New Zealand lamb
New Zealand lamb has a special place at the Kiwi table, whether it's chops sizzling on the barbecue or a roast bringing the whānau together. Tender cuts and rich flavour make it easy to love, whether it's an everyday dinner or a special occasion, and there's a cut to suit every style of cooking. Lamb brings valuable nutrition to the plate, and it all begins in Aotearoa's clean, green pastures, where farmers raise their animals with care and room to roam.
New Zealand lamb is known for its distinctive flavour, tenderness and versatility. Raised predominantly outdoors on pasture, New Zealand lamb is produced by farmers across Aotearoa in a temperate, grass-growing environment.
From lamb chops cooked on the barbecue to slow-cooked shoulder, roasted leg and tender lamb racks, different cuts suit different cooking methods. Whether you’re looking for an easy midweek meal or a dish for a special occasion, there’s a New Zealand lamb cut to suit the occasion.
New Zealand lamb is also a source of important nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Explore our guide to New Zealand lamb to learn more about how it is raised, the different cuts available, how to cook them and the nutrition they can provide.
What makes New Zealand lamb different?
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Grass-fed and free-range
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No growth hormones
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Full of flavour
Cooking with
New Zealand Lamb
New Zealand lamb is versatile and easy to cook, whether you’re grilling lamb chops, roasting a leg or slow-cooking lamb shanks. Different cuts suit different cooking methods, so choosing the right cut for the job is the first step to getting great results.
Take lamb out of the fridge before cooking. Letting it lose some of its chill helps it cook more evenly.
Rest cooked lamb before serving. Allow chops, steaks and roasts to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. This gives the juices time to redistribute through the meat.
Use a digital meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking lamb, helping you get the doneness you want even when cuts, sizes and oven temperatures vary.
For recipes and more cooking inspiration, visit recipes.co.nz.
Nutrition
New Zealand lamb is naturally rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. It can form part of a healthy, varied diet alongside fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, dairy and other nutritious foods.
For more detailed nutrition information, visit our resource hub.
