New Zealand casual dining spending increases

Casual dining is capturing a larger portion of restaurant expenditure in New Zealand. According to a Mastercard Economics Institute report, casual dining accounted for 25 percent of dining spending in the first half of 2026, an increase from 20 percent in 2025 and a historical average of 19 percent between 2021 and 2024.

While budget dining remains the largest segment at 63 percent, its share has declined from 68 percent in previous periods. Premium dining has remained stable at approximately 12 percent. The data suggests consumers are becoming more selective, showing a willingness to pay more for experiences that offer perceived value despite ongoing household budget pressures.

Growth in the sector is being driven by higher transaction volumes rather than price hikes. Regional trends show Christchurch experiencing strong transaction growth due to population increases and repeat visits, while Auckland remains the largest market by total expenditure. Queenstown and Wanaka recorded the highest average spending per visit, both seeing double-digit growth.