Solo Female Travel in New Zealand

New Zealand, an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its timeless beauty and distinctive culture. The country features a blend of scenic landscapes from vibrant blue lakes, majestic mountain peaks, stunning beaches, and lush rainforests to its iconic landmarks such as the Hobbiton Movie Set from the acclaimed "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Its two main islands are contrastingly unique, with the North Island known for its Maori culture, bustling cities, geothermal regions, and vineyards, while the South Island is famed for its breathtaking fjords, ski fields, and opportunities for adventure sports like bungee jumping. New Zealand’s diverse ecosystem has birthed the adventure capital of the world, earning an esteemed reputation with nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and film enthusiasts alike.

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Is New Zealand good for solo travel?

Safety:

Safety:Very safe

New Zealand is widely recognized as a safe destination for solo female travelers. It is known for its hospitable people, low crime rates, and well-established tourism industry. Both urban and rural areas are typically safe to explore, and there are numerous hostels and accommodations that cater to solo travelers. As with any travel destination, it's always important to stay vigilant, especially at night, but overall, New Zealand is generally considered securely safe.
Transport:

Transport:Easy

New Zealand is fairly easy to navigate. Both the North and South Islands have well-maintained roads suitable for driving or cycling, and finding your way around major cities is relatively straightforward thanks to good signage. There's also an extensive network of buses, trains, and ferries. However, some remote areas might be difficult to reach without a car and occasionally, the rugged terrain might prove challenging. As long as you're prepared, you should have very few issues.
Things to do:

Things to do:Fascinating

New Zealand offers a vast array of unique activities that will surely meet every traveler's taste. From the natural beauty of its national parks, with breathtaking landscapes to hike and explore, to the mesmerizing glowworm caves of Waitomo, there is constantly something new to encounter. Adventure-seekers can indulge in bungee jumping, white-water rafting, skydiving, or encounter Middle-Earth with a tour of the Hobbiton movie set. Meanwhile, those seeking calm could find solace in the numerous vineyards, the tranquil beaches, or the Maori cultural experiences. Every corner of New Zealand promises ample sights to behold and activities to engage in.
Food:

Food:Above average

New Zealand offers a good range of food options that reflects its diverse multicultural society. The country is particularly famous for its fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and Maori Hangi. Also renowned for its café culture, you can find good coffee and pastries. New Zealand's wine and cheese deserve a special mention. However, the options might be slightly limited if you're looking for a more extensive range of international cuisines.
Budget:

Budget:Moderate

New Zealand offers a variety of experiences suiting various budgets. Although there are luxury accommodations and activities which could be costly, there are also several free and low-cost attractions to enjoy. Budget grocery stores and affordable public transportation are also available. Prices can be significantly higher in touristic areas and during peak season. It is perfectly manageable for a budget traveler with careful planning.

Is New Zealand worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 13 experiences

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

3.5/5

Budget-friendly

3/5
Syaza

Syaza

Malaysia

Christchurch, Solo travel

I was travelling solo from Malaysia to Christchurch for a conference. I met a few friends there and would go around with them. But most of the time I also like to walk alone. Although a few years have passed since the mosque attack, I also feel cautious especially as a Muslim hijabi. But it was all okay, people were friendly and Christchurch to me looks like a city of rebuilding and relearning, especially after the earthquake. I was partially sponsored for my accommodation and flight so I wasn't sure of the rate. I stayed at an Airbnb on my last night as it was near the airport, it was a really nice airbnb with super friendly hosts I walk a lot, the food was okay, but I also tried the Uber and Uber food there.

Posted: August 30, 2024Experienced: April, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Rana

Rana

Saudi Arabia

Queenstown, Solo travel

I visited Queenstosn in December 2023. What an amazing place, the unbelievable nature and in top of that there are tons of activities you can do. In general, the quality of food is great in New Zealand. Queenstown is a very safe town for female solo travelers.

