New Zealand’s South Island – Family Trip Itinerary (8D7N) - PART 1

Kia ora! 

Let’s talk about New Zealand.

What is it about NZ that is so attractive? So tempting? I think most would agree that it is one of the beautiful countries in the world.

Upon thorough consideration based on our time limit and budget, my family and I decided to visit these places, chronologically in order:

Auckland - Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Queenstown - Te Anau - Queenstown - Auckland

P/S: Before you begin your journey to NZ, kindly prepare yourself for a 10-hour flight if you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My Dad admitted that it was a tough ride for him as the journey was a tad too long for him to bear.If you plan to go to the South Island, the fastest would be by air a.k.a. by flight. We chose Air New Zealand to fly to Christchurch upon our arrival from Malaysia (and mind you, there was an 1-hour transit plus journey via flight to Christchurch so overall it would be a 12-hour journey).


1. Auckland
We landed in Auckland around 4 in the evening (NZ time) and boarded the plane to Christchurch. It was already night upon our arrival and since it was a foreign place, we decided to book an Uber. Luckily for us, we managed to find an amiable Muslim driver. He gave us a good tip that KFC is considered as “Muslim Friendly” in most branches but it would never hurt to ask first before ordering!

Christchurch’s KFC (Muslim Friendly)

2. Christchurch
We stayed overnight at the North South Holiday Park (NZD 94.50 per night). It is only 8 minutes from the Christchurch Airport but advisable to book a taxi/ Uber to go there at night for those unfamiliar with the place, as it is quite isolated as the location is in a suburban area.
P/S: Late check-ins are allowed with no extra charges.

North South Holiday Park

The next morning, after picking up our rental car a.k.a Toyota Corolla (for a 7-day’s rental with the price of NZD 560.88) from its Christchurch’s branch (we rented from APEX Car Rentals, which requires NO deposit or bond), we then continued our journey to Lake Tekapo via Inland Scenic Route.


3. Lake Tekapo
We went through Geraldine on our way to Lake Tekapo. Geraldine is an exquisite town painted with its serene vibe.

Geraldine’s signage

We arrived at our hotel, Lake Tekapo Village Motel (price per night ranged from NZD 294.56 for a suite), late in the evening and decided to stroll around after Isya’. There weren’t much of shops or restaurants that are Muslim friendly, so, we prepared our own dinner. Later that night, we tried to see if we were lucky enough to view any constellations or galaxies with our own bare eyes but unfortunately, the luck was not on our side (we then knew that you must have a good photographic skill to capture those constellations in the skies). However, the night skies were full with visible stars - what a sight to behold.

Lake Tekapo Village Motel at dawn

After Subuh the next morning, we ventured outside and had a wonderful walk alongside the Lake Tekapo itself. It was mesmerizing and we were truly at a loss for words.
P/S: We just performed our prayers at the hotel, as there were no mosque/surau nearby.

Lake Tekapo, 7 a.m. in the morning

Around 10 in the morning, we checked out and carried on with our journey to Queenstown via State Highway 8. Our ongoing journey was beautified by the companies of spectacular zigzagging mountains on both sides of the road.

Dropping by Lake Pukaki before continuing our journey to Tasman Lake

Our scenic driveway to Tasman Lake

Clear blue skies as the backdrop against the snowcapped mountains

We decided to spend a bit of our time visiting the famous Tasman Lake (known for its glaciers but due to the rise of global warming, there are less glaciers can be seen), and having a peek at the Blue River (notable for its bluish colour but over the years, the colour fades due to the ceasing flow of water from the Tasman Lake) and and ooh boy, we ain’t regretting it!

Having a peek at the “not-so” Blue River

The view, halfway to reaching Tasman Lake

The “glacier-less” Tasman Lake

It took us about 30 minutes to climb uphill and a much lesser time going downhill.


4. Queenstown

Queenstown, much known for its vibrant and adventurous streaks that colour the town and its people, put us in awe when we arrived late in the evening. Despite its reverberance, it somehow manages to exhibit the tranquility portrayed by Lake Wakatipu.

Lake Wakatipu

A fallen tree by Lake Wakatipu

It was already Maghrib when we arrived at our hotel, Haka Lodge Queenstown (NZD$ 278 for 3D2N) in Queenstown. Upon checking in, we decided to stay in and have a good night rest - purposefully preparing ourselves for more explorations the next day.

The next day, we were all set out to explore the areas at the outskirts of Queenstown, which upon collective decision, to travel to the north of Lake Wakatipu that is Glenorchy, as well as one of Queenstown’s neighbours, Arrowtown.

Glenorchy is probably famously known as one of the settings used in films such as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It has a calmer tone compared to the hustle and bustle of Queenstown.

The magnificent scenery at Glenorchy Wharf

Glenorchy Boatshed

We then set forth to Isengard Lookout after rejoicing ourselves looking at the bewitching countryside via a scenic drive known as the Glenorchy-Paradise Road or also known as the Road to Paradise.

One of many stops we made along the Road to Paradise, Glenorchy

Look, Ma…more sheep! – Road to Paradise, Glenorchy

Again, we were taken aback by the vast landscape that seems like there is no end to it, displaying before our eyes.

Isengard Lookout

Little sister looking out to the seemingly endless reach of the Isengard Lookout

It was a peaceful moment for my family and I just by standing there, looking out into the distance, as in the burdens on our shoulders were gone for a minute or two.

Afterwards, we decided to visit the neighbouring town, Arrowtown. It took us around an hour to arrive there as the scenic driveway from Glenorchy had been keeping us busy with so many gorgeous backdrops to capture.

