When planning your first trip to New Zealand, it can get overwhelming. Your mind starts spinning with questions like, ‘What’s the climate and weather like?’, ‘Do we need to apply for a visa?’ or ‘Do we need an international driving license?’
To save you from the frantic typing, this guide covers everything you need to know about New Zealand.
Here comes another question that is begging to be answered, ‘Where can I find halal food in the South Island of New Zealand?’ Guess what? Everywhere! The best way to explore a new destination is through food. From ingredients grown from their homeland to the local’s spin on famous comfort food, it’s the closest way to familiarise with a country’s roots, cultures and history. To experience a newfound appreciation for New Zealand cuisine, let’s hit the streets to find the next halal eatery in South Island!
Christchurch
1. Dubba Dubba
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Everyone has a soft spot for fresh and flavourful Moroccan dishes. When the craving hits, Dubba Dubba delivers. With a serving of fresh ingredients and bold flavours, your late nights are better with Morrito, a grilled tortilla wrap complete with grilled chicken or Moroccan lamb. Otherwise, opt for a soft grilled pita called Pitadina that is packed with vegetables and sauces.
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If you must eat rice at some point in your trip (like us!), revel in the Morrito Bowl that includes a bed of rice with vegetables, tomato salsa and meats. Not forgetting a drizzle of aioli and hummus tzatziki sauces for a flavourful punch.
Address: Dubba Dubba, 11B Waimairi Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041
Operating hours: Mon-Sat (10.30AM - 8.30PM) | Sun (10.30AM - 9.30PM)
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Attraction nearby
Orana Wildlife Park
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Credit: Orana Wildlife Park on Facebook
It’s liberating to see wildlife animals roam freely at Orana Wildlife Park. Described as New Zealand’s first open-range zoo, you can hand feed a giraffe, explore through the Lion reserve and more. Spend time at the Nocturnal House and tell us if you can spot New Zealand’s national icon, the Kiwi!
Address: Orana Wildlife Park, 793 Mcleans Island Rd, Harewood, Christchurch 8051
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (10AM - 5PM)
Admission fees: NZD36.50 (per adult above 15 years), NZD29.50 (per senior citizen above 60 years or student), NZD9.50 (per child, 5-14 years), Free (for pre-schooler below 5 years)
2. Dux Dine
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When you drive along Riccarton Road, you’re likely to spot a sky-blue historical villa that shies away from the busy street. When you do, step into Dux Dine where a variety of seafood and vegetarian dishes await.
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With seafood freshly caught from the coast of South Island and vegetables grown from their organic garden, you’re in for a whirlwind of honest and imaginative flavours. Start with seafood chowder before moving on to mains like baked lime and coriander crusted fish as well as hot smoked Akaroa salmon. The menu is updated regularly based on their catch of the day and seasonal vegetables, so prepare for a surprise at every visit.
Address: Dux Dine, 28 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (9AM - 9PM)
Halal status: While this restaurant is not halal-certified, this eatery serves seafood and vegetarian menu.
Do note that some dishes are prepared with alcohol, and we advise that you consult with the server before you order. Alcoholic beverages are also served on the premise. We recommend that you dine at your discretion.
Attraction nearby
Punting On The Avon River
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Getting half an hour’s worth of tranquillity is easy at Punting On The Avon River. Let the Edwardian punter glide the boat along the river as you admire the serene garden city around you. While you do, spot the 130-year-old Weeping Willows and native trees like Kōwhai and Kahikatea!
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P.S. Look out for Paradise shelducks along the river too! Also known as Pūtangitangi in Maori, these ducks are inseparable from their mates. Find a pair of male (black head) and female (white head) ducks swimming together!
Address: Punting On The Avon River, 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013
Operating hours:
- Summer (1 Oct - 31 Mar): Mon-Sun (9AM - 6PM)
- Winter (1 Apr - 30 Sep & 25 Dec): Mon-Sun (10AM - 4PM)
Rates: NZD30 (per adult), NZD15 (per child, 5-12 years), Free (for infants)
P.S. Searching halal food in Auckland?Check out 12 Muslim-friendly eateries for your Auckland vacation!
