12-Day South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Adventure, Scenery, and Halal Eats

Day 1: Christchurch

• Morning:

  • Arrive in Christchurch and visit the Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum.

• Afternoon:

  • Take a stroll through New Regent Street and explore the Cardboard Cathedral.

• Evening:

  • Relax at Sumner Beach and enjoy the sunset.

• Halal Food:

  • Dinner at Bali Thai Cuisine Blenheim Road or Indo Tempeh House.

Day 2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

• Morning:

  • Drive to Lake Tekapo (3 hours).

  • Stop at Rakaia Gorge for a scenic view.

• Afternoon:

  • Explore the Church of the Good Shepherd and relax by the turquoise waters of the lake.

  • Walk the Mt John Observatory Track for panoramic views.

• Halal Food:

  • Check Our Dog Friday for vegetarian-friendly halal options or pack snacks.

Day 3: Tekapo to Mount Cook

• Morning:

  • Drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook (1.5 hours).

  • Hike the Hooker Valley Track for stunning views of the Southern Alps.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Tasman Glacier Lake and enjoy a peaceful kayak ride.

• Halal Food:

  • Pack your own food or inquire at local cafes about vegetarian/halal options.

Day 4: Mount Cook to Queenstown

• Morning:

  • Drive to Queenstown (3.5 hours).

  • Stop at Lake Pukaki for breathtaking photos.

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Queenstown and explore Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens.

• Evening:

  • Explore Steamer Wharf for a lively atmosphere.

• Halal Food:

  • Dinner at Habebes Café (Middle Eastern cuisine) or The Spice Room (Indian cuisine).

Day 5: Adventure in Queenstown

• Morning:

  • Start with a jet boat ride with Shotover Jet.

• Afternoon:

  • Take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for incredible views, followed by luge rides.

• Evening:

  • Sunset walk by Lake Wakatipu.

• Halal Food:

  • Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine at Bombay Palace or Mirch Masala.

Day 6: Day Trip to Glenorchy

• Morning:

  • Drive to Glenorchy, a scenic 45-minute journey.

  • Explore Paradise and Routeburn Track for short walks.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Lake Sylvan for a peaceful stroll.

• Halal Food:

  • Pack a picnic or return to Queenstown for halal food options.

Day 7: Milford Sound Day Trip

• Full-Day:

  • Drive or take a guided tour to Milford Sound (4-hour drive each way).

  • Cruise through the fjords and spot waterfalls, seals, and dolphins.

• Halal Food:

  • Pack snacks or inquire with tour operators for dietary options.

Day 8: Arrowtown and Wine Country

• Morning:

  • Explore the historic streets of Arrowtown and visit the Chinese Settlement.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Amisfield Bistro for its picturesque vineyard setting (check for halal-friendly dishes).

  • Enjoy the scenic Kawarau Bridge and watch bungy jumpers.

• Halal Food:

  • Return to Queenstown for dinner at Fat Badgers Pizza (vegan/vegetarian options).

Day 9: Wanaka

• Morning:

  • Drive to Wanaka (1-hour drive).

  • Take in the views of That Wanaka Tree.

• Afternoon:

  • Hike Roys Peak or try the easier Diamond Lake Track.

• Halal Food:

  • Enjoy vegetarian-friendly options at Big Fig Wanaka or try Bombay Palace Wanaka for some Indian food options.

Day 10: Fiordland National Park – Te Anau

• Morning:

  • Drive to Te Anau (2-hour drive).

  • Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

• Afternoon:

  • Take a stroll along the Kepler Track.

• Halal Food:

  • Try Sandfly Café for halal-friendly vegetarian options.

Day 11: Adventure Activities in Queenstown

• Morning:

  • Go paragliding, ziplining, or skydiving for an adrenaline rush.

• Afternoon:

  • Enjoy a scenic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

• Halal Food:

  • Try Pedro’s House of Lamb (halal-certified lamb available).

Day 12: Departure

• Morning:

  • Spend your final hours soaking in Queenstown’s views or visiting a café.

• Halal Food:

  • Grab a quick bite at a Cafe before heading to the airport.