Taco Bell came to New Zealand just a few years ago and I haven't tried it because of it's American reputation, but I'm not really sure why that's stopped me. If the consequences for eating it are as bad as people say, the whole franchise around NZ would have been shuttered already for food safety violations.
You may have some luck in Auckland, it's population compared to everywhere else in NZ is much larger despite not being the capital. Outside of Auckland and Wellington you'll likely struggle. Don't come to the south island if you're looking for population density lol
I'd call those sandals. Where I'm from you'd definitely want to take off your shoes lol