving for a visit to Henry Healys.....

[peebles16]

Karen, you can get Lorne here, by mail order....

Will you guys stop talking about well fired rolls & bacon, gawd, you will be talking about tattie scones next! (oh, and i know somewhere that makes them too!) ;)

Seriously - oh am sorely tempted but must resist.. Know a wummin that can make tattie scones so no probs there (eh Maria?) :laugh

Karenx

[KerryS]

Tia - I have a craving for Potato Waffles now! I have honestly lived on complete junk since coming to the UK a couple of weeks ago - lunch consisted of a pack of Monster Munch, a can of Dr Pepper and some Revels earlier...

If anyone wants anything non-perishable I have plenty of room in my case, and am more than happy to dispatch around NZ once I get home next week.

[Kerry and David]

After my recent visit I think I would just like Marks and Spencer and Next to open up in Auckland:D

K x

[CJ22]

Lol, can you imagine how expensive M&S would be in NZ, given how outrageous it is in UK!?

[Kerry and David]

Hmmm some of us get a discount:nice1 thats why I shall miss it so much!:D

[jamie7121]

You can't even get proper morning rolls in England, so NZ is a long shot unless you get a Scottish baker to emigrate. I used to get a friend to bring me back morning rolls from trips to see her parents in Banff, because the morning rolls from up there were so amazingly good :nice1

My brother is a baker, now if only i can get him to emigrate :D

[willsken]

Comfort Refresh. I so miss that.

Proper mint sauce that isn't sweeeeeeeeet! Sent for 8 pots of it from the English food shop on the Internet. Should last a while and it makes more sense postage wise to buy in bulk.

Gammon. I also can't believe it's not widely available but there are a couple of butchers who sell it mail order over the Internet. Must be posted to a commercial address, so it need to be sent to work.

[missy+mrmagoo]

Roast beef monster munch, Chocolate Chip snackajacks!!! Boost choc bar.
Real Chocolate!!:wah

[James 1077]

Lavender scented ironing water?

I am reliably informed by my better half that you can get this. It is available at Abigails in Devonport on the main street near the candle shop.


I'm not going to ask how she knows!!!

Although it probably relates to her hunt for Pot Pourri - anyone know where to get that?

[shakyle2906]

After my recent visit I think I would just like Marks and Spencer and Next to open up in Auckland:D

K x

My thoughts exactly...............but near me in Hawkes Bay too!!

Sharon
x

[shakyle2906]

Crunchie bars...............the ones over here are yuck!

Large oval pies with mince(chip shop) - they are yuck over here too

Rissoles (cornbeef and potato rolled in a ball, then breadcrumbed) - used to love one in batter from the chippy!

MIL's sunday dinner..............used to pile it high with the bestest gravy youve ever tasted!


Sad i know!!

Sharon
xx