Solo Journey In New Zealand

By Kate S. This information to touring alone in New Zealand accommodates affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!

Involved in solo journey in New Zealand, however need assistance with the planning?

Then you definitely’re in the correct place!

New Zealand is called a land of hobbits, sheep, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise lakes. Whereas it may not have the identical backpacker-friendly fame as Southeast Asia or Europe, New Zealand’s small measurement and pleasant laid-back surroundings make it a simple and approachable vacation spot for solo vacationers. 

Whether or not you wish to hike Mount Tongariro, hit the slopes at Cardrona, or soak in a Rotorua sizzling spring, there’s a lot to do right here for every type of solo vacationers, however particularly the adventurous — that is the house of the bungy soar in spite of everything!

With a lot to do and see, how does somebody touring on their very own get essentially the most out of solo journey in New Zealand?

All you want is a willingness to discover and expertise new issues and a sure degree of belief, in your self and others. Additionally important are glorious organizational abilities.

Touring solo in New Zealand is an effective way to satisfy new folks, possibly even make lifelong buddies, and positively create some unbelievable reminiscences.

Hold studying to discover ways to plan a secure, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey to New Zealand by yourself!

Fast tip: Whereas New Zealand is secure for solo journey, it’s nonetheless sensible to pack journey security necessities. One high choose is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, which is TSA-approved and can assist scare away potential attackers. Different suggestions embrace Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves.

Journey Solo In New Zealand With Confidence [Free eCourse]

However first, earlier than we get into our New Zealand solo journey information, I invite you to seize a seat in Jessie’s free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course.

The 6-day course is designed that will help you really feel assured about reserving your first solo journey and exploring the world alone.

Classes embrace:

• Frequent solo journey fears and how one can overcome them
• How to decide on your excellent solo journey
• Tips on how to inform family members you’re hitting the highway solo
• Mentally getting ready in your solo journey with out dropping your thoughts
• Important steps for staying secure on a solo journey
• Tips on how to take wonderful solo selfies

When you’ve grabbed your seat, learn on to be taught all about solo feminine journey in New Zealand.

Is New Zealand Secure For Solo Feminine Vacationers?

General, New Zealand is a really secure and welcoming place for vacationers, together with solo vacationers. Actually, it ranks #2 on the Global Peace Index out of 163 international locations!

Ladies are usually handled very properly – NZ was the primary nation on the planet to present ladies the correct to vote – and solo vacationers are pretty frequent in main vacationer areas so that you gained’t stand out.

Public transport is usually very secure to make use of and crime charges are pretty low.

Within the cities, anticipate to comply with the identical primary precautions you’ll anyplace else on the planet: keep away from waking alone late at evening in abandoned areas, restrict your consuming, and belief your intestine.

The place Is New Zealand?

New Zealand is the southernmost nation on the planet and a great distance from principally in all places. 

When it comes to geography, New Zealand is closest to Australia, about 3 hours by airplane between the 2 international locations’ capitals. 

New Zealand consists of two important islands, merely referred to as the North Island and South Island. Each have rather a lot to supply so attempt to match each into your solo New Zealand journey if attainable.

Getting To New Zealand

As a result of New Zealand is an island nation, the one approach to get there’s by airplane. Auckland Airport is the principle airport for the nation with essentially the most flight choices; nevertheless, it’s also possible to fly into Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown if coming from Australia.

Getting Round New Zealand As A Solo Traveler

When touring alone round New Zealand, you should utilize bus companies – which supply the most cost effective possibility – or hire a automobile or camper van. 

New Zealand by bus

If touring New Zealand by bus, the Intercity community will likely be your greatest wager. They go principally in all places in New Zealand and the primary tickets for every bus are sometimes $1. Additionally they have multi-trip go choices that will help you avoid wasting {dollars}.

New Zealand by automobile

Want a rental automobile? Try Discover Cars to rapidly examine your automobile rent choices. Their comparability device does the homework for you, so there’s no must have up 10+ tabs attempting to determine which firm is essentially the most reasonably priced. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their device!

New Zealand by tour firm

One other thought for these touring New Zealand solo is becoming a member of a tour group to have all of the transport sorted for you. I’ve used G Adventures and Contiki earlier than and fee them each extremely. It’s additionally an effective way to make new buddies.

Flying round New Zealand

Flights can be found between main cities however might be costly until booked far upfront. You’ll additionally miss a number of New Zealand’s stunning surroundings in case you persist with the airline routes.

New Zealand Journey Map

To assist in giving you a lay of the land, here’s a map. It has many of the details and solo actions talked about on this information to New Zealand solo feminine journey:

You can also click here for the interactive version.

