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As a solo traveler, New Zealand simply checks all the boxes when it comes to what you want in a destination. Security? In the year According to the 2022 Global Peace Index, New Zealand is ranked number two in the world, possibly beating Iceland’s top spot for “peaceful”. It is also true that there are no big, deadly land animals like lions and tigers and bears to worry about in the wild. And with the exception of a few local spiders, all your wildest nightmares are waiting for you in Australia.
Friendly people? The locals are notoriously friendly and hospitable. When I was traveling alone in New Zealand, when my car broke down, a stranger not only came to help me immediately, but they could even give me a spare car to drive to a nearby town – but that’s a story for another time. Plus, the country is so popular with international backpackers that it’s easy to find many travelers. Many are also exploring alone, and you can connect with thousands in Facebook groups like New Zealand Backpackers and Backpackers New Zealand.
Is it easy to navigate? New Zealand also has it on lockdown. First of all, the country is smaller in size than California, which makes it much less difficult to think about where you want to go and how to get there. Intercity buses, ride sharing, campervan rentals like JUCY, even walking are very frequent. The country’s relatively small size means you’ll be spoiled for choice for things to do or places to stay. The extensive tourism infrastructure offers more adventures than you can fit in a whole year, and there are plenty of local hostels. You can easily find them with the Hostelworld app—Haka Lodges and YHAs are always a safe bet.
Whether it’s your first time testing the waters on your own or you’re looking forward to another solo trip somewhere new, New Zealand is perfect for going out on your own. Here’s some inspiration on what to do once you’re in. While not an exhaustive list of all the things to do in New Zealand, these are some of the best things to do as a solo traveler.
Go on unforgettable walks in unreal landscapes
If we had to pick two things that New Zealand is full of, it would be sheep and incredible walks. You may be wary of hitting the trail on your own, but the good news is that some of the country’s most popular hikes are guaranteed to put you in the same company as others.
To go big, take one of New Zealand’s Greatest Walks, which is actually the proper name for these walks, no exaggeration. These 10 world-famous multi-day hikes that require advanced reservations include stops at designated cabins and campsites so you can see the same familiar faces during your hike.
For another challenge, check out the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the country’s most famous day hike. Literally thousands of hikers have been known to climb out each day during the busy season, so you’ll find companionship during a foot-stomping hike through the volcanic landscape.
Another option is a guided trek up Mount Tarawera. The Maori tribe, Ngati Rangitihi, hold the right to protect and preserve the sacred mountain, and the only way to access this spectacular and multi-colored volcano is through a Kaitiaki Adventures tour.
Make some memories on the water
You can’t visit the island nation without getting out on the water, right? In the South Island, take a tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura for a great chance to see sperm whales (watching them roll, flipping their tails in the air is a special treat.) The coastal town of Kaikoura is known as New Zealand’s whale-watching capital, and sperm whales are at sea year-round. They appear near the coast.
Speaking of capitals… many people consider Raglan, on the west coast of the North Island, to be the country’s beach capital, thanks to its extremely long left bank and year-round surf. One of the best ways to learn to surf here and make friends in every surf is to book a package with Green Wave Raglan. You get small group lessons, transportation to and from the beach, and accommodation on request. In town, there’s also Raglan Backpackers, a friendly hostel with surf rentals.
| Hobbiton film producer
Explore Middle Earth
The real reason why you want to visit New Zealand The Lord of the Rings Did it make a lasting impression on you, and you can read the series line for line? It’s time to embrace your inner nerd. The first stop should be the Hobbiton movie set, which is the 12-acre set of The Shire. But that’s just the beginning. You can explore all the movie set locations from Mordor to Fangor Forest and arrange a tour to visit as many as possible.
For a more technical film appreciation, visit the Weta Caves in Wellington. It is a visitor post for the Wēta workshop, the special effects and proposals behind it The Lord of the Rings And The Hobbit trilogies and other achievements. On a Wētā workshop tour, you’ll learn about all kinds of movie effects, costumes, weapons and more that made not only those movies but others so visually stunning. Afterwards, a good place to rest your head in the area is The Dwellington, a more stylish backpacker hotel with free breakfast and a cozy cinema room.
Go underground or go to the sky
Most people know that New Zealand offers next-level natural beauty, but you can appreciate it from some unexpected angles. Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you ride a silent boat through a dark, underground grotto where glowworms emit mysterious, blue dots of light that shine above you. A unique reflective display, 360-degree stargazing with a summit experience at the Mt John Observatory.
During the day, get a bird’s eye view with Wanaka Paragliding. Their tandem flights are perfect for solo travelers as you and your pilot are the only ones strapped together when you start running down the mountain. They will do all the driving for you, and you can admire this unique view over Lake Wanaka, Royce Peak and the Matukituki Valley. When your adventure is over, relive all the fun you had with the friendly people at Wanka Bapaka Hostel, a welcoming, lakeside stay.
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