NVO Posted December 30, 2015 Posted December 30, 2015 Since a couple of years I can't seem to shake the idea of travelling New Zealand. But it never got serious, always something holding me back. Luckily my ex decided to dump me, crush my self-esteem and left me in the dirt. So now this idea evolved in some irresistible urge. I want to do this, so bad. My plan is to travel and see as much of N-Z as I can. Never done this before, so it's pretty scary for me. Me, alone, on the other side of the world. It feels like a challenge, and besides the fact that I like the country, that challenge is my key motivation. To just do it. Go there, manage on my own, meet new people, wander alone in some forest. Solitude. I don't know, the whole idea just appeals to me. Hope this makes sense. Like I said I've never been on these trips before, mostly went to all-inclusive hotels in Turkey, or some hotels near a region / place I visited at the moment, like Normandy or Auschwitz. So I'd like to get some advise and tips from more experienced solo-travelers. What do I need? How many pieces of clothing did you bring with you for example? What kind of backpacks did you use? Also I'd really like to get some tips and experiences from people who actually live there or been there (hope they are on LS, hehe). What's the best time of the year to go there? I know that summer in Holland means winter in N-Z, but what is the ideal season to travel there? Are there any must see's? How long would you advise me to go there? 3 - 4 weeks? Questions, questions, questions. Please do not hold back in the length of your answers, the more information I inquire, the better prepared I feel. Thanks in forward. 1
Els Posted January 1, 2016 Posted January 1, 2016 (edited) Good choice - NZ is an awesome place to visit. Do lots of research at trusted travel sites. Tripadvisor, Lonely Planet, wikivoyage etc. Read some solo travel blogs, lots of them include NZ. The greatest danger to a solo traveler in NZ that enjoys 'wandering alone in the wild' is that the hiking environment can be pretty unforgiving. Read the DOC brochures on what to keep in mind if you hike alone, and always inform someone when you plan to return so they can sound the alarm if needed (such as the reception at the hostel you live in). Also, be aware that people drive on the left side of the road in NZ. What season to go in depends on what you really want to do. Based on what you mentioned in your post, I'd suggest summer or late spring/early autumn. Winter is mostly just for snow sports and skiing. If you're spending 3-4 weeks there (which is a good amount of time), 1 week should suffice for the North Island (start at Auckland, then go down via Waitomo Caves, Tongariro National Park and one of the volcanic areas), then take the ferry from Wellington to Picton and spend the rest of the time in the South Island. Basically the whole of the South Island is a must-see, do a circular trip. You'll want to see at least one of the glaciers, Milford Sound, Queenstown/Wanaka, Dunedin, Christchurch and Kaikoura. Enjoy!! Edited January 1, 2016 by Elswyth 1
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