IKEA has made its long-awaited debut in New Zealand, unveiling its first store complete with unique menu items, including one dish that is sure to spark conversation among Australians.

On Thursday, the renowned Swedish retailer opened its Sylvia Park location in Auckland, drawing in hundreds of eager customers who queued up to be among the first to explore the store.

Food enthusiasts were delighted to discover a 426-seat restaurant offering IKEA’s iconic meatballs, salmon specialties, and a selection of plant-based options.

Among the culinary highlights are dishes exclusive to New Zealand, such as the lingonberry pavlova, which might finally bring a playful conclusion to the long-running debate between Australians and New Zealanders over the dessert’s origins.

This $4 treat combines a crisp, airy meringue with fresh cream and lingonberry jam, marrying IKEA’s Swedish roots with a Kiwi twist on a traditional Christmas favorite.

The question of whether Australia or New Zealand invented the pavlova has been a topic of contention for years. Regardless of its origins, New Zealanders can now indulge in the beloved dessert at IKEA.

‘This is so unfair,’ one Aussie said, while another chimed in, ‘Why don’t we get this?’

IKEA’s menu offers exclusive dishes to New Zealand, including the lingonberry pavlova – perhaps finally settling the infamous Aussie vs Kiwi ‘pavlova-gate’ debate

In addition to the pavlova, Kiwi shoppers can enjoy fish and chips ($14), made with sustainably sourced New Zealand hoki, served with peas, lemon and tartare sauce.

Over at the Bistro, a hearty lamb pie ($6.50), filled with tender New Zealand lamb pie and vegetables, including kumara, is perfect for a quick bite on the go.

Other exclusive dishes include the Poke Bowl with Salmon, Thai Beef Salad, and Pumpkin Salad with Hummus. 

The Poke Bowl was inspired by Kiwi love of fresh, seafood‑led fusion dishes and features salmon as a nod to both Swedish and local tastes. 

The salads highlight New Zealand’s high‑quality produce with bright, fresh flavours. 

Kiwi shoppers can enjoy fish and chips ($14), made with sustainably sourced New Zealand hoki, served with peas, lemon and tartare sauce

Over at the Bistro, a hearty lamb pie ($6.50), filled with tender New Zealand lamb pie and vegetables, including kumara, is perfect for a quick bite on the go

‘We conducted 500 home visits across Aotearoa to understand what life at home is like for everyday New Zealanders,’ Daniel Souza, Food Manager, IKEA New Zealand, said.

‘During these visits we asked people to name one local dish that represents New Zealand; fish and chips and the pie topped the list, so we knew we had to include them on our menu.

‘Food is central to the IKEA experience and a huge part of our success in New Zealand. As our founder Ingvar Kamprad said, ‘hungry customers buy less,’ so our food offering is designed to welcome people, extend their visit and make the store a place to gather for a great day out with friends and family. 

‘We can’t wait for New Zealanders to get their teeth into the menu, taste our global favourites and try the exclusive Kiwi dishes we have created just for them.’

IKEA is debuting another world-first for its New Zealand opening, the Eatball Medley. 

The Eatball Medley offers Kiwi customers a tasting-style experience of the three varieties of the famous IKEA meatballs: Meatballs, Plant Balls and Vegetable Balls, served with mash, cream sauce and lingonberry jam.

On Thursday, the Swedish furniture giant opened the doors of its Sylvia Park store in Auckland, with hundreds of excited shoppers lining up for a first look

Once through the doors, customers experienced the expansive Showroom with styled room sets from bedrooms and kitchens to outdoor living

Located after the checkouts, the Bistro will serve grab-and-go favourites – including the much-loved hot dogs, cinnamon buns and soft serve ice creams. 

The launch of IKEA’s first New Zealand store has delighted thousands of Kiwi shoppers after years of anticipation.

‘I’ve been waiting for ages for IKEA to open here,’ one shared.

‘Wow IKEA! I’m so excited,’ another shared. 

‘Been waiting for this. Cant wait! I miss shopping at IKEA,’ one revealed. 

‘The wait is worth it,’ another added.

While one said, laughing: ‘As an Aussie, the IKEA hype is so funny to see in NZ.’

The long-anticipated big blue box and its 500 employees welcomed crowds of excited Kiwis on Thursday morning. 

Foodies were in for a treat as they explored the 426-seat restaurant, serving world-famous meatballs, salmon dishes, and plant-based favourites

IKEA has opened its first store in New Zealand, featuring never-before-seen menu items

Once through the doors, customers experienced the expansive Showroom, featuring styled room sets from bedrooms and kitchens to outdoor living, a bustling Market Hall filled with curated home accessories and a self-serve warehouse stocked with IKEA’s iconic flatpack furniture. 

‘Ever since I first started at IKEA I have dreamt of opening a store in New Zealand. To finally unlock the doors and welcome thousands of people into the store, that dream has come true,’ IKEA New Zealand Market Manager, Johanna Cederlöf, said.

‘We have been blown away by the excitement and passion of Kiwis who queued up for a chance to shop with us.

‘All over the world, there is something magical about the IKEA shopping experience that brings people into our big blue boxes. 

‘From the start, we have had the ambition for our Sylvia Park store to become a “second home” for Aucklanders: a place for children to play, families and friends to enjoy a meal together and for the community to gather.’