My First Solo Trip to New Zealand
Date of Trip: December 2018
Kia Ora!
A little background on what led me to begin solo traveling….around October 2018 I had quit my job and while job hunting I realized I had not taken an international trip since Africa. A trip was necessary since after starting a new job it would be even longer before taking a trip again. I subscribe to Scott’s Cheap Flights for deals and I received one for New Zealand. “Huh….New Zealand would be a good first country for solo travel….it’s safe, they speak English…” *click* and booked! For two weeks later. Figuring out my life is later’s problem.
From reading and watching NZ travel tips, most recommend to focus on one island for a shorter trip. I definitely agree, but I couldn’t decide so I did a little on the North Island as I was flying into Auckland anyway and made my way down to the South Island. My trip was roughly two weeks and if I could do it again, I would either add more time (duh, who wouldn’t) or just do the South Island for that period of time. Even though the country is small in size, travel time is lengthy between destinations and I moved pretty quickly throughout my itinerary which can become tiring. There were things I missed, but I prioritized what I wanted to see most and I did just that. Plus now I just need to go back to hit the rest!
I stayed in dorm hostels throughout the trip which provided a nice budget option while being able to talk and meet other travelers since I was solo. In Africa I stayed in hostels, but since I was with my friend then, we stayed in private rooms at the hostels since the price ended up being the same for us in a private vs dorm, so this gave a new experience in the hostel world.
Transport
I used the Intercity bus which operates throughout New Zealand. I found it very easy and reliable with an app to make my travels seamless. This bus is not like a backpacker bus—it is used by locals and travelers alike so it is not a bus to meet other travelers like some are.
Kiwi Experience is another option that is a backpacker bus. They offer hop-on-hop-off options as well as tours. With me booking somewhat last minute and a stricter time schedule, it did not work for my timing requirements, but I most likely would have chosen it over the Intercity if I had more time.
Since I was solo I opted for busses, but if I went with someone I would recommend driving yourself. So many places are off the beaten path and time consuming to get to and a bus just adds more time to that. Another common method is renting a camper van to drive around the South Island and that way your accommodation is taken care of as well!
Rotorua
Must See: Waiotapu Thermal Park and Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Some only do one park, but I recommend doing both if you can. Both offer different geothermal sights and scenery and I really enjoyed both for differing reasons. Waiotapu felt more like a tourist attraction while Waimangu was less crowded and felt more like hiking through a national park.
Must Do: Mitai Maori Experience
Learn about the history of the Maori people through a cultural experience and buffet
Taupo
Must Do: boat ride to the Maori carvings (I took the Sail Fearless)
I went to Wellington after Taupo for a couple days—I liked the city, but there was not anything that wowed me to include, but I did fly out of there into Queenstown to get to the South Island
Wanaka
Must See: Wanaka Tree
Walk along the beach and you’ll run into the infamous Wanaka Tree
Must Do: Hike Roys Peak
Hear me out: get up at 3am and do this hike. Someone in my hostel dorm had recommended it and I am so glad I did and I am not a morning person at all. (This is a common thing to do so you won’t be alone on a mountain) With my headlamp on, I started uphill for about 5 miles among the sheep (so many sheep). Since the view is so stunning, you’re hiking in the dark and once the sun rises, it is sort of a jaw-dropping big reveal. As cheesy as it sounds, it really felt like I was on top of the world and with the quiet morning air, I could have stayed up there forever.
Must Do: Paragliding
I mean, why not run off the side of a mountain.
Queenstown
Must Do: Hike Queenstown Loop
Not as dramatic or difficult as Roy’s Peak, but gives a great view of Queenstown
Must See: Milford Sounds
It is a full day trek from Queenstown. I took a tour with Intercity and the journey is gorgeous as well, not just the destination
Must Do: Pub Craw with Big Night Out
I had wanted to experience nightlife which can be awkward solo—I did this pub crawl and would highly recommend! Super easy to meet people (alcohol helps) and we went to a variety of bars, including an ice bar!
Must Do: Appellation Wine Tour
I always need to get some wine tasting wherever I go—since Marlborough was too far out of the way I opted for the Central Otago region—great pinot and a very relaxing day!
I really loved Queenstown—one of my favorite places in California is Lake Tahoe and it reminded me a lot of it with the scenery and overall vibe of the city
