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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.

New Zealand is currently ranked #82 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

3.7 /5

Based on 6 experiences

4.1 /5

Based on our research

4.7 /5

Based on safety reports

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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: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: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: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: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.

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

2.3/5

Solo travel experience

Everyone in new zealand is so friendly and welcoming. The scenery is incredible. Transport to get around is difficult, so I would recommend buying a car if you will be there for a few months. Hitchhiking is also an option given how safe it is there.

Posted: April 9, 2024Experienced: December, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 2/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Group travel experience

New Zealand was very safe and accommodating. We stayed in Paihia and I went there as part of a travel group with Contiki. The trip was relatively not cheap considering the activities I decided to engage in included boat cruises and sky diving but the trip was well worth it. The views were spectacular.

Posted: December 20, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

New Zealand is amazing. I've been there three times and I definitely recommend renting a camper. New Zealand has some of the best free camping spots in the world and many fantastic campgrounds that encourage this. My favourite attractions are: * Waipoua Forest and its majestic trees * The Waitangi Treaty House (wonderful history of Māori relations with the whites) * Waitomo Caves * Rotorua - Gravity sledding (Luge) and thermal pools * Te Papa Museum (Wellington) * Kaikoura - the perfect bay for dolphins and whales * Franz Josef Glacier * Queenstown * Milford Sound Fiord

Posted: December 14, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I flew to Queenstown. I spent there 3 days, during which I took a trip to Mt Cook National Park, another trip to Glenorchy, and also used the cable car in Queenstown, as well as a boat trip on the lake. Then the bus drove 8 hours to the town of Franz Josef. The bus was like a sightseeing tour, stopping at various viewpoints, a waterfall, Lake Wanaka, a fish farm, etc. during the trip. I spent 3 days in the town of Franz Josef. That's where the glacier is. I took a helicopter tour there. I walked the trail around Lake Matheson and another in Okarito. In the end, I returned by bus to Queenstown for my flight back home.

Posted: December 14, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone back and everything was amazing. I missed New Zealand from the moment I boarded the plane. Queenstown was amazing. I also visited Waitomo Caves and Milford Sound. I went on a tour of the "Lord of the Rings" locations, and Hobbiton was amazing. I also had the opportunity to see/experience the Maori dance, which was breathtaking.

Posted: December 14, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I travelled alone to New Zealand for 2 weeks. I never felt unsafe, people were very friendly and helpful. I flew into Auckland, and took a bus to Rotorua. I spent a day in Whakarewarewa, in the evening I enjoyed hot springs and a massage at Polynesian Spa. I took a long bus ride (9 hours) from Rotorua to Wellington. I chose the bus because I wanted to see the surroundings and I was not disappointed. I stayed at an AirBnB in Wellington (Te Papa museum, a cable car ride to the Botanic Garden, I also went to an All Blacks match). I flew from Wellington to Queenstown. I stayed at a YHA hostel (highly recommend a single room). I took a gondola to the top, then walked back down, took a lake cruise to a sheep farm, and also did a one-day trip to Milford Sound. I returned to Auckland for 3 days before leaving the country and a friend who lived there showed me around the city. I wish I could have stayed in New Zealand longer. There is so much more to see.

Posted: December 14, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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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

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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SophieNZ

About Me

Hi, I'm a Kiwi living in a little bach near the beach with my dog Wilbur. Love travel, nature, dancing, cooking and entertaining! Heading to Europe for a month in July and would love to meet some awesome women from around the globe and hopefully do the same for others when they're in New Zealand 🇳🇿 😊

Speaking

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

Samantha

New Zealand