6 Tips for Travelling Solo in New Zealand

Travelling solo in New Zealand is the trip of a lifetime.

Nothing compares to working your way the length of each island. There’s an incredible opportunity to explore stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique experiences, all at your own pace.

Whether you are an experienced solo traveller or taking your first solo trip, New Zealand is welcoming and relatively easy to navigate. However, as always, a few key tips will make it an epic trip and save you a stack of money along the way!

Each region, from the North Island’s lush beaches to the South Island’s breathtaking mountains, has something special to explore.

So, without further ado, let’s jump straight in!

Table of Contents

1. Start in Queenstown (it’s a hub for solo travellers!)

Queenstown isundoubtedly the best starting spot for solo travellers in New Zealand. Its fun, laidback atmosphere makes it super easy to meet new people, whether in hostels, local cafes or busy bars (if you’re staying in hostels, be sure to check out my guide to making friends in hostels!).

There are also a tonne of things to do in Queenstown, from hair-raising adventure sports to relaxing wine tours.

The town is perfect for both thrill-seekers and those looking for a leisurely day out. The world’s biggest bungee jump is one to add to your bucket list while in town. Plus, the Skyline gondola is the go-to spot for epic views of the town and lake.

You can even grab a mountain bike and take on the winding MTB trails through the forest!

paragliding over queenstown — Beautiful Queenstown

If you happen to be visiting Queenstown during the ski season but don’t want to bother lugging ski kits like jackets, pants, goggles, etc, in your luggage, then you can just rent everything you need from Snopro Queenstown. They will deliver all your outerwear, skis, and boots to your accommodation and collect them when you’re done.

Queenstown’s stunning landscapes also offer plenty of hiking opportunities. Trails like Ben Lomond provide breathtaking views and a chance to connect with fellow adventurers.

Overall, Queenstown is more than just a travel destination… it’s a welcoming community where you can either enjoy your own company, or make friends with the other solo travellers in town.

2) Try a free campervan relocation from Queenstown to Auckland

Experiencing New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes is fantastic, and you can even do it all for free in a campervan!

Free campervan relocations are an awesome option for solo travellers.

Often companies need vehicles relocated from Queenstown back to Auckland, and they allow people to drive them the length of NZ for free. You just pay for fuel!

This is a great way explore the country at your own pace while enjoying the freedom of the open road. Plus, it’s a unique way to see the diverse scenery of New Zealand, from mountains to beaches.

There are a few companies offering this service, and you’ll find all the necessary information online.

Just make sure to check the terms and conditions – some companies might have specific timeframes for completing the journey, but you can usually pay to extend the time of your trip!

3. Make sure to have a great itinerary

If you’re starting in Queenstown, Milford Sound is a must-visit location. Here, you can take a scenic boat tour to experience stunning fjords, waterfalls, and wildlife, all while meeting fellow travellers.

Wanaka offers a more relaxed vibe. You can enjoy picturesque lakes and mountains. It’s also a great spot for hiking and photography.

Don’t miss out on the stunning landscapes in Aoraki and Mount Cook National Park. This area is perfect for short walks and immersing yourself in nature.

Another option is Christchurch, which has a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. You can explore local galleries and gardens at your leisure.

Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Visiting the hot springs or taking part in a cultural experience can be quite rewarding.

Lastly, let’s not forget about Hobbiton – but I’m sure you already have that one earmarked 😉

4. Safety and security around NZ

New Zealand is generally a safe destination for solo travellers, but you should always be cautious, no matter where you are in the world.

When parking your vehicle, consider hiding any valuables to avoid opportunistic theft. If you’re heading off on an adventure, stashing items out of sight can help keep your belongings secure.

Carrying minimal cash is advisable as New Zealand relies heavily on card payments. This reduces the risk of losing money during your travels. Most places accept cards, so you only really need to keep a small amount of cash on hand.

When visiting a beach, be mindful of your belongings while enjoying a swim, and never leave things unattended. Keeping your possessions with you is a simple way to minimise risk.

Trust your instincts and stay aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. With these practical tips, you can confidently enjoy your solo journey in New Zealand.

5. Solo hiking in New Zealand

Hiking solo in New Zealand is like nowhere else in the world. With breathtaking landscapes all around, you’ll find plenty of trails to explore – plus, there’s very little dangerous wildlife… except for possums.

Before you set off, always inform someone about your plans. Make sure they know your intended route and estimated return time. This is especially important in areas where phone reception is limited (which is a lot of places in NZ).

Be sure to invest in a good map and carry a compass, as some remote areas might not have clear signage.

hooker valley track, mount cook national park — Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook National Park

Always prioritise safety. Stay on marked trails and be cautious of the weather, which can change rapidly. Keep your emergency contacts accessible in case you need assistance.

Even if hiking alone, you’ll meet lots of happy faces on the trails to share experiences on your journey and provide helpful tips. Solo hiking can be social!

6. Book travel in advance to save money

If you always leave your major travel bookings to the last minute, you’ll get stung.

It is always best to purchase things like long-distance bus tickets ahead of time.

For key routes, like from Greymouth to Christchurch or Christchurch to Mt Cook, advance booking gets you a good rate, and make sure you don’t arrive at a fully booked bus station. With that being said, shorter journeys can be booked spontaneously.

To be honest, most people decide to hire a car or camper at some point to explore more freely. The transport options outside major routes are limited, and if you’re heading to major tourist attractions, then prices get jacked up at every turn.

Travelling Solo in New Zealand | Final Thoughts

Travelling solo in NZ is epic. There’s plenty of time to find tranquillity, but you’ll never struggle to find friendly faces for a chat over a beer or coffee. You’ll be guaranteed to encounter stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming locals.

Although the South Island is the draw of jungles, mountains, and adventure, don’t overlook the North Island. Wellington shines with its lively arts scene and great coffee, plus there’s the chance to spend a day at Hobbiton before jumping in the geothermal hot pools at Rotarua.

It’s the trip of a lifetime.

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