Halal food is available in many parts of New Zealand, from restaurants and cafés to supermarkets and specialty food stores. A little planning can make it easier to find suitable options while you travel.
Halal-certified restaurants and food products are available around New Zealand, particularly in larger cities and popular visitor destinations.
For current information, check the Kiwi Muslim Directory(opens in new window) or the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ)(opens in new window), which provide information on halal-certified businesses, products and suppliers.
Certification, menus and suppliers can change, so check current details before visiting or purchasing food.
Not every restaurant offering halal food is formally halal-certified. Some may use halal-certified meat, while others may describe themselves as halal-friendly because they offer suitable seafood, vegetarian or other dishes.
If certification is important to you, ask the restaurant whether its meat is halal-certified and how food is prepared before ordering.
Food tours, cultural dining experiences and other visitor activities may also be able to cater for halal dietary requirements.
If a meal is included in an experience, check what is provided and let the operator know about your requirements when booking. Advance notice may give them more time to arrange a suitable option.
Self-catering can be a useful option, particularly when travelling through areas with fewer halal restaurants.
Supermarkets and specialty food stores sell a range of meat, packaged foods and other products, but halal certification varies between products and suppliers. Look for recognised halal certification on packaging or check a halal directory before purchasing.
If you are unsure whether a meal meets your requirements, consider asking:
Individual requirements vary, so confirm anything important to you directly with the restaurant or food provider.
