Hi everyone! We are back from holiday and I’m sharing a detailed gluten-free trip report comparing my recent trip to New Zealand with gluten-free travel in Singapore. If you’re planning a trip to either destination, or simply curious about traveling gluten-free, this post is for you!

Why New Zealand Is a Gluten-Free Paradise

I recently spent a week on New Zealand’s South Island, and I have to say—it was fabulous. My husband, Pete (also known as No Wheat Pete), and I had a relaxing and delicious gluten-free adventure. From Christchurch to Queenstown, we had no trouble finding safe and delicious gluten-free options.

Getting There

We flew Qantas from Singapore through Brisbane to Christchurch with a return trip through Sydney. Once we arrived, we quickly remembered how easy it was to navigate gluten-free dining in New Zealand. 

Dining Highlights in New Zealand

• Joe’s Garage (Christchurch): Our first meal in New Zealand set the tone. Pete was thrilled to find fried chicken, and I enjoyed a gluten-free Cobb salad. Menus were clearly marked, making it easy to order.

• Mundell’s Café (Geraldine): We stopped here on our drive to Queenstown. Everything on the top shelf of their display case was gluten-free—exactly what you want to hear while traveling! We enjoyed a crepe cranberry cup and corn fritters.

• Erik’s Fish and Chips (Queenstown): Hands down, a must-visit for celiacs. Everything except the malt vinegar was gluten-free. We had fish, chips, calamari, and even gluten-free doughnuts!

• Gantley's Tavern (Queenstown): Pete ordered a pork belly salad, while I had a pork belly sandwich. Their menu was well-marked, and we appreciated the homemade gluten-free ciders.

• Soda (Queenstown): The waitress informed us that it was easier to list the few items we couldn’t have—that’s how gluten-free friendly they were! The lamb paella was a highlight.

• Rata (Queenstown): Another win with clearly marked menus and knowledgeable staff.

• Mount Difficulty Winery: We enjoyed a meal with breathtaking views and well-marked gluten-free options.

• Novotel at Christchurch Airport: Surprisingly, this was one of the best airport meals we’ve ever had. Pete had salmon and green pea risotto, while I enjoyed roast chicken piccata.

Grocery Finds in New Zealand

We visited several grocery stores, including Woolworths, and were amazed by the gluten-free options:

• Gluten-Free Tim Tams: Found everywhere and absolutely delicious.

• Mint Slices: Perfect for chocolate and mint lovers.

• Hot Cross Buns: We found chocolate and apple cinnamon varieties.

• Rocky Road Slices and Scotch Fingers: More treats to bring home.

Tip: Bring an extra bag to pack as much as possible—the variety of gluten-free goodies is worth it!

Comparing New Zealand to Singapore

If you’re traveling from New Zealand or Australia to Singapore, be prepared for a different experience. Singapore has a much lower awareness of gluten-free needs, and celiac disease is not commonly diagnosed here. Most gluten-free eaters in Singapore do so for general health reasons, not because of celiac disease.

What to Expect in Singapore

• Limited Restaurant Options: Unlike New Zealand, Singapore’s awareness of gluten and cross-contamination is lacking. Hawker centers, a major part of Singapore’s food culture, are particularly difficult for gluten-free dining.

• Essential Research: You’ll need to plan ahead and know which restaurants are safe. My comprehensive Gluten-Free Singapore Travel Guide lists the safest dining options, grocery stores, and important tips for navigating gluten-free living here.

• Specialty Stores: There are stores like Little Farms and Ryan’s Grocery where you can find gluten-free products, but choices are more limited compared to New Zealand.

Tips for Gluten-Free Travelers

1. Do Your Research: In New Zealand, you can relax, but in Singapore, research is essential.

2. Ask Questions: Always confirm ingredients and preparation methods, especially in Singapore.

3. Bring Snacks: Stock up on gluten-free snacks to avoid surprises.

4. Download Our Travel Guide: Know what you need to do to navigate Singapore’s gluten full landscape.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand is a gluten-free traveler’s dream, while Singapore requires more careful planning. If you’re visiting New Zealand, enjoy the ease of dining, and bring back as many goodies as you can. If you’re headed to Singapore, check out my guide for tips on staying safe.

For more information, visit InternationalGlutenFree.com and feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to book a consultation. Thanks for reading, and happy gluten-free travels!

#GlutenFreeTravel #NewZealandTrip #SingaporeDining #CeliacSafe #TravelTips