Why could I find venison in South Island, but not in North Island?

Question

I enjoyed eating venison when I visited New Zealand. I thought I was going to be able to find it all over, but couldn't find it in the markets in North Island.

Answer 1

Venison is widely available in both Islands of New Zealand.

Perhaps you didn't know what you were looking for.

Mostly the term venison refers to wild (feral) deer meat that has been slaughtered out in the open.

Deer that have been killed humanely in recognised and accredited meat-packing houses is sold under the name of Cervena (a combination of the Spanish and French words for deer).

Cervena is a quality product that meets very high standards, and is guaranteed to be from a wellgrown and looked after animal.

Venison is a great meat, but the real quality product is Cervena.

Driver T

Answer 2

It is available in New World in some cities, or you could try some of the larger independent butchers.

Answer 3

Without knowing where you went in the North Island it's difficult to answer. However, venison is available in most specialty butchers or delicatessens in major cities. In the provinces it may be harder to find but is definitely there. There is a lot of venison in the North Island. Ther is both wild venison and deer grown for the venison market. I guess you have to ask the people who know or fo a little bit of investigating.