Finalists Revealed in The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover
New Zealand’s love affair with the humble toastie is as feverish as ever, with thousands of Kiwi diners and more than 200 eateries embracing this year’s The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover. A record number of high scorers – 19 – will be announced on Wednesday as finalists.
Since June, New Zealanders have flocked to cafés, restaurants, bars, food trucks and pop-ups to try special, limited-time toasties, while the competition’s judges have travelled the country tasting and scoring entries to decide on the 2026 finalists. They are:
The Smoko from Toast on Wood Street – Mangawhai
Pickle n’ Paneer from Aarth – Parnell, Auckland
The Pork One from Fort Greene – Karangahape Road, Auckland
Smokehouse Cubano from Four Daughters – Hamilton
Mary’s Revenge from Grey Street Kitchen – Hamilton
Melt Everest Toastie from Capers Cafe & Store – Rotorua
The Mouthful | Fleischkaes from Okere Falls Store – Rotorua
The Spicy Swineapple from Bellatino’s Food Lover’s Market – Havelock North
Smokey Blue from Black Betty BBQ – Hastings
The Reuben from Reuben’s Eatery – New Plymouth
Butternut Bandit from Brunchroom Urenui – New Plymouth
Christmas Dinner Toastie from Horseshoe Taproom – Masterton
Holy Smoke from The Offering – Greytown
Lamb Bam Thank You Jam from The Fine Lion – Ashburton
Birria Beach Dip from North Beach Beer Garden – Christchurch
The Chick Pic Toastie from Shaka Bros – Christchurch
Silk Road Goat Toastie from Ferg’s Bar – Queenstown
Sweet Pickle O’Swine from Roasted x Toasted – Lumsden
Cluckin’ Explosive from Emerson’s Brewery– Dunedin
“The quality this year was exceptional,” says head judge Kerry Tyack. “Not only did we see record-breaking scores, but the depth of talent meant we have more finalists than ever before. Across the country, chefs have taken a Kiwi classic and made it their own, showcasing regional flavours, quality local produce, McClure’s Pickles of course, and the simple joy of sharing a really good toastie. It’s a brilliant sign for hospitality, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Each finalist’s toastie will remain on menus until 20 August 2026, giving toastie lovers a chance to try them before the Supreme Winner is announced.