New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, friendly locals and long, hot summers, is the perfect place for solo female travellers to experience and explore. This beautiful country offers many unique, inviting experiences catered to empower women, inspiring thousands every month. There are just some things you need to try for yourself. Here are some of the empowering experiences you should cross off your bucket list during your travels to New Zealand…
Why Solo Travel in New Zealand?
When people think of solo travel, New Zealand doesn’t tend to be the number one destination and I never really understood why. For an empowering experience, people tend to go to more spiritual places such as Bali, Thailand, India and other locations around Asia. But contrary to what people believe, New Zealand has a very vibrant culture and so many spots that can encourage some really unique insights and feelings.
Here are a few reasons why I think more solo female travellers should consider coming over to New Zealand.
First, it’s very safe and has been consistently ranked as one of the safest places in the world. The locals are known for their warm hospitality and willingness to help tourists and strangers, which is extremely essential for solo travellers as a whole. Not to mention, while you are surrounded by generous locals, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking and if you haven’t watched The Hobbit, then you are yet to discover the incredible views this country has to offer.
Lastly, whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a beginner to it all, this place has something for everyone. As some cities have a similar culture to the Westernised world, there are unique villages and spots that give you insight into New Zealand’s history and how life once was for the majority. Not to mention there are so many thrilling activities for you to take part in that you can truly have a memorable experience anywhere here.
Empowering Experiences For Solo Travellers
Hike The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This challenging but rewarding hike takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including volcanic craters, alpine meadows and glacial valleys, which only a small percentage of the world has the luxury of experiencing. Volcanic craters for one, aren’t something you get to see every day so it’s extremely fascinating and allows you to really appreciate mother nature in all of its forms. Hiking is a great way to get back in touch with yourself and nature but also connect with the area more.
- Location: Tongariro National Park
- Price: Vary depending on a guided tour or self-guided hike
- Best Time To Visit: December to April
Kayak in Milford Sound
Paddle through the serene waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. You will get to see life move and there aren’t many waterfalls as magnificent as this one. Getting to connect with the water and see the little world underneath you is such an empowering and thrilling experience to take part in.
- Location: Rotorua, North Island
- Price: Varies depending on the tour operator
- Best Time: All year round
Womens Retreats
There are multiple types of women’s retreats spotted around New Zealand, such as the 5-Day Leaders of Love retreat, the 14-Day Solitary Retreat, and the 3-Day Voice Healing Retreat. There are so many unique women-only activities for you to immerse in. You can embark on some morning rituals, poetry, art expression, yoga, breathwork, hiking, cold plunges and so much more with a community of like-minded women or with just yourself.
- Location: Dependent on which retreat
- Price: Vary depending on the retreat option
- Best time: All year round
Skydive Over Lake Taupo
Nothing makes you appreciate your life more than doing something completely life-threatening like a skydive and while, of course, they are very safe, they still give you a complete adrenaline rush and that is a feeling like no other. Not only are you conquering something millions of people wouldn’t dare to do, but you are also getting to see the world from a whole new perspective, quite literally.
- Location: Lake Taupo, North Island
- Prices: Vary depending on the company and season
- Best Time: All year round
Volunteer On a Farm
Why not spend part of your trip giving back to the community that has been so welcoming of your travels through volunteering to help a local farmer? This will allow you to work for a community without expecting anything in return, a valuable life lesson that people have forgotten about. Be sure to not pack or wear anything sentimental, such as your favourite cargo pants.
- Location: Various locations throughout New Zealand
- Price: Free
- Best Time: All year round
Final Thoughts: Empowering experiences are completely dependent on what you are seeking from the world. You might feel empowered by volunteering around the country or you might want to do something that evokes you being more mindful. Listen to your desires and seek out mentally stimulating activities that bring you closer to yourself and the world at your feet.