3. Prince of Persia Restaurant
Sample some of the best Iranian food in town! Skewered meats, qaboli rice, fresh breads; it's truly a filling meal to energize your day of sightseeing!
Address: 104 Riccarton Road Christchurch, New Zealand 8032
Operating hours: Mon-Fri (11.30AM - 2.30PM, 5PM - 10PM) Sat, 11.30AM-10PM, closed on Sundays
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Attraction nearby
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
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It’s always a bonus to meet New Zealand’s native wildlife. At Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, you can meet the country’s Big 5. We’re talking about the Tuatara (ancient lizard), Takahe (flightless bird), Kaka (endangered parrot), Kea (mountain parrot) and North Island Brown Kiwi, known as New Zealand’s famous icon!
Address: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (9.30AM - 5PM)
Admission fees: NZD32.50 (per adult), NZD26 (per senior above 65 years or student) NZD12 (per child, 5-14 years)
4. BurgerFuel
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Credit: BurgerFuel on Facebook
You can’t go wrong with fast food, so find yourself a table in this contemporary-furnished BurgerFuel. Since the name speaks for itself, sample their 100% pure grass-fed New Zealand beef burgers such as the Bio Fuel (complete with free-range egg, raw grated beetroot and salad) and American Muscle (sandwiched with melted cheddar, pickles and Dijon mustard).
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Credit: BurgerFuel on Facebook
Planning to go light on fast food? You’ll definitely enjoy Gourmet Minis where some are adorably called Bambina and Hamburgini with Cheese. BurgerFuel also serves plant-based burgers and replaces meat with organic tofu, mushroom or crumbed pumpkin. End it on a sweet note with some ice cream too!
Address: BurgerFuel, Unit 15, 1005 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (11AM - 10PM)
Halal status: While the restaurant is not halal-certified, all beef, chicken, cheddar, parmesan, pineapple and avocado are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. They also commit to using clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination with non-halal products
Attraction nearby
Ferrymead Heritage Park
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Credit: Ferrymead Heritage Park on Facebook
When New Zealand’s first railway opened in 1863, it was a famous railway that connected Ferrymead to central Christchurch. Today, you can still check out the famous Peveril steam train at the Ferrymead Heritage Park or explore the township for a glimpse of the restored cottages, school houses and more.
Address: Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Heathcote, Christchurch
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (10AM - 4PM)
BONUS: Get halal meats from these grocery stores!
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Credit: Maihan Middle Eastern Supermarket on Facebook
If you enjoy cooking for your loved ones, Christchurch has 5 Muslim-owned meat and grocery stores that stock up halal meats and ingredients!
- Halal New Zealand Meat - 292A Lincoln Road, Addington
- Krazy Price Mart - 431 Tuam Street, Philipstown
- Maihan Supermarket and Halal Meat Ltd - 303 Colombo Street, Sydenham
- MEFCO - 24A Acheron Drive, Riccarton
- Spice Heaven - 103 Stanmore Road, Linwood
P.S. Make the most out of your adventure withour 8D7N Muslim-friendly itinerary to New Zealand’s South Island!
Queenstown
5. Erik’s Fish And Chips
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Sometimes, it takes something as simple as fish and chips to win over a Kiwi’s palate - and yours too. Erik’s Fish And Chips figured it out from the get-go, knowing that it’s a close-to-home staple in New Zealand for over a century.
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Credit: Erik’s Fish And Chips on Facebook
When you’re here, revel in the crunchy fish and chips. Also, don’t hit the road without trying kumara wedges (sweet potatoes), calamari, bluff oysters and, of course, the Instagram-friendly potato spiral.
Address: Erik’s Fish And Chips, 13 Earl St, Queenstown 9300
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (12PM - 8.30PM)
Halal status: Halal-certified
Attraction nearby
Ben Lomond
You would need a good level of fitness to hike up Ben Lomond. But all those huffing and puffing will reward you with a breath-taking view of Mount Earnslaw and Aspiring. Whether you’re challenging yourself to a 3-4 hour walk (return) at Ben Lomond Saddle or a 6-8 hours walk (return) at Ben Lomond Summit, every step will take you closer to their natural splendours.
