Fun in New Zealand is about friends, family and welcoming visitors of all cultures. Considered one of the world’s most welcoming countries, feel the warmth of the destination as you discover halal-friendly places to eat, play and stay.
Halal-Friendly Experiences in New Zealand to Eat, Play and Stay
Soth Island Experiences
1. Ziptrek Ecotours, Queenstown
Nestled in a pristine forest, this adventure is not just about thrills; it’s about conservation and education. Operating with minimal environmental impact and engaging in reforestation efforts, Ziptrek tours provides an unforgettable eco-adventure that lets you explore nature from a bird’s eye view as you zipline across Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness.
Food nearby: Erik’s Fish and Chips, Queenstown
A visit to New Zealand will not be complete without trying delicious fish and chips. Dine in or takeaway and enjoy Erik’s Fish and Chips and a range of seafood on Queenstown’s beautiful lakefront. Their ingredients are also sourced locally from potatoes grown in Canterbury to fish from Dunedin. If you are feeling adventurous, add their world-famous deep-fried kiwifruit to your order!
Halal status: Halal Certified
2. Kayak and Paddleboard with Paddle Wanaka, Otago
Connect with nature in the most serene way with Paddle Wanaka. Whether you choose kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Southern Alps reflecting in the clear waters of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Learn valuable insights about the local ecosystem and the preservation of this remarkable natural environment as you take part in guided tours, suitable for all skill levels.
Food nearby: The Spice Room, Wanaka
The Spice Room is an exciting Indian Restaurant and Lounge, with a fresh and healthy take on authentic Indian flavours. Warm up next to the big fire in the lounge with eclectic Indian snacks, salads and curries.
Halal status: Although this restaurant lacks halal certification, it offers a menu featuring seafood and vegetarian options.
Do note that a few dishes may contain alcohol, so we suggest consulting your server prior to ordering. Additionally, alcoholic beverages are available on the premise, so dine at your own discretion.
3. Waka on Avon, Christchurch
Starting from 794 Colombo Street, right across from Victoria Square, this 45-minute waka paddling adventure offers an incredible cultural exploration of the Ōtākaro Avon River. You’ll get the opportunity to immerse yourself in the teamwork and skill required to paddle a waka along the Ōtākaro Avon River, all while gaining insights into the significance of waka in early Māori culture.
Food nearby: Dux Dine, Christchurch
Step into a whirlwind of imaginative flavours at Dux Dine where a variety of seafood and vegetarian dishes await. With seafood freshly caught from the coast of South Island and vegetables grown from their organic garden, be prepared for a surprise as their menu changes seasonally.
Halal status: While this restaurant is not halal-certified, this eatery serves seafood and vegetarian menu. As some dishes are prepared with alcohol, we recommend that you consult with the server before placing your order.
4. Blue Penguins Pukekura, Dunedin
Blue Penguins Pukekura now offers a 5-hour long in-depth tour which also includes the Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience. This new tour allows visitors to dive deep into the rich cultural history of the region and is weaved with Māori storytelling. It is perfect for nature enthusiasts wanting to learn about the unique ecosystems of the region.
Food nearby: The Good Earth Cafe, Dunedin
A 40-minute drive away, The Good Earth cafe occupies a beautiful and historic building dating back to 1885. They offer high quality organic meals and locally roasted Fair Trade coffee made by highly trained baristas. This place is also perfect for dessert lovers with their popular menus including a nicely cooked lemon pie, french toasts and bagels.
Halal status: Halal Certified
5. OwenRiver Lodge- Fly Fishing Guides, Murchison
Owen River Lodge has assembled one of, if not the most experienced team of fishing guides in New Zealand. Here, you can unwind in a delightful environment, receive exceptional service and benefit from the expertise of their exceptional fishing guides. With their assistance, a day on the river is full of action, excitement and generally much laughter!
Food nearby: Zen’s Kitchen, Murchison
If you are looking for a different dining experience, head over to Zen’s Kitchen! Operating as a food caravan, enjoy a wide variety of organic and nutritious plant-based food that are sourced locally.
Halal status: Halal Certified
Places to stay in South Island
● Driftaway Queenstown
Driftaway Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s newest holiday parks. It is equipped with state of the art facilities, and has a range of accommodations to suit all needs and budgets, including self-contained studio villas. The park even has its own private hot tub that looks onto the beautiful Lake Whakatipu.
DQ Full Use Supplied by Rochelle rochelle@driftawayqueenstown.co.nz
● WanakaTOP10
Wanaka TOP 10 provides lodging options to suit every budget and requirement. Nestled within a picturesque park setting, this establishment offers breathtaking vistas. The park features well-maintained campervan sites, cozy cabins, and a variety of motel units ranging from one to three bedrooms, many of which are equipped with complete kitchens.