Posted: August 24, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Frauke

Frauke

Netherlands

New Zealand, Solo travel

New Zealand is the best country for hiking and meeting nature. Don't go there for the food. But you'll be amazed by the kindness of the people and the spectacular views. Many 1 to 7 day hikes are easy to access

Posted: August 6, 2024Experienced: April, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 1/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Megan

Megan

New Zealand

Kaikoura, Solo travel

Very cute wee town with a good vibe to it and a beautiful drive on either side. If you’re looking to relax a bit and this is the stop for you. Nothing overly exciting going on but surrounded by beautiful nature and lovely hikes.

Posted: July 23, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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New Zealand, Solo travel

Did a backpacking solo trip to New zealand for 15 months in 2018 :) I travelled from the North to the South and then back to the North in a camper van. It was an experience I would recommend everyone should have! Along my trip I took different jobs to finance my travels and met so many other lovely travellers that way, some of whom I am still in touch with today! I highly recommend working on fruit orchards, as it was always fun and you meet the most other travellers. I also definitely recommend buying a car to be more flexible. Personally, I would suggest buying a camper van, as it was amazing to be able to sleep right at the most beautiful nature spots. I felt really safe at all times! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me😊

Posted: July 21, 2024Experienced: October, 2018
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Aurora

Aurora

Germany

New Zealand, Family travel

It feels much safer than in Europe in general. It’s less people, and the nature is so peaceful. The air in the mountain is out of the world refreshing. You need a car to travel easily everywhere in the country. But we took the flexibus, and sign up for some local tourism groups which gets rid of the hassle of driving and planning a lot, and the groups were also good.

Posted: June 22, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Anwesha

Anwesha

India

New Zealand, Couple travel

Highlights of my NZ trip & things I’d strongly recommend not to miss: 1. Rotoura- the geothermal formations with their vibrant colors are simply one-of-kind experience. 2. Lake Tekapo- another unique experience of staying in a small quite village where lights go out in the evenings for you to fully enjoy the famour Tekapo night sky and stargazing 3. South Island drive- If possible self drive through south island. Its very safe and easy drive. Roads are the best I’ve driven on with lovely countryside views Rest of my itenary included Auckland and Queensland cities, Hobbiton day trip, Hahei beach town (and a hike to Cathedral Cove), and a tour of the famous Milford Sound. We went to see the very instagrammable Wanaka Tree too enroute to Tekapo and i found it to be very over rated. I’d rather recommend stopping over at The Puzzling World in Wanaka- a very interesting illusion museum!

Posted: June 19, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Jessica

Jessica

New Zealand

Nelson, Family travel

This was a mixture of takaka, Nelson, and kahurangi national park is incredible so is Harwords hole you have to go spend a week just tramping and driving around a car is definitely a nessassery though.

Posted: June 17, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 2/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Queenstown, Solo travel

I felt not safe in Queenstown when I risked booking a mixed hostel room. It was only me and another guy. However, I ventured for sex from me subtly. I said no. Then he left the room and never came back. Tbh, I was afraid he was gonna come back but I didn’t let the reception know or ring the police. That was a lucky miss for me. Other than this experience, everything else was impeccable.

Posted: June 15, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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New Zealand, Solo travel

I felt very safe my whole time in NZ, such friendly and helpful people. Stayed at a few different hostels and met a few great travel buddies along the way! Highly recommend. There are some absolutely stunning areas of natural beauty everywhere you look.

Posted: June 14, 2024Experienced: May, 2006
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Is New Zealand safe for women?

Safety rating

4 /5

Based on 36 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.7 /5

Based on 36 experiences

New Plymouth

Generally New Plymouth is safe and you can expect to be able to walk around uninterrupted during the evening. The community are also very supportive and should you need help, those around you are likely to assist.

Posted: September 7, 2024
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Rotorua

Rotorua is a place where one neighbourhood can be so lovely and tight but but if you turn a corner you could suddenly be surrounded by gangs, police and drug/alcohol abuse. The public transport isn’t too unsafe however if you are disabled it is a vulnerable place to be with a presence of discrimination. I would not be comfortable walking around Rotorua after dark by myself.

