The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Departures
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Photographer: Samuel Ferrara.
Finding your rhythm on New Zealand’s roads
By Melissa Zissou
Briefly …
Solo travel in New Zealand is all about finding your own rhythm on the road. Wilderness Motorhomes shows how a well-designed, self-contained vehicle can turn that freedom into a safer, more comfortable, and more intuitive way to explore the country’s wild landscapes at your own pace.
There is a distinct kind of magic to travelling solo. It’s the quiet thrill of waking up and realising the day is entirely yours to shape. No compromises, no group decisions, just you and the world famous landscape. New Zealand is renowned for being one of the safest, most breathtaking places to experience this kind of freedom. But the difference between a good trip and a transformative one often comes down to how you choose to navigate through the country.
Exploring the dramatic coast of Kaikoura, New Zealand on a solo adventure. Image courtesy Wilderness Motorhomes.
When you are travelling solo, your intuition is your best guide. If a coastal storm rolls in, you can chase the sun inland. If you stumble upon a lakeside spot that feels peaceful, you can pour a coffee and stay as long as you like. This freedom is a key reason solo travellers choose a motorhome. Forget rigid group tour schedules or the hassle of packing and unpacking at different hotels. Exploring New Zealand in a premium motorhome redefines the journey. Your trip becomes a personal retreat, offering total freedom and the comfort of a travelling sanctuary.
Wilderness Motorhomes welcome solo adventurers from across the globe, and travelling solo isn't just a high-summer activity. Based on over 220 solo traveller bookings, we see strong booking peaks in August and December, with steady travel across the shoulder seasons of March, September, and October. This shows a desire to explore when the roads are quieter, and the landscapes are at their most dramatic. To help you with your planning, our data also shows that the most common trip length for solo travellers is 7–14 days – the perfect amount of time to truly settle in and explore a region deeply.
Taking in the coastal views at Tauranga Bay, New Zealand. Photographer: Michael Stewart.
It’s natural to have some nerves before a solo road trip. Safety is the top question we get asked. A certified self-contained vehicle provides more security than a small sleeper van. Additionally, our support team is always just a phone call away, so you can enjoy the thrill of adventure with the reassurance of support.
But you don't have to take my word for it. The Wilderness Motorhomes team recently received this from one of our solo travellers, Robin Mills. “I have loved all of my Wilderness adventures, not only for the scenic beauty of our country and the comfort of the motorhome, but for the feeling of support your staff provide. I travel alone, but it never feels like that as I know there are caring people only a phone call away to help deal with any travel problems.”
Soaking in the silence of a sunset at Cascade Creek, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Photographer: Meghan Maloney.
There is a big difference between ‘camping’ and ‘touring’. When you are solo, your vehicle is your haven. It needs to be somewhere you actually want to spend time. A Wilderness motorhome feels less like a rental and more like a micro-apartment. The biggest game-changer? Fixed beds. After a long day of hiking, a great walk, or driving through the Southern Alps, the last thing you want to do is wrestle a dining table into a mattress! You just pull over, lock the doors, and curl up in a real bed. With a separate shower and toilet, you have total privacy and independence, whether you are parked in a holiday park or freedom camping in a remote reserve.
“After a long day of hiking, a great walk, or driving through the Southern Alps, the last thing you want to do is wrestle a dining table into a mattress!”
When you need to stay connected or work on the road, the environment is everything, and Wilderness vehicles are set up for this exact lifestyle, featuring 12V house batteries that keep the lights on for up to 48 hours off grid. Plus, with onboard Wi-Fi, you can clear your inbox in the morning with a view of Mount Cook, then shut the laptop and be on the trail by lunch. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you stay connected to the world, but on your terms.
Cooking up comfort on the rugged West Coast at Shipwreck Point, Greymouth in a Wilderness Motorhome. Photographer: Marcel Lesch.
Discovering the hidden gems of Rotorua on a solo journey to Hamurana Springs. Photographer: Silvia Firmino.
You don’t need a guidebook to tell you where to find beauty in New Zealand. In fact, the best memories are often the ones you didn't plan for. Whether you want to meditate by a waterfall, surf a break at sunrise, or explore the geothermal highways of the North at your own pace, the route is yours to define.
Insider tip …
New Zealand’s best spots are often found at the end of a gravel road. Choosing the right vehicle is key. Unlike many rentals that stick to paved roads, Wilderness Motorhomes has a ‘No Road Restrictions’ policy, letting you explore hidden gems and off-grid corners without worrying about the fine print.
A New Zealand self-drive adventure has a precious spot on everybody’s ‘wish list’, and if you are inspired to start planning your adventure, you can connect with the team at Wilderness Motorhomes on their website here, explore their recommended Campervan Road Trip Itineraries here (and use them as a flexible framework, then follow your instincts). You can also connect with the Wilderness Motorhomes team on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Melissa Zissou is the Wilderness Lead Content Writer.