● YHAhostel, Tekapo
A budget-friendly accommodation, YHA Hostel provides one of the most breathtaking views in the area. Its main lounge is positioned to face the lake and provides a stunning vantage point for gazing at the mountains, making it the ideal spot to relax by the fire during the cold winter months.
North Island Experiences
1. Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia, Rotorua
Rotorua is a volcanic wonderland with extraordinary landscapes and incredible geothermal attractions- each with their own unique features, rare flora and fauna, and all rich in Maori history and folklore. Te Puia is New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland, featuring dramatic geysers and bubbling mud pools.
Food nearby: Caper’s Cafe + Store , Rotorua
Caper’s Cafe and store is a stylish and award-winning contemporary cafe located in the heart of Rotorua. Enjoy fresh food made onsite from local produce and don’t miss out on the cabinet food treats offering an excellent selection of savoury treats and desserts.
Halal status: While this restaurant is not halal-certified, this eatery serves seafood and vegetarian menus. We recommend that you consult with the server before placing your order.
2. Hobbiton, Waikato
Travellers looking to immerse themselves in the enchanted world of Middle-earth will find all they dream of in Aotearoa New Zealand, the home of the iconic The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movies. Gather your own fellowship and take an expected journey to the original Hobbiton Movie set with an InterCity day tour from Auckland.
Food nearby in Auckland: The Greek House, Auckland
If you are looking for a Mediterranean menu, head over to The Greek House. With Middle Eastern, Turkish, Palestinian, Jordanian and Malaysian influences, they offer an extensive selection of menu items from hot appetisers, Greek gyros wraps, along with moussaka and Greek salad, barbeque, smoke meats and seafood. It’s definitely one not to be missed!
Halal status: While this restaurant has not been halal-certified, this eatery offers a muslim-friendly menu and has been featured on @aucklandhalaleats. We recommend that you consult with the server before placing your order.
3. Mt Eden-Maungawhau Summit Boardwalk, Auckland
The newly-added extension of the Mt Eden-Maungawhau broadwalk allows you to experience more of the summit while preserving the historic features of the mountain. Offering an unobstructed panoramic view of the city, relax at the new gathering place while appreciating the addition of an extensive range of native planting, to attract, protect and provide a habitat for
native species like kahukōwhai, the yellow admiral butterfly, and mokomoko, a type of lizard species.
Food nearby: Swashbucklers, Auckland
Located on the water’s edge in Westhaven Marina, Swashbucklers has been a local favourite since 1997. Relax and enjoy the surroundings of the harbour, boats and the iconic Auckland Harbor Bridge while enjoying a wide variety of the freshest and finest seafood.
Halal status: While this restaurant is not halal-certified, this eatery serves mostly a seafood menu. We recommend that you consult with the server before placing your order.
4. Zealandia
Imagine a lush forest full of rare native animals. Discover ZEALANDIA– an ecosanctuary home to over 40 rare native species. It’s an immersive venture into New Zealand’s wildlife. Located in central Wellington, the ecosanctuary is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary animals.
Food nearby: Garuda Truck, Wellington
If you are in Wellington, do not miss out on this food truck! Opened by Indonesians, get a taste of Indonesia at Harbourside market, only open on Sundays. Don’t miss their more popular dishes, such as their mee goreng who have been a hit with both locals and travellers.
Halal status: Halal Certified
5. Whale Watch Kaikōura, Kaikōura
Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only vessel-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator, the giant sperm whale in their natural environment at all times of the year.
Food nearby: Kaikōura Seafood BBQ, Kaikōura
En Route to the Kaikōura Peninsula seal colony, Kaikōura Seafood BBQ is one the most affordable places in town for getting your hands on world-famous crayfish. Savor a diverse range of freshly locally caught seafood against the stunning coastal backdrop
Halal status: While this restaurant is not halal-certified, this eatery serves mostly a seafood menu. We recommend that you consult with the server before placing your order.
Places to stay in South Island
1. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, Rotorua
Located close to Rotorua’s famous mountain biking trails within the Whakarewarewa Forest and just a short drive from the city center, this holiday park is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts. All guests will also be able to enjoy complimentary on-site hot pools.
2. Auckland City Hotel, Auckland
Situated at 157 Hobson Street, right in the bustling hub of Auckland’s entertainment and business district, the Auckland City Hotel boasts a prime location with convenient motorway access. A mere five-minute stroll will take you to iconic landmarks such as the Sky Tower, Aotea Square, Civic Theatre, and Queen Street. This hotel provides eco-friendly accommodation options, making it a suitable choice for both business and leisure travellers.
3. Nomads Capital Backpackers, Wellington
Nomads Capital is a Qualmark 5-star rated hostel, so you know that you will be staying in top quality budget accommodation. The vibrant hostel is a 5-minute walk from most of Wellington‘s tourist attractions.
