Food and drink

Food and Drink

We have resources to help cooks and food lovers - from cookbooks to food history and food dictionaries.

We have a great selection of cookbooks covering all dietary requirements from plant-based to gluten-free. Search for a particular cuisine, like Thai, Mexican or Vegetarian. If baking or brewing is more you we have books available.

We have a great collection of food and drink magazines both in libraries and online.

Read about chefs and the history of food, find out about health and wellbeing that food can provide.

Find out more about

Don't toss out your tomatoes!

Every year New Zealanders throw away 157,398 tonnes of food. We have tips, books and resources on reducing food waste.

Kombucha: A Cultural Deep Dive

Sep 23rd | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join brewmaster, Richard, on a sparkling journey to explore the nuances of kombucha and how to brew it.

New this week

Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.

WORD Wild Times Banquet: Food Farm x Gatherings

Malcolm went to a very special WORD meal - the Food Farm x Gatherings Lunch, He takes you through the story and the courses.

Food and Cooking

Drinks

Kiwi cuisine

Books We Love - Edmonds Cookery Book

Terrisa shares another favourite - a true Kiwi classic the Edmonds Cookery Book. It is hardly unique in New Zealand to own a treasured…

History's kitchen: Jugged hare just like granny used to make

Joyce delves into the cookbook offerings of the gentlefolk of Papanui in 1903. Who were they (and why were their recipes so terrible)?

Canterbury Stories: Hāngī

Explore a selection of photographs from our collection that showcase the preparation of kai in our local communities.

WORD Christchurch 2020: Annabel Langbein 'Bella'

Helen reports back on an evening of foodie wisdom and colourful stories, with Annabel Langbein.

Traditional Māori kai

The Māori word for food is kai. Find out about traditional Māori food sources and food preservation practices.

New For You - Food & Drink - September 2026

Find healthy eating, local and international cuisine, ideas for family meals, and baking in our latest cookbook picks.

New For You - Quirky - August 2026

Something a little different. An eclectic mix of new titles ranging across the library's nonfiction collection.

New For You - Food & Drink - July 2026

Find healthy eating, local and international cuisine, ideas for family meals, and baking in our latest cookbook picks.

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