Solo Travelling? We got you!
Thinking about your very Solo Trip in New Zealand? Let us help!
New Zealand is a dream destination for solo travellers—and for good reason. With its safe communities, stunning landscapes, welcoming locals, and well-developed tourism infrastructure, it’s one of the safest and most rewarding places to explore on your own.
The pros include:
1. Freedom and Flexibility
Travelling solo means your itinerary is entirely yours. Want to linger by a rural retreat and look at the rolling hills of Waikato? spontaneously detour to a vineyard or glacier-fed lake? No need to compromise. New Zealand’s diverse regions—from the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the alpine beauty of Fiordland—are best explored at your own pace, and solo travel lets you follow your curiosity without negotiation. Want a detour off to the less-travelled Waikato Region and just relax? You don’t need to convince anyone else!
We are about 1.5hr away from Matamata.
2. Safe and Welcoming Environment
New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Kiwis are known for their friendliness and hospitality, making it easy for solo travellers to feel at ease. Whether you’re hitching a ride (still a thing in some rural areas) or chatting with locals at a farmers’ market, you’ll often be met with warmth and genuine interest. In rural areas such as ours in North Waikato, any locals would love to have a yarn with you about where you are from and offer generous tips for local gems!
Unlike many other countries, New Zealand has no snakes, no large predators, and very few insects or animals that pose a risk to humans. Whether you're tramping through native bush or camping under the stars, you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without fear of dangerous wildlife. It’s peace of mind that makes solo hiking and backcountry exploring even more appealing. [Please be prepared for variable weather conditions and emergency conditions when planning for overnight or multi-day tramping trips at https://www.doc.govt.nz/]
3. Easy to Connect with Others
Just because you're travelling alone doesn't mean you'll feel lonely. New Zealand is full of hostels, guided tours, and communal accommodations where solo travellers naturally meet. Popular hiking trails like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or multi-day Great Walks are always safe enough to enjoy your solitude, but at the camping site or huts, you can always socialise with fellow trampers, swapping stories along the way.
At Te Karaka Station & Lodge, you’re not just another guest—you’re welcomed like whānau. The lodge’s warm, down-to-earth hospitality makes it easy to feel at home. Whether you want to share some stories with a pre-dinner drink with other guests, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a glass of wine with sunset; whether you want to join in on farm activities, or just some proper alone time and curl up with a book in any of the relaxing cozy corner of the lodge; the choices are yours.
4. Be your own best friend
Solo travel challenges you in the best ways. Navigating a new place, making decisions on the fly, and learning to be comfortable in your own company builds confidence. In New Zealand, those moments of self-discovery might happen on a misty mountain ridge, a remote beach, or over a flat white in a cosy café.
With fewer distractions, solo travel invites you to be more present. You’ll notice the quiet hush of ancient beech forests, the way morning light hits a braided river, or the stories behind Māori carvings. The solitude enhances your connection to the land and its history.
You can also be as stingy or as generous as you wish. We think your best friend would approve of you booking a relaxing massage while staying at Te Karaka Station and Lodge at the end of your solo trip in New Zealand, 100%.
5. Custom Adventures, Big and Small
From skydiving in Taupō to soaking in a natural hot spring in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand offers adventures for every mood. Solo travel allows you to pick your moments of adrenaline or relaxation without waiting for consensus. You can rent a car and travel at your own pace, or join a guided group, or carpool with like-minded travellers met during the trip; the options are limitless.
Many of our international guests chose us as their first or last stop on their trip. We can help arrange transportation from Auckland or Hamilton Airports, either by air or by car.
While you are planning your solo road trip in Aotearoa, don’t forget to book a night or two at Te Karaka Station & Lodge as part of your trip to get properly spoiled and recharged!