We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Lucinda, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Lucinda is from Australia, and submitted the following report about New Zealand. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English
Stunning scenery.
Reasons to go: If you like hiking, going solo can be difficult. The Great Walks of New Zealand are so well organised, that even for an independent traveler they are very safe and easy. You can go it alone, or take a guided trip.
There are great public transport options to get you to the beginning and back from the end of the tracks. The number of people on the tracks per day are limited, making the people there one big group so you aren't isolated. You must stay in the huts, which creates a nice friendly atmosphere among the hikers (and also means you don't have to carry a tent or stove). The rangers ensure everyone arrives at each hut for safety – this isn't completely foolproof, as it could take hours for them to find you, but at least you won't go missing without anyone knowing.
For the opportunity to see some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery – mountains, lakes, forests, valleys, waterfalls – and to do it in a well-organized way with a bit of a safety net built in, the Great Walks are an excellent option for solo travelers.
At the end of the Milford Track.
Beautiful views around every corner.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
