New Zealand’s South Island – Family Trip Itinerary (8D7N) - PART 2

Working as an airline staff, I have been bestowed with the privilege of getting myself (and fam bam) discounted ticket prices.

And as I've been trying to be a good ol' daughter (and Kakak as well), I decided to utilize this benefit to bring my family to an oversea trip this year.

New Zealand (SOUTH ISLAND) was the chosen place after taken a lot of factors into consideration.

It was my first time planning a week long trip oversea and to make it tougher, my parents decided not to participate in the "itinerary process". My Abah said as long as we listed the places that he wanted to go, then, it should be fine to plan any other thing that we had in mind.

We went there early September'18 about 8 days and 7 nights, and as cheesy as it may sound, it was indeed a lifetime kind of trip for my family and I which we will never forget for as long as we live.


Why NZ?

One might ask why did we choose NZ?

• For us, it felt like it fit our travelling purpose of that time, which was mainly for sightseeing, not really anything adventurous as it was taken into account that we were travelling with our parents
• Aside from that, it is one of the best countries with beautiful sceneries and to spend a week there felt just nice
• LoTR attractions, like c'mon! However, since our trip was a family-budgeted trip, we tried to minimize the cost. In order to do so, we purposely avoided from going to the LoTR's popular spots as they were a bit costly. Instead, we tried to find hidden or less popular as those spots were mostly free (but would add extra cost on fuel lol)
• As we were going to utilize the discounts, it was advisable to avoid embargo time i.e. peak season as during those times, priority will be given to customers first

Itinerary Preparation

• My sister and I decided to distribute the planning process between us; she would calculate and forecast the cost while I would invest my time to do some researches on the places that we planned to visit

Trip’s Summary

Well, the trip definitely managed to pique my interest about the intricate process of travelling abroad: it ain't easy and the planning process does not stop once you travel, the process continues until you reach your home sweet home (everything will never fall as perfectly as you imagine nor plan, and sometimes, things will only get better. My advise, try to go with the flow and do not tie yourself up with the itinerary too much)

i. A Welcoming Community for Muslim Travellers

Travelling to New Zealand is indeed such an amazing experience for my family and I. There were some concerns over some issues that we thought would have arisen but they had been put off, as the locals were great people who welcomed us with such a lively and friendly vibe. Thankfully, being Muslim travellers (all covered up), we did not come across any untoward remarks and actions.

ii. Halal/ Muslim Friendly F&B
You can always opt for their fish and chips. It's not difficult to find halal or Muslim friendly shops or restaurants, but to be safe, just ask beforehand. Need not worry, they are a bunch of friendly folks!

iii. Flight Cost
Again, it will cost you a bit in terms of flight tickets (taking ferry is optional but it will cost you more travelling time).

iv. Importance of Township Planning
One thing you could really learn from New Zealand is how every town takes care of their areas with such perseverance and makes us the visitors to be appreciative of such effort (the beauty ain’t showing up by herself, ya know?)

v. An Inexplicable Journey of Self-Reflection 

One of the most primordial purposes of travelling is for one’s self-reflection. It brings out the inner child in you as you are curiously wandering in a foreign place(s) and teaches valuable lessons that elevate your sense of maturity.

vi. Other highlights:

• When at the gas stations, fill-then-pay basis
• Check-ins normally commence at 2 p.m.; Check-outs are from 10 a.m. onwards
• Internet and phone receptions are rather bad so brace yourself!
• Wet tissues and mineral water are ESSENTIALS
• Abundance of cultural heritage’s showcases (museums are present in most towns visited)
• One of the many reasons we opted for South Island in was because the chances of catching glimpses of Southern Lights were higher as most places located here are in the Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Sadly, we did not encounter any during our visit (maybe during our next trip?)
• Why rush? Take your own sweet time going from one place to another because believe me when I say; each turn you take is simply breathtaking
• Common Supermarkets: Pak’nSave (the cheapest), Countdown, and New World
• Try to learn some basic local phrases
• Booking.com is the most convenient hotel booking site (my personal opinion)
• In regards to the list of food items that can be brought into New Zealand, you may check it here.
• Stargazing is an obligated, never-ending activity. You will find yourself looking up at the night skies when the moon comes out because the night skies literally just light up!

-->