12 Days Solo in New Zealand

I recently spent 12 days traveling solo through New Zealand. New Zealand is relatively small, it is not crowded (population of 4 million) and it boasts stunning landscapes. Fun fact: there are more sheep than people in New Zealand. As a Nigerian passport holder, I needed a visa to visit New Zealand. I received a two-month multiple entry visa and the application process is largely online.

In this post, I’ll be sharing a summary and my itinerary. In subsequent posts, I’ll break down my time on the North Island, and South Island. My Kiwi experience:

I went to New Zealand Because:

As I shared on Instagram a while back, I saw Facebook photos of some colleagues that visited years ago. It was then that I found out about the North and South Island, the beauty of its lakes, sounds, mountains, and glaciers, and the adventures. Many years after that seed was planted, I finally made it there!

 

New Zealand Is Perfect For:

Nature lovers, outdoorsy explorers (hikers, campers, skiers), and adrenaline junkies. I fall into the nature lover category, and I’m mildly outdoorsy. I wouldn’t call myself an adrenaline junkie but I definitely got positively influenced by my surroundings.

If you love nature, the outdoors and are an adrenaline junkie, then New Zealand should be on your list/radar.

If I Had More Time I Would:

Oh boy, with more time I’d see Lake Tekapo and see Mt. Cook, I’d go to Marlborough for world-famous Sauvignon blanc, sea food, and beautiful landscapes. I’d spend one more night in Wanaka, see Doubtful sound, and I’d definitely try to see the Southern lights (Aurora Australis).

 

If I Had More Funds I Would:

Go out and do more adventurous activities in Queenstown. I’d go Jet boating, and Bungee jumping amongst other things. There’s so much to do in New Zealand. Many hikes are free but the adrenaline junkie activities do add up. Plan and save accordingly.

 

I was Surprised to Find:

That while NZ is not cheap, it has AMAZING food from all over the world. I had such great chai lattes all over the country! Do not sleep on the food scene in Auckland and Queenstown. I also was surprised to find how very few locals I met. Most of the people I interacted with were on working holidays from all over the world.

I Planned My Trip With:

My Lonely Planet Guide, Trip Advisor reviews and forums, and good old Google. searches This Backpacker guide was also very helpful. I’ve shared my itinerary in the info graphic at the end of this post

One Disappointing Event From the Trip Was:

A day exploring the back roads, hills, and landscapes of Wanaka on a 4 X 4 was cancelled the morning of due to bad weather. I was looking forward to this tour to see remote areas, farm animals, see more Lord of the Rings locations and photograph the beauty that this region is. I was moving on to another destination so I could not reschedule. If this is something you can fit into your schedule, consider one of the tours with Ridgeline Adventures here. PS. I got a full refund as a result of the cancellation

 

This Trip to New Zealand Will Always Be Special Because I:

• Stepped foot on my 6th continent here
• Faced a fear of driving solo on the other side of the road
• Went on one of the most scenic train rides in the world
• Went on the most beautiful road trip I’ve ever been on
• Hiked a glacier and chewed on its ice
• Faced a fear of heights and went skydiving
• Saw the 8^th wonder of the world – Milford Sound – and it was stunning

 

I had an amazing time in New Zealand. Stay tuned for next week’s post on my time on New Zealand’s North Island. I’ll go beyond the itinerary and share my experiences, and alternative activities for those that have more time or different interests than I do.

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Till Next Week,

Ms. Heels