New Zealand is not what you think it is—indulge in chocolate beer and savor the aroma, or pair mussels with alcohol for an even better vibe!

Enjoy over 50 kinds of New Zealand craft beers to your heart's content, and savor the unique taste of green-lipped mussels from the pristine sea. As the end-of-year party season kicks in—a time when many companies reward their hardworking employees—not all celebrations need to be about lavish banquets, fine wine, and lucky draws. International-themed meals can be just as memorable. Did you know that New Zealand in the South Pacific is also a food lover’s paradise? Surrounded by ocean, it offers an abundance of fresh seafood, while its beautiful mountains and waters produce distinctive, aromatic craft beers. These have even inspired “beer pairing menus,” where each dish comes with a recommended brew. For example, green apple beer pairs wonderfully with seafood, red meat goes perfectly with chocolate beer, and beers infused with "Earl Grey tea" flavors are especially popular among young women!

New Zealand summers are sunny and mostly rain-free, offering the best views of glaciers. (Image credit:达志影像/shutterstock)

● Movie [The Lord of the Rings] Boosts New Zealand Travel Popularity

While it's winter in Taiwan in the Northern Hemisphere, do you miss the warmth of the sun? Why not visit the South Pacific—New Zealand? Thanks to movies like The Lord of the Rings, New Zealand has become one of the hottest vacation destinations for Europeans and Americans in recent years!

From December to February each year, New Zealand enjoys a warm summer with average daytime temperatures between 21–25°C. The summer here is not humid, with long daylight hours and plenty of sunshine, making it the best season for helicopter tours to view glaciers. The weather is typically clear and dry, allowing you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the glaciers.

New Zealand’s famous “blue glowworms.” (Image credit:达志影像/shutterstock)

Explore the natural wonders of both the North and South Islands, experience fjords, glaciers, and eco-tours. Marvel at one of the world’s eight natural wonders—the blue glowworms. Ride a scenic cable car over Queenstown, bike through lakeside towns like Wanaka, and take in New Zealand’s most spectacular fjords on a serene and awe-inspiring journey.

Beyond its natural beauty, New Zealand also boasts a rich and diverse food scene. Not only does it offer vitamin C-rich kiwifruit, but its surrounding seas provide an abundance of seafood. There are green-lipped mussels, king salmon, lobsters, black abalone, scallops, blue cod, snapper, oysters, fried squid, and more—making it a seafood lover’s dream!

New Zealand’s signature ginger liqueur, made with cider and ginger juice, is especially popular with women.

● New Zealand Beer Is Delicious—With Apple, Chocolate, and Even Earl Grey Tea Flavors!

With such delicious meats and seafood, how could you not pair them with great wine? In fact, the beer paradise of the South Pacific is right here in New Zealand. Influenced by American brewing styles, New Zealand brewers focus heavily on hop usage. The captivating hops from the South Pacific exude aromas of peach, mango, passionfruit, pineapple, and subtle herbal notes—giving New Zealand beer a distinctly tropical charm. The wide variety of unique hops also makes New Zealand an important player in the new world beer scene.

When people think of New Zealand fruits, the first thing that often comes to mind is kiwifruit. But did you know that New Zealand also produces a wide range of fruit wines? Especially those made from apples, which are highly favored by women. Wineries developed by both the government and private sector release new vintages each year, offering fragrances of berries, peaches, and white grapes—perfect for pairing with seafood or white meat to enhance appetite and taste!

Want to try something different in craft beer? In recent years, New Zealand breweries have been innovative, launching chocolate beer with a mix of sweetness, bitterness, and rich chocolate notes—greatly loved by younger drinkers. The soft and smooth flavor of "Earl Grey tea"-infused beer complements desserts and afternoon tea. Looking for a more adult, bitter taste? Try beers labeled “IPA”! IPA stands for India Pale Ale, known for using large amounts of hops to deliver intense aromas and a bold bitterness. Once you get used to the bitterness, you’ll notice its layered, rich hop profiles that beautifully complement various ingredients!

A sip of fine wine, a bite of fresh salmon—New Zealand cuisine becomes a favorite among gourmets. (Image credit:达志影像/shutterstock)

● New Zealand Beer + Mussels: A Culinary Diplomacy

In fact, aside from drinking, New Zealand beer also makes an excellent cooking ingredient. ABV Mediterranean Bistro in the eastern district recently teamed up with ABV New Zealand Craft Beer Importers to host a [New Zealand Craft Beer Festival], featuring a wide array of flavors—fruity, bitter, sweet—and up to 50 types of craft beer available for tasting on-site!

The chefs at ABV have also created a “New Zealand Beer Mussel Pot,” using the region’s unique green-lipped mussels, paired with IPA beer, fresh cream, broth, garlic, and spring onions. Cooked in a cast-iron pot, it’s ready in minutes, delivering incredibly fresh and flavorful seafood. Unlike mussels in Taiwan, New Zealand’s green-lipped ones are about 1.5 times larger, bursting with natural sweetness. Paired with the beer’s mild bitterness, the dish becomes even more elegant. The chef suggests adding a splash of lemon juice if you prefer less bitterness—it adds a tangy twist and creates a more complex flavor profile.

With strong government support, New Zealand—with its breathtaking mountains and waters—has actively developed its wine industry in recent years. There are now over 50 varieties of "New Zealand craft beer," with new options introduced every year.

● End-of-Year Party Season Is Here—Let Food Bring People Together

Use beer to foster connections, and food to bring people closer. It's the peak season for company year-end parties. Traditionally, Taiwanese prefer round-table group meals, but international-style parties are also gaining popularity. Employees gather at Western restaurants, enjoying a wide range of beers and no-fuss international dishes while chatting with colleagues and friends. Try a Cuban sandwich, Spanish seafood paella, truffle steak pizza, potato omelet, or grilled vegetables with North African couscous. Tasting New Zealand craft beer in an international restaurant, along with various global cuisines, is another great option!

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” — J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings. As early as 6000 BC, the Mesopotamians were already using barley to make beer!

Alcohol is more than just a drink for people. It can be used in cooking, liven up the atmosphere, and is a wonderful companion that enhances flavors. If you don’t have time to visit New Zealand, why not try special dishes at themed restaurants—or get creative at home and DIY your own unique meals. Come on, dig in!

New Zealand, with its unique natural and ecological beauty, is a major tourist destination. (Photo: Auckland’s landmark “Sky Tower” in New Zealand, image credit:达志影像/shutterstock)

★ E-newsletter Reminder: Don’t drink and drive. Excessive drinking is harmful to your health.