Address: Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve, Ben Lomond 9371
6. Boliwood
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Credit: Boliwood Indian Restaurant, Queenstown on Facebook
Embracing the flavours and fragrance of Indian cuisine, Boliwood makes a pleasant food stop after exploring the best of Queenstown. Browse the menu for starters such as samosa chat, chicken tikka and fish koliwada. Then, bring out the flavours of kashmiri pilav rice with a side of butter chicken, vindaloo and kadai curries.
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Credit: Boliwood Indian Restaurant, Queenstown on Facebook
If you have room for seafood dishes, try everything from fish masala to prawn malabari. Besides that, vegetarians won’t feel left out after enjoying a round of vegetable amritsari, aloo gobi and vegetable jalfrezi.
Address: Boliwood, 62 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (11AM - 10.30PM)
Halal status: While the restaurant uses Muslim-friendly ingredients, do note that alcoholic beverages are served on the premises. We recommend you dine at your discretion
Attraction nearby
Skyline Queenstown
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Credit: Skyline Queenstown on Facebook
Queenstown is one of South Island’s adventure capitals, so never let fear stop you from going to Skyline Queenstown. Speed downhill on a luge, admire the view of Queenstown from the gondola, go mountain biking on their world-class trails and experience stargazing once the skies turn to dusk.
Address: Skyline Queenstown, Brecon Street, PO BOX 17, Queenstown
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (9AM - 9PM)
P.S. Searching for more halal food in Queenstown and beyond? Check out these11 Muslim-friendly eateries for a foodie’s trip to New Zealand!
Mackenzie
7. High Country Salmon
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High Country Salmon cares more about fresh salmon than almost anyone else. Floating on the glacial waters of Wairepo Arm, you can bet their catch of the day is fresher than the ones from a supermarket.
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Step into this freshwater farm to feed the fishes (the kids will love this one!) and purchase salmon for tonight’s dinner. While you’re here, indulge in seafood chowder, salmon burger, miso noodle salmon soup and the beautifully sliced sashimi using fishes from the farm itself.
Address: High Country Salmon, 2602 Twizel-Omarama Rd, Twizel
Operating hours: Mon-Wed, Fri (9AM - 5PM) | Thurs (9AM - 7PM) | Sat-Sun (9AM - 6PM) (hours might differ according to season)
Halal status: While this restaurant is not halal-certified, all the food is either vegetarian or seafood except for pastries, which are brought in by various suppliers and not prepared in the kitchen
Attraction nearby
NZ Alpine Lavender Farm
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Credit: NZ Alpine Lavender on Facebook
You’ve probably seen NZ Alpine Lavender Farm on Instagram. Guess what? It’s only a 15-minute drive from your last salmon stop! Known as the largest organic lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere, the rows of blooming lavender will keep your inner photographer busy. As long as you make time for lavender ice cream and souvenir shopping, continue to take pictures to your heart’s content.
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#HHWT Tip: We went to the farm in early March only to find that the lavenders had been harvested, so do visit in January to enjoy the flowers in full bloom.
Address: NZ Alpine Lavender Farm, 31/657 Mount Cook Rd, Ben Ohau 7999
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (9AM - 5PM) (during opening seasons only)
Admission: Free
Note: The lavender farm is only open from mid-Nov to mid-March
Dunedin
8. Poppa's Pizza
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Credit: Scrapeybox CEO
Nothing hits the comfort spot with a good ol' pizza! Famous for its delicious hand-made pizzas and its Otago-University-student-lifestyle theme, it almost feels like you're in your university days! Plus, this joint caters to all diets - gluten, vegetarian and halal!
Address: 74 Albany Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (12PM - 11PM)
Halal status: While this restaurant is not halal-certified and serves alcohol, they have a separate menu for halal food options. Do dine with discretion!
Attraction nearby
Dunedin Botanic Garden
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Credit: Dunedin Botanic Garden on Facebook
You may have been to many gardens in the past, but Dunedin Botanic Garden offers a different kind of blooms. Known as New Zealand’s first botanic garden, it has seasonal attractions to explore such as the rose garden (summer), azalea garden (autumn), winter garden glasshouse (winter) and flowering cherry trees (spring).
