How to navigate New Zealand as a lone traveller
2022-08-21
New Zealand is anecdotally one of the most beautiful places on the planet as it contains some of the most beautiful scenery, environments and ecosystems. Not to mention that the people of New Zealand, often referred to as Kiwis, are considered to be some of the kindest people in the world. Its majesty makes it a popular destination for travellers who are looking for a grand adventure; however, there are some things to keep in mind when travelling around, especially as a lone traveller!
One of the most common warnings that Kiwis tell visitors is to respect the environment. Depending on the elevation and time of year, the weather can change multiple times a day. Due to the extremes, those who do not plan for every type of weather put their safety at risk. Regardless of when you visit, it is essential to pack for rain, sun and everything in between.
Those visiting from the Northern hemisphere might also not realize that their summer is from December to February, so this is also important to remember when packing your supplies.
Opportunities for unique outdoor activities will be available, regardless of the time of year you plan to visit New Zealand. Due to the landscape and geography, the island offers anything your heart could desire. This includes land-based activities such as motorsports, hiking, rock climbing, bouldering and winter sports. If the water is where your passion lies, then there are plenty of options, including water skiing, fishing, surfing and deep sea diving. If you are a novice to any of these activities, it is the best to try in New Zealand, since even if, for example, paddle boarding is not for you – you will still be surrounded by intense beauty.
Regardless of whether you are on land or water, be wary of hazardous conditions. If you decide to stay in the cities, there are plenty of food options and cultural experiences. Also, if possible, attend a rugby game. Rugby is one of the most popular sports on the island, and New Zealand produces some of the best players in the world. These are also excellent opportunities to meet new people when travelling alone.
When you have repelled down the cliff or pulled the kayaks on shore and are looking for a place to lay your head, many decide to go camping either using a camper van or old school with a sleeping bag and tent. While it is hard to find free camping since so many areas are protected or private land, there are hundreds of holiday parks and Department of Conservation sites which can be used. It is important to note that these areas are often very remote, so internet access will be limited at the best of times. In the case of a crisis, the emergency phone number is 111. All travellers, especially those travelling by themselves, need to be aware of this lack of access and have this number memorized.
As with all countries, there is information that you should keep in mind when visiting. Like its neighbour Australia, New Zealand is extremely serious about customs checks. As an island, they need to be wary of outside organic material that might cause problems further down the line, including seeds, fruit or soil. So, prepare to have your luggage thoroughly scanned and inspected, especially if you have decided to travel with camping or outside gear. They will check everywhere, including the bottom of your shoes. Once you get past security checkpoints and enter the nation, take some time to learn the native language of Māori.
As with most countries which speak a specific language, locals will appreciate that you have taken the time to learn how to say the classic phrases such as “thank you”, “hello” and “goodbye”. This is seen as a sign of respect for the people and the country and will also make your travel experience far more pleasant and immersive. Finally, one of the most common pieces of advice people have for travellers to New Zealand is to always add a day or two at the end of the trip if possible. It is not a place that you are able to explore in only three or four days, especially if you want to partake in all the activities available or see all parts of the island. First-timers are often implored to dedicate at least a week to the island, if not more.
When approached correctly, New Zealand is a beautiful location for a lone traveller to explore. It is very safe, has a wonderful culture and very friendly locals. There are 101 things to do daily, meaning it is the ideal location for an adventure!
