Foodland Supermarket Norfolk Island

Nestled in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lies Norfolk Island, a remote paradise that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. As we disembarked during our cruise, the island’s unique charm immediately captured our hearts. Its stunning natural beauty and rich history set the stage for a day of exploration. Amidst the captivating landscapes, we stumbled upon a hidden gem—a quaint supermarket known as Foodland.

Norfolk Island, a mere 34.6 km² patch of land in the vast Pacific Ocean, is unlike most typical Pacific islands. It exudes an aura of development frozen in the 1980s, a fascinating time capsule in the middle of the ocean. It’s located approximately 934 km north of New Caledonia and 1460 km south of New Zealand, making it a remote outpost surrounded by endless blue.

Our visit to Norfolk Island was uncertain due to the notoriously rough seas that often prevent tender boats from operating. The crew aboard the Pacific Explorer warned us, citing a mere 10% chance of a successful landing. We felt fortunate that day, as we braved the turbulent waters on the island’s specially designed tender boat. The sea was tumultuous, causing even our colossal cruise ship to sway as we approached Norfolk Island on these intrepid boats.

The city centre of Norfolk Island greeted us with an ambiance reminiscent of a small Australian or New Zealand town—modest and brimming with essentials. Amidst our exploration, we stumbled upon a hidden gem: the Foodland Supermarket.

This supermarket seemed to be the island’s main shopping hub. It felt like stepping into a scene from an American TV show—a remote supermarket nestled in the middle of nowhere. The sparse aisles, nearly empty shelves, and dim lighting gave it a distinctive character.

Inside, we found a reasonable selection of prepackaged, tinned foods, and baked goods. However, due to its remote location, fresh fruits and vegetables were in limited supply. Prices, understandably, reflected the challenge of sourcing goods from the mainland.

The friendly and helpful staff at Foodland added warmth to our shopping experience. Their knowledge of the island’s unique grocery needs and willingness to assist were truly appreciated.

One striking feature of Foodland was its eclectic assortment of products, ranging from everyday basics to exotic finds. It was an ideal spot to pick up local produce and freshly baked goods. Being on an island, you’ll also encounter an abundance of canned items. Additionally, for both Australians and New Zealanders, Foodland offers an opportunity to explore products from the neighbouring nation that might be unfamiliar.

While Foodland had all the supermarket essentials, it was evident that choice per type of item was somewhat limited compared to mainland stores. This scarcity, however, was a testament to the challenges of island living and the dependence on irregular shipments. Prices, too, mirrored the availability of items.

As our visit coincided with the arrival of the next supply ship, the shelves were not fully stocked. This variability in stock levels is a characteristic of life on Norfolk Island, dictated by the timing of ships and the challenges they face during unloading. Yet, despite these occasional inconveniences, the local staff remained amiable and helpful.

Our day trip to Norfolk Island, with its quirky supermarket adventure, was a unique addition to our cruise. It provided a glimpse into the island’s distinct way of life, where resilience and resourcefulness are key. Norfolk Island might be small, remote, and sometimes challenging, but its charm and character make it a memorable stop on any Pacific cruise.

Foodland Supermarket
Address: XX82+8MR, Taylors Rd, Burnt Pine 2899, Norfolk Island
Phone: +672 22018