New Zealand Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide

There is almost too many things that a woman can do in New Zealand. New Zealand solo travel should be on every woman’s bucket list. Not only is it incredibly safe but it epically diverse in the number of things that you can do. Want to hit the beach? Totally possible. Want to climb a mountain? Totally possible. Want to pretend to be a Hobbit? Totally possible.

The following are my tips and tricks for safe and adventure filled solo trip to New Zealand.

Tips and tricks:

1. Low season is May-November. Low season is the best time to save on money.
2. New Zealand can be super picky when it comes to their agriculture. If you are trying to sneak in food from the flight or other countries know that it’s a big no-no. Most of this food will have to be declared and they will probably want you to throw it out. Finish your food on the flight or make sure that it is packaged food that is sealed.
3. The vehicles are right hand drive like in England and incoming traffic is on the left. I have no tips for making this adjustment but you should probably know that it is a thing.
4. Roads outside of the city can be especially narrow. If you are struggling with the right hand driving cars then you will be extra comfortable with narrow country roads that may require sharp turns.
5. Consider getting a mobile hotspot for sketchy wifi. This is especially true in the countryside. You can also step into a public library if you are looking to get some free wifi.
6. Wear clothes in layers for the ever changing temperatures. There are areas of the country where you can feel like you are experiencing all 4 seasons at one time.
7. Tipping isn’t customary
8. Bring your passport if you want to get your drink on. You may not be able to buy alcohol with a license from another country so have your passport.

Things to do:

Try taking a day trip to Waiheke Island. It is a short ferry ride from Aukland.

There is Coromandel Peninsula where you can create your own personal hot tub. The water there is geo-thermally heated so you can dig out a “tub” and then have the warm water fill it up for your personal hot tub.

Go searching for glowworms in Waimoto caves. There is also black water rafting if that is your thing.

For all of my adrenaline junkies you can try to skydive over the Bay of Islands, zorbing in Rotorua, and bungee jumping in Queenstown. If you are wondering what zorbing is, it is basically putting yourself in a giant plastic ball and rolling yourself down a hill.

Did you really go to New Zealand if you didn’t visit the Hobbit movie set Matamata?

If you are interested in getting a taste of cultural diversity in New Zealand then you can set out to see a Maori cultural show for a true blue haka.

There is Tongariro alpine crossing, Queen Charlotte Trail hikes, Kaikoura for whale watching and taking a hike on a glacier or even inside one with the Franz Josef Glacier

New Zealand is a great place to experience practically every type of geography that is available. Some of the darkest skies in the world are over Lake Tekapo and is a great place for star gazing. You can also catch the Southern Lights in New Zealand which is similar to the Northern Lights you catch in the Arctic.

Milford Sound is the top tourist attraction in New Zealand. You even get an awesome ferry ride to make it even more interesting. If you are interested in tourist attractions then you can check out Baldwin Street in Dunedin for the steepest street in the world.

You can check out Stewart Island for cage diving with sharks.

My last idea is for you to see Wellington for the urban feel that is lacking in the country side.

Budget Tips:

1. Travel during their off season which is Winter for them. This will save money on accommodations, car rentals, food, and tourist sites.
2. See the country by car. For people who are willing to sleep in a car then you can rent a van and have it double as your accommodations. Brief warning: Gas is super expensive.
3. Try staying in a hostel. You can save the most money by staying in a dorm style hostel where you get a bed in a room with a lot of beds but you can often spend a bit more to get a private room.
4. Try to make most of your meals. Food in New Zealand is notoriously expensive. If you can’t make your meals then try to buy some of your food at the grocery store so that you can cut down on eating out. Of course there is also fast food but it isn’t the healthiest option even if it is your cheapest.
5. Couchsurfing is popular in New Zealand. If you are comfortable then you can use the Couchsurfing app and find some cheap accommodations. Often the people that are offering a couch are hoping to meet new people and would love to share a meal with you.
6. You can drink water from the tap! Bring your reusable water bottle.
7. Use Groupon and GrabOne as a way to find deals on activities.
8. Pubs can be a great way to find lunch specials and save some money while eating out.

Big thanks to: http://www.mynextflighthome.com

Big thanks also to: http://www.typeatrips.com

There you have it! Travel safe my friends and let me know how your travels go!