Travellers have been scoffing thousands of vegan pies, according to a Z Energy spokesman.

The kiwi tradition of a pie-for-the-road seems to be holding strong this summer, but it's a meat-free alternative available at some of the service stations for a limited time that's been heating up.

Z's Jonathan Hill said what started as a fun DIY-pie competition, has left them blown away by the demand for vegan pies.

"Its really taken off - customers love it. We've literally sold thousands of them over the first five days that it's been available. So much so that a whole bunch of our sites have sold out and we're having to fire up the kitchen again and make another batch."

Jonathan Hill said the Mexican-flavoured vegan pie, containing spicy tomato, sweetcorn, and onion, is on sale until January 28.