Posted: August 21, 2024
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Meet locals in New Zealand

Meet local women in New Zealand who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Samantha

Samantha

About Me

I am friendly,easy going, good sense of humour, honest, smoker, like to have a drink, but not everyday and nothing too strong, interested to learn about other countries and cultures and of course to travel to various countries.

Speaking

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Victoria

Victoria

About Me

I'm an Australian New Zealander who has traveled all my life. I have a background in broadcasting but now teach English to adults.

Speaking

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Local tips

Koree

Koree

New Zealand

Wellington is a slow little city with lots of charm! Totally safe for women, just keep your wits about you and common sense. What's great about Welly is that everything is in one spot and walkable. Surrounded by hills with the harbour right at the bottom end of town. Oriental Bay, great for swimming or a picnic, is just a stones throw from the colourful Cuba Street. If you have a vehicle, there's lots of great spots to sit and look over the city, the south Coast is amazing to drive around and look out over the south Island and get a lovely sunset in the warmer months. There are also lots of great swimming spots. Lots of great eateries, Kisa and Ombra are wonderful, albeit a little pricey. Mekong Cafe is cheaper and a place I frequent often for a wicked phô.

Posted: August 14, 2024
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Emma

Emma

New Zealand

suuuper friendly town, such an interesting international and local crowd - awesome party spot with heaps of adventure activities going on. skiing, mountain biking, jet boating, you name it they have it.

Posted: June 26, 2024
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Celia

Celia

New Zealand

Beautiful area to explore during the day but not much of a night life. The limited amount of shops and bars in the area close early but if you’re into the beach and walking trails then this is a beautiful town to stop in at!

Posted: April 27, 2024
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Steph

Steph

New Zealand

I would highly recommend driving there yourself. There are so many places to stop off which are just breathtaking. The drive down is arguably just as good as being out in the boat. Lots of people say there is no food or petrol available- there is in fact, but it's better to stock up in Te Anau on the way. I would recommend staying in Te Anau the night before so you can arrive early to Milford Sound the next day. I drove all the way back to Queenstown and the return journey felt okay. We did stop for some ice cream in Te Anau... Some people say that rain is good for your visit as the waterfalls look fuller, but it was glorious sunshine when I went and I still thought it was the three most beautiful places I have ever been.

Posted: February 2, 2024
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- I have lived in Auckland all my life, so I know all the best places. - Waiheke Island for a wine tour. I would recommend booking a tour, and they usually pick you up from the ferry when you arrive on the island. The ferry is less than an hour. - Head west to Piha. See the black beaches and go for a hike. - Visit Mission Bay. It's close to the city center. It has a few charming restaurants overlooking Rangitoto. I recommend the Mexican place. - Go out for drinks in Viaduct. I recommend Coops. It has ice-based cocktails for 10 dollars which are topped with candy. They are incredible. - Climb up Mt Eden and see the view. - War Memorial Museum. - Auckland Zoo/Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium. - Coromandel - go for a couple of days and explore all the towns and admire all the amazing views! It's just a few hours from Auckland.

Posted: November 27, 2022
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Stay with locals in New Zealand

Stay with local women in New Zealand who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Samantha

Samantha

New Zealand

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am friendly,easy going, good sense of humour, honest, smoker, like to have a drink, but not everyday and nothing too strong, interested to learn about other countries and cultures and of course to travel to various countries.

Speaking

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Victoria

Victoria

Wellington

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I'm an Australian New Zealander who has traveled all my life. I have a background in broadcasting but now teach English to adults.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to New Zealand

Connect with upcoming visitors to New Zealand who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Stefanie

Stefanie

About Me

Hi, I'm Stefanie. Originally from Austria, I've found my new home here in Edinburgh. Absolutely love this city and am blessed and proud to call it my home of choice. :)

Speaking

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Stefanie

Stefanie

About Me

Hi, I'm Stefanie. Originally from Austria, I've found my new home here in Edinburgh. Absolutely love this city and am blessed and proud to call it my home of choice. :)

Speaking

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Explore New Zealand