Widespread Locations For Solo Journey In New Zealand

After all, probably the most vital facets of planning a solo journey to New Zealand is deciding the place to go. Whereas there are a lot of great locations to discover, some high picks for these visiting NZ on their very own embrace:

Auckland

Auckland is the place to begin for many solo holidays in New Zealand as a result of it has the most important airport.

It’s New Zealand’s greatest metropolis with round 1.5 million folks, however it’s not the capital. That might be Wellington (extra on this under!).

When in Auckland, you’ll wish to go to the long-lasting Sky Tower for the perfect views of the town and surrounding coast. For those who take pleasure in journey journey, you possibly can even strive a bungee soar off the sting!

The waterfront precinct sits on the harbor in downtown Auckland, and is a superb place to go for walks, do some buying, and savor a number of the greatest eating within the metropolis.

Right here you’ll discover Industrial Bay and its upmarket meals courtroom, whereas Britomart — with its pretty cobble-stoned plaza — has extra superb eating eating places and native designer boutiques. Ensure to seize some ice cream from Giapo when you’re there!

You probably have time, escape the town with a brief ferry journey throughout to Waiheke Island. The island has some fairly seashores, although it’s most well-known for its wineries — a few of which you’ll be able to stroll to from the wharf, together with Cable Bay and Mudbrick. Tastings can be found totally free or for a small cost.

For a style of day by day life in Auckland head to Mount Eden, a reasonably suburb simply south of the town middle. Right here you possibly can take a simple 30-45-minute stroll up the mountain and seize espresso and cake within the village. A flat white is the favourite order of locals in New Zealand!

Auckland Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in Auckland.

Auckland Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Auckland.

Central North Island

If you journey New Zealand solo, the central North Island area is a should. It’s residence to a number of the nation’s most well-known points of interest and is unquestionably a spot to spend time in your solo journey. 

There are a couple of stops you must make whereas right here.

The primary is the central Waikato area, which has many popular attractions, together with:

Additional south, you’ll discover Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal city. That is the place to calm down with a day spent within the sizzling swimming pools on the Polynesian Spa. 

Rotorua can also be residence to a big Māori inhabitants – the Indigenous Polynesian folks of mainland New Zealand (Aotearoa) – and there are excursions obtainable the place you possibly can find out about their historical past and tradition and check out conventional hangi meals.

You can view a list of local cultural tours here.

After Rotorua, hold going south till you attain Tongariro Nationwide Park. That is the place you are able to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a day trek that’s thought-about the most effective hikes in New Zealand.

In order for you a mountain climbing possibility that’s secure and doable for solo vacationers, then that is it. It’s round eight hours, with some severe elevation — although it’s manageable for many health ranges. To make issues straightforward, you possibly can ebook a shuttle out of your lodging to the trailhead.

After all, simply ensure to maintain a couple of vital solo mountain climbing suggestions in thoughts, like staying on designated trails and familiarizing your self with potential hazards and threats, like sure wildlife, alongside the way in which.

Click here for full details on Tongariro Crossing and a trail map.

Rotorua Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in Rotorua.

Rotorua Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Rotorua.

Wellington

Solo holidays to New Zealand aren’t full and not using a cease in Wellington.

Because the nation’s capital, Wellington is a must-see on any New Zealand solo traveler’s itinerary. I lived within the metropolis for six years and may’t converse extremely sufficient of it, particularly its foodie tradition.

Relying whenever you’re visiting, you could possibly attend a couple of Wellington On A Plate Festival occasions hosted at cafes, bars, and eating places round city. Previously the competition has taken place in August, although lately it was hosted in Might, so be part of their mailing checklist to remain within the loop.

Wellingtonians take a number of pleasure of their espresso, and one of the best ways to strive it’s with a tasting flight of black or white coffees at Flight Coffee. Comply with that up with a tour of the bean-to-bar chocolate making course of at Wellington Chocolate Factory on close by Leeds Avenue.

Of the various things to do in Wellington, the highest of the checklist is a visit to Te Papa, the nationwide museum. Te Papa is free — making it nice for solo vacationers on a finances — and has tons of displays on New Zealand’s historical past and artwork.

Ensure to go to Wētā Workshop within the Wellington suburb of Miramar. That is the place they make the particular impact magic behind motion pictures like Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Stranger Issues. The tour right here is fascinating, even in case you aren’t a fan of the actual motion pictures.

