Newbie here, Planning on travelling solo to NZ in July/ August this year...

Hi All,
Just came across this forum; Although I've been to far off places on holiday before, I have decided to take the plunge and go travelling this year... starting with New Zealand for 4/5 weeks. I'm going to be brave (or stupid) and do it completely alone.

Now, I know that it will be the height of Winter when I go, so I'm not really sure what to expect - any pointers? I am hoping to do one of the travel busses and do both North and South Island, to be honest I'm just looking forward to the experience and as yet haven't set any places to go to or avoid! I'm in it for the experience as much as seeing how beautiful NZ is. I have read different reports that because of the differing climate in North and South that it could potentially be sunny in some places? Is this true?!?!

My main question is, as I will be travelling alone I will obviously want to meet people. I am massively worried that because it is Winter there, that no one will be travelling so I'll end up spending weeks on my own!! Is this likely to be the case? Or is NZ busy with travellers all year round?? I'm a very sociable person and thrive on being around others (drama teacher, haha) so I want to explore and experience new things with new people. The thought of potentially being on my own puts me off the idea and that I should go elsewhere, somewhere with sun. The only catch being it has to be during my summer holidays at work!

Like I say, I'll be doing the tour bus and hostels, so hoping this will increase the chances of meeting people but I'm just a bit nervous about it and could do with some advice, pointers or info!!

Many thanks in advance,
Steve Reply to this

Hi Steve,

Welcome to TravelBlog.

You'll find travelling solo here in NZ very easy, and may even meet people along the way that you decide to travel with for part of your trip. I can guarantee you that you won't be spending much time on your own - unless you choose to of course :-)

As Shane mentioned, the South Island is very popular with skiers/snowboarders (I have a trip booked there in August myself!). Are you interested in adventure sports?

There's a few 'hop on - hop off' bus companies like Kiwi Explorer and Bottom Bus, which allow you to spend however many nights you like at each destination before booking yourself on the next leg.

Schools will be on holiday the first half of July, so it may pay to book ahead if you particularly want to do something during that time.
Here's a few links as a starter;

metservice.com - weather

niwa.co.nz - climate overview

doc.govt.nz - national parks

Bus companies;
nakedbus.com

intercity.co.nz

bottombus.co.nz

Kiwiexperience.com

If you haven't already, I'd also suggest getting involved in Couchsurfing - the CS group here in Auckland is very active, meeting for drinks every Wednesday, and organising a number of other events.

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask away if you have more questions :-)
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