Address: Dunedin Botanic Garden, 12 Opoho Rd, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (24 hours)
Admission: Free
9. Potpourri Vegetarian Cafe
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Credit: @faithluv2eat on Instagram
Consider Potpourri Vegetarian Cafe as an ode to fuss-free, plant-based dining. Walk up the counter and let them know you’re up for vege lasagne, falafel hummus and salad, mushroom burger or toasted cream cheese bagel.
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Credit: @ncvelty on Instagram
If you think all-day breakfasts are the best things ever, you’ll enjoy eggs benedict on a toasted bagel, waffles with berries and maple syrup as well as toasted granola with Greek yoghurt at noon.
Address: Potpourri Vegetarian Cafe, 97 Stuart St, Dunedin 9016
Operating hours: Mon-Fri (8AM - 3.30PM) | Sat (9AM - 3PM) | (Closed on Sun)
Halal status: Muslim-owned, all-vegetarian menu
Attraction nearby
Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours
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Credit: Monarch Wildlife on Facebook
It’s interesting to explore wildlife in the Southern Ocean, and Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours will take you there. Departing from Wellers Rock Wharf, the cruise will take you to Otago Peninsula where you’ll meet penguins, double albatross, dolphins and more.
Address: Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours, 824 Harington Pont Road, Dunedin
Operating hours: Mon-Fri (9AM - 5PM) | Sat-Sun (10AM - 3PM)
10. Cafe Nesli Turkish Kebab
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Credit: @bibbityboppitybites on Instagram
You know you’ve arrived at Cafe Nesli Turkish Kebab when you spot its bright red exterior on George Street. Make your way to the counter and find a favourite among wrap kebabs, Iskender kebabs, pita bread kebabs and Shish kebabs.
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Credit: @dapo_kitchen on Instagram
Regardless of what you choose, each will be packed with spit-roasted lamb or chicken, complete with salads and sauces. There’s also baklava and Turkish delights if you’re up for desserts.
Address: Cafe Nesli Turkish Kebab, 355 George Street, Dunedin Central, Dunedin 9016
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (11AM - 10PM)
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Attraction nearby
Otago Museum
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Credit: Otago Museum on Facebook
There’s always something new to learn at Otago Museum, home to over 1.5 million museum items ranging from Japanese armour to pinned insects. With seven galleries to explore, visit the Southern Land, Southern People gallery for New Zealand’s largest fossil and Animal Attic gallery to see a tooth from Megalodon, the largest extinct shark that ever lived.
Address: Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016
Operating hours: Mon-Sun (10AM - 5PM)
mission: Entry by donation (for museum and galleries only)
P.S. If you’re ready to savour the flavours of the North and South Islands, you’ll loveour ultimate guide to halal food in New Zealand!
There are many halal restaurants and grocery stores sprinkled across New Zealand’s South Island, and all it takes is a dash of culinary curiosity to find them all. For times when you’re craving for hearty salmon chowder or crunchy fish and chips, this guide is the perfect checklist for every foodie. You might need extra serviettes for this one!
This article is brought to you by Tourism New Zealand.
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TL;DR
- Christchurch
- 1. Dubba Dubba
- Attraction nearby
- Orana Wildlife Park
- 2. Dux Dine
- Attraction nearby
- Punting On The Avon River
- 3. Prince of Persia Restaurant
- Attraction nearby
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- 4. BurgerFuel
- Attraction nearby
- Ferrymead Heritage Park
- BONUS: Get halal meats from these grocery stores!
- Queenstown
- 5. Erik’s Fish And Chips
- Attraction nearby
- Ben Lomond
- 6. Boliwood
- Attraction nearby
- Skyline Queenstown
- Mackenzie
- 7. High Country Salmon
- Attraction nearby
- NZ Alpine Lavender Farm
- Dunedin
- 8. Poppa's Pizza
- Attraction nearby
- Dunedin Botanic Garden
- 9. Potpourri Vegetarian Cafe
- Attraction nearby
- Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours
- 10. Cafe Nesli Turkish Kebab
- Attraction nearby
- Otago Museum
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