When you’re on the town, spend a while exploring the laneways and the various hidden cafes and bars. I like Hanging Ditch in Hannah’s Laneway for cocktails, whereas People’s Coffee in Luke’s Lane is ideal for digital nomads. You actually by no means know what you’ll discover in Wellington!

Wellington Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in Wellington.

Wellington Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Wellington.

Nelson-Tasman

For those who’re searching for some seaside time in your solo vacation to New Zealand then the Nelson-Tasman area is the place to come back.

You may say it’s a bit just like the Florida of New Zealand in that the climate is usually sunny, there are miles of shoreline, and plenty of retirees.

When you ought to base your self in Nelson, will probably be rather a lot simpler when you have a automobile for this a part of your journey because the points of interest within the space are a bit unfold out. Whereas it’s attainable to get to most locations with native buses and water taxis, will probably be troublesome. 

The seashores at Golden Bay and Kaiteriteri are a number of the most well-known and delightful in New Zealand — with golden sand and clear blue water that’s excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Thankfully, these seashores are usually much less crowded than the extra simply accessible seashores in Coromandel on the North Island.

One other nice approach to discover the realm is by kayak. The very best kayaking within the space is in Abel Tasman National Park, the place you possibly can see the well-known Break up Apple Rock and colonies of seals sunbathing alongside the shore.

Foodies will love the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, a group of wineries, distilleries, historic pubs, and artisan meals producers which you can go to by bike (hirable in Nelson), automobile, or on an organized tour.

Nelson Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in Nelson.

Nelson Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Nelson.

Queenstown

Queenstown actually is the perfect of New Zealand.

As a New Zealander myself, it’s the place I like to recommend all vacationers go to for a tremendous time. It combines phenomenal surroundings with a great deal of enjoyable journey actions — together with a number of the greatest South Island New Zealand hikes — and unbelievable meals and wine.

Queenstown has the world’s first bungee soar, out at Kawerau Bridge Bungy, plus one thing referred to as the sky swing to maintain adrenaline-seekers entertained.

For one thing barely much less fear-inspiring, there are jet boat rides by means of the canyons on the Shotover River in addition to gondola rides up Ben Lomond Mountain. Afterwards, you possibly can decide to luge or parasail down the mountain.

In any other case, you possibly can hang around by the lakeside, taking within the spectacular sunsets over The Remarkables Ranges whereas having fun with some traditional kiwi fish and chips.

A brief journey out of city takes you into the Gibbston Valley, the place the world-renowned Central Otago pinot noirs are made and the place you possibly can see the historic gold mining city of Arrowtown.

Queenstown Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in Queenstown.

Queenstown Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Queenstown.

Ideas For Taking A Solo Journey To New Zealand

Alright, so now hopefully you’re beginning to get an thought of the place you may wish to go whereas touring solo in New Zealand; nevertheless, there are nonetheless some vital suggestions you must have in mind:

Pack gentle for New Zealand

Your solo travels round New Zealand will likely be rather a lot simpler in case you can hold your baggage as small and light-weight as attainable, ideally in a backpack.

Public transport isn’t all the time simply obtainable, so you’ll have to stroll affordable distances from the bus stations to your lodging or simply between points of interest. Due to this, it’s best in case you aren’t lugging heavy luggage.

Apart from, New Zealanders are very informal, so you will get by in all places with simply denims/shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. 

Possible, you’ll want to commit a portion of that valuable baggage area to some chilly and moist climate gear — particularly in case you’re planning on doing any New Zealand hikes. Correct mountain climbing apparel is a should, because the climate in New Zealand can change rapidly.

If it is advisable to purchase any necessities on the go, shops like The Warehouse and Kmart have all the things you might want at reasonably priced costs.

Anticipate jet lag

Except you’re coming from Australia, likelihood is you’ll should cross many time zones to get to New Zealand — which signifies that jet lag is inevitable. 

The journey is hardest coming from the Americas as you’ll should cross the worldwide date line and lose two days within the course of, which is certain to mess up anybody’s physique clock.

You possibly can plan for this by choosing a flight that is available in at evening so you possibly can go straight to your (pre-booked) lodging and to sleep, hopefully waking up absolutely adjusted the following morning and able to discover.

Due to the jet lag, you’ll wish to permit your self time to take it straightforward for the primary few days, quite than leaping proper right into a jam-packed itinerary. 

Discover low-cost motels

If hostels aren’t you’re factor, it’s attainable to get low-cost offers at New Zealand motels, however you’ll wish to ebook properly upfront and keep away from vacation weekends. Booking.com usually has the perfect vary of choices.

