This study's aim was to investigate the New Zealand South Island's bed and breakfast (B&B) sector's use and perception of local food produce. In 2003 a survey was mailed to every South Island B&B listed in The New Zealand Bed & Breakfast Book. Of the total sample of 570 B&Bs, 247 completed the questionnaire, providing a response rate of 43%. The results indicated that the B&B sector show a great overall interest in local foods. Not only did the majority of respondents indicate that they use a lot of local produce in their cooking, but they also indicated that they would very much like to increase usage. Respondents also found it important to support local food producers. However, availability and reliability affect the sourcing of local produce. Respondents also undervalued their own role as promoters of local food towards visitors. The study concludes that there is a need to "educate" members of local food networks, including the B&B sector, about the positive benefits of food and tourism relationships to all sectors, with respect to increased visitor interest and satisfaction as well as the development of longer-term promotional and purchase relationships as part of the consumer value chain.