Sunrays trying to melt the snow on the mountain’s peak – on the scenic driveway alongside Lake Wakatipu

The stunning view of Lake Wakatipu from inside the car

Arrowtown is a lively town, culturally rich with historical values being a former gold mining town. It is only a half an hour drive from Queenstown and owns spectacular sceneries with historical buildings throughout the town. Just fyi, this town is a personal favourite place for both my sister and my Mum due to its lovely aesthetic.

It’s like travelling back to the grandeur past of the gold mining town

Just people enjoying their time at a garden

We did not forget to drop by The Remarkable Sweet Shop that is well known for its wide range of sweets sold and their free tasting experience of their nougat and fudge. 

The famous The Remarkable Sweet Shop, which is also Muslim- friendly

Most of the shops there are Muslim- friendly, and we came across a lot of Muslims there (mainly Malaysians) and we shared fleeting greetings amongst each other.

We then decided to go back to the Lodge and just spent our night in Queenstown.

It was a “Sisters’ Night Out” for my sister and I since our parents were worn out with the travelling during the day. It is quite safe for females to travel at night, I’d say.

People say that one needs to try the celebrated Fergburger when visiting Queenstown. My family and I were eyeing the restaurant since we first arrived in Queenstown but decided to go another time due to its long queue. Fortunately that night, the queue was bearable and we were able to place two orders for the only burger that was Halal certified (NZD11.90 per burger). 

Fergburger, Queenstown

Apart from Fergburger, we went to both Fergabaker and Mrs. Ferg Gelateria, which the cost ranging roughly from NZD 5 – NZD 15 per person. 

Friendly staffs at Mrs. Ferg Gelateria

Fergbaker, Queenstown

Both of these shops are Muslim friendly as well so we both had fun indulging the cold ice-creams as well as stuffing our mouths with them steaming pies. 

Among other activities that you “must-do” in Queenstown is to experience the Skyline Queenstown Gondola and ride uphill to the Bob’s Peak, which is known for its steepness.

Skyline Queenstown

It opens from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily; the prices are NZD39 for Adults and NZD24 for children. Once you arrive up there, you will be presented with a breathtaking view of the town and Lake Wakatipu in its entirety. 

We were continually blessed with good luck as the weather was crystal clear the next morning when we rode the Gondola uphill.

The amazing panoramic view at the Bob’s Peak

Visitors feasting their eyes on the amazing scenery

Aside from the Gondola ride, you can also challenge yourselves by riding the gravity-fueled Luge, or rejoicing your weary selves in more adventurous activities such as mountain biking and hiking.

Among activities that you can participate at Skyline Queenstown

Here, basically everywhere in South Island, they would offer visitors plentiful of Stargazing opportunities and this includes Skyline as well.

5. Te Anau
Upon arriving at Te Anau in the evening, we were lucky to secure a motel nearby the Lake Te Anau via State Highway 6 and New Zealand State Highway 94/State Highway 94. The serene view of the lake bounded by the colourful trees refreshed our weary eyes. We decided to call it a day and had our deserved rest.

Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels

There are 2 places that you are obliged to visit (either one or both) if you ever reach Te Anau, which are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. These two Sounds are the main attractions here and the first is more familiarly heard compared to the latter due to its easier access. We only however managed to visit Milford Sound due to time (and budget) restriction.

Milford Sound
In order to get to Milford Sound, you will need to go through the Milford Road that is such an unforgettable scenic alpine drive, as you will embark a journey into the Fiordland National Park.

Instead of driving there by ourselves, we opted to travel via the “tourism operator”, known as Real Journeys under their “Coach and Cruise- Leaving from Te Anau” trip package (price per Adult: NZD139). 

Real Journeys’s meeting point for the “Leaving from Te Anau” trip package

It was raining the morning of our journey to Milford Sound and as was expected, we were feeling a bit down. However, fret not! It was actually a good weather for a visit to the Fiorland and into the Sound as the rain trigger waterfalls to flow everywhere in the forest as well as the Sound.

A rainbow greeted us the morning of our journey to Milford Sound

The view of Lake Te Anau from inside the coach, en route to Milford Sound

A chilling view of a snowcapped mountain, en route to Milford Sound

Along the way, we continued to admire the beauty of the native rainforests, the endless streams and the Mirror Lake, and got through the Homer Tunnel, which is the only road access into Milford Sound.

The glassy Mirror Lake

A glimpse of Homer Tunnel from inside the coach

Upon arriving at the harbour, we were greeted with misty rain and were told by the receptionist at the Real Journeys’ counter that the weather condition was at its best, and since the heavy downfall ceased, we were to expect a lot of waterfalls accompanying us throughout our journey on the cruise.

Inside the spacious cruise

A female staff preparing lunch for visitors

One of many waterfalls accompanying our cruise journey in Milford Sound

A whole new, mysterious world upon entering Milford Sound

Cruising through the Sound through the hazy atmosphere

Later in the late evening upon arriving at the Te Anau town, we decided to just chill around the town and entertained ourselves with the beautiful scenery of the town and the nearby Lake Te Anau.

Some of the shops in town

Sunset at Lake Te Anau

We spent our last evening in South Island at Queenstown, hanging out by the bay eating the Fergburgers and indulging ice creams, ignoring the chilling weather for one last time.

One last time hanging out by the bay in Queenstown before returning to Auckland

6. Auckland
On our last day in New Zealand, we spent the bits of our limited time strolling around Auckland, a city center filled with urban entertainment and exhilarating natural wonders.

Walking by the harbour

One of many markets found in Auckland

A vibrant vibe displayed on the road

Tall buildings filled the city center

Then, it was time to fly back home. 

E noho rā, New Zealand! 

'Til we meet again.