If you are traveling through New Zealand, you will quickly realize that Pak’nSave is the holy grail of budget shopping. With its iconic bright yellow warehouses, it offers the cheapest prices on almost everything, especially snacks!
Whether you are stocking up for a long South Island road trip or looking for affordable local treats to bring back home, the snack aisle here is a goldmine.
As a local, here are the absolute best snacks you need to grab at Pak’nSave New Zealand.
1. Griffin’s Cookie Bear Biscuits (Hundreds & Thousands)
Griffin’s is New Zealand’s most iconic biscuit brand, and their Cookie Bear “Hundreds & Thousands” are legendary. They are pink-iced biscuits covered in tiny, colorful sprinkles.
- Why buy it: It is pure nostalgia for every Kiwi. They are sweet, crunchy, and look incredibly cute in road trip photos.
- Local Tip: If you want something less sweet, try Griffin’s Mint Treats or Chit Chats (New Zealand’s answer to Australia’s Tim Tams).
2. Pascall Pineapple Lumps
Pineapple Lumps are a cultural icon in New Zealand. They are chewy, pineapple-flavored marshmallow-like centers coated in a thin layer of milk chocolate.
- Why buy it: It is a flavor combination you rarely find anywhere else in the world. They are bite-sized, making them the perfect companion for long drives.
- Local Tip: Put the bag in the freezer or your car’s chilly bin for a few hours. Eating them frozen or cold gives them an amazing, extra-chewy texture!
3. Bluebird Potato Chips (Salt & Vinegar or Green Onion)
Bluebird is the king of potato chips (or “crisps” as some call them) in New Zealand. You will recognize them by the cute blue penguin mascot on the bag.
- Why buy it: Kiwis take their chip flavors seriously. The Salt & Vinegar flavor has a serious, mouth-watering kick, and Green Onion is a uniquely popular Kiwi classic.
- Local Tip: Pick up a tub of Reduced Cream and a packet of Maggi Onion Soup Mix in the baking aisle. Mix them together to make the famous “Kiwi Onion Dip” and dip your Bluebird chips in it. It’s a local ritual!
4. Eta Upper Cuts (Premium Potato Chips)
If you want a more gourmet, crunchy kettle-style chip, head straight for Eta Upper Cuts.
- Why buy it: They are thicker, crunchier, and come in incredible flavors like Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar or Sweet Chilli & Relish. They feel premium but are sold at everyday low Pak’nSave prices.
5. Proper Crisps (The Healthy Kiwi Favorite)
Made in Nelson (South Island), Proper Crisps are 100% New Zealand-owned and made with natural ingredients.
- Why buy it: They use high-quality NZ potatoes and garden veggies cooked in avocado or sunflower oil. The Marlborough Sea Salt or Smoked Paprika flavors are highly addictive and slightly healthier than standard chips.
Summary for Your Pak’nSave Snack Run:
- Griffin’s Hundreds & Thousands (Cute pink biscuits)
- Pascall Pineapple Lumps (Iconic chocolate-pineapple chewy treat)
- Bluebird Chips (Green Onion flavor + Kiwi Onion Dip combo)
- Eta Upper Cuts (Gourmet crunchy kettle chips)
- Proper Crisps (Premium natural NZ crisps)
Have you tried any of these Kiwi snacks yet? What is your ultimate road trip snack? Let me know in the comments below!