Vacationers from Europe and America will discover that New Zealand doesn’t have a number of the chain motels you could be used to, particularly outdoors Auckland. So, in case you’re into factors and resort loyalty packages then you definitely gained’t have a lot luck.

Nevertheless, some frequent chains that usually have affordable costs embrace Ibis and Breakfree. 

As a solo traveler in New Zealand, you’ll be safer in motels and hostels in comparison with motels — which can look cheaper, however can typically be in unsavory areas and will not be staffed in a single day.

Contemplate a working vacation

New Zealand has a protracted historical past of vacationers on prolonged stays working to pay for his or her board and actions. That is most typical in Queenstown throughout the ski season and summer time holidays, however might be achieved in virtually any city.

Usually, working holidaymakers will discover jobs in hospitality (skilled baristas and bartenders are all the time in demand), at vacationer points of interest, or in retail shops. Within the larger cities, these companies generally rent “summer time casuals” — as in, employees on fixed-term contracts with variable hours — between November and February.

For those who’re fascinated with doing a working vacation, you’ll must verify particular visa necessities. The best approach to discover a job is to drop off CVs round city when you arrive.

Be Cautious With Transport

Whereas public transport in New Zealand is normally secure and simple to make use of, the transportation facilities and bus depots will not be the sorts of locations solo vacationers will wish to hand around in, particularly at evening.

To keep away from this, attempt to purchase your tickets on-line upfront and don’t present up sooner than crucial. For those who do have a number of time earlier than your bus, attempt to wait in a close-by cafe quite than on the station itself.

What Does Solo Journey To New Zealand Price?

Sadly, New Zealand isn’t a brilliant low-cost place to go to; nevertheless, in case you’re coming from North America, Europe, or the UK then you definitely’ll discover that the foreign money distinction helps mitigate the prices.

Some indicative prices (in New Zealand {Dollars}) are:

• Lodging: $30-80 per evening for a hostel mattress or $150+ for a resort
• Meals: $100-150 per individual for per week’s price of groceries, $15 per meal for quick meals or $25+ for a café or restaurant meal
• Transport: $10 per day to bus round cities, $20-80 for Intercity buses, $40-200 for one-way home flights

There isn’t any tipping in New Zealand and taxes are already included within the costs so no matter you see on the menu or tag is all it’s a must to pay.

Greatest New Zealand Excursions For Solo Vacationers

Desire to hitch a guided tour in your solo journey in New Zealand? The next group excursions are extremely rated and may make it simpler to satisfy different folks — which might make touring New Zealand alone much more fulfilling:

Click here for a full list of tours in New Zealand.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Often Requested Questions About Solo Journey In New Zealand

Q) Is New Zealand good for solo journey?

New Zealand is the right place for solo journey! It’s secure and welcoming, and as a small nation it’s straightforward to get round and see rather a lot in a couple of weeks.

Q) Is New Zealand secure to journey alone?

New Zealand is a really secure nation for touring alone in. Simply ensure to take further precautions like carrying further gear when mountain climbing and letting somebody know your plans when going into the mountains or bush.

Q) Is it straightforward to get round New Zealand and not using a automobile?

It’s not tremendous straightforward to get round and not using a automobile, however it’s doable in case you are prepared to be versatile with journey instances and endure long-distance buses. There are only a few intercity trains in New Zealand and home flights are sometimes costly.

Q) What’s the greatest month to go to New Zealand?

February and November are the perfect months to go to New Zealand. That is when the climate is heat, however you gained’t should take care of the massive crowds and inflated costs that all the time occur in December and January when New Zealanders usually take summer time holidays.

Q) Are you able to drink the faucet water in New Zealand?

Sure, the faucet water in all places in New Zealand is secure to drink.

Ultimate Ideas On Touring To New Zealand Alone

For those who’re trying to take pleasure in a solo journey NZ expertise, get excited: from outside adventures to volcanic landscapes to scrumptious meals and wine, you’re in for a deal with.

There are such a lot of unbelievable locations to journey solo in New Zealand, every providing its personal distinctive points of interest and actions.

Not solely are there many enjoyable issues to do in New Zealand, however it’s secure and welcoming, making it simpler for vacationers to really feel assured exploring on their very own.

Briefly, in case you’re feeling a pull to ebook a solo journey to New Zealand, go for it. You gained’t remorse it!

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About The Writer

Kate grew up in New Zealand and now lives in Sydney, Australia. She loves all issues journey and has visited 30 international locations and counting! When Kate’s not touring or planning one other journey, she might be discovered working alongside the coast or looking for the following hidden gem cafe. You possibly can learn her journey guides at KateAbroad.com.