specialist solo holidays

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After leaving behind the beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park, I made my way to Picton to catch the Interislander ferry across to Wellington. My car hire company allowed me to pick up the car in Christchurch and drop it off in Auckland, which meant I could take it on the ferry, something that turned out to be both economical and convenient. 

The ferry ride itself was such a highlight! It’s very picturesque, especially cruising through the Marlborough Sounds. If you ever do it, head to the front of the boat, the views are incredible. With the vibrant green hills and bright blue water, it’s the kind of view that makes you stop, snap lots of photos, and just soak it all up!

Once we docked in Wellington, I checked into Quest on the Terrace - a comfy and central spot that made it really easy to explore the city. 

After dropping off my bags, I wandered down through the city streets to the waterfront. The vibe there is great, lots of people out walking, relaxing, and just enjoying the evening. I ended up at one of the waterfront restaurants for dinner (Wellington has so many good spots to eat!) and had a delicious meal with a perfect view.

The next day, I started out with the classic Wellington Cable Car ride, iconic for a reason. The views from the top are amazing, and the ride itself is such a lovely, old-school experience. From there, I explored the Botanic Gardens, which are peaceful and beautifully kept, with walking trails, flower beds, and stunning views of the harbour.

But the real highlight of the day and honestly, one of the most inspiring parts of my trip was visiting Zealandia. From the top of the cable car there is a regular free bus service taking you back and forth. Not only was the bus free, but the driver also gave us a potted history on our ten minute trip which included some fabulous Kiwi humour! 

Zealandia: A Glimpse into the Wild Heart of Aotearoa

Zealandia isn’t just a nature reserve, it’s a vision. Tucked into a stunning valley only 10 minutes from the city, it’s the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary, aiming to restore the area to the way it was hundreds of years ago, before invasive predators and deforestation changed everything.

Inside the sanctuary, the atmosphere is completely different. It’s peaceful, rich with native flora, and alive with birdsong. I spotted tūī, kākā, and even heard the soft, flute-like calls of bellbirds as I wandered the paths. But the absolute highlight? I was lucky enough to spot a tuatara, a living fossil and one of New Zealand’s most ancient and rare creatures.

Seeing a tuatara in the wild was genuinely magical. These creatures date back over 200 million years, and while they look a bit like lizards, they’re in a class all their own. Zealandia has carefully reintroduced them into the wild, where they’re protected and monitored, and the fact that I got to see one basking quietly in the sun felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The ethos behind Zealandia is all about giving nature a second chance. They’ve created a completely predator-free zone, where native species can thrive without the threats of rats, stoats, or possums. Their 500-year vision is to fully restore the valley’s ecosystem to its pre-human state. It’s ambitious, hopeful, and deeply moving.

Whether you're into conservation, wildlife, or just want a peaceful walk surrounded by native forest, Zealandia is a must-visit. Give yourself time to explore—and keep your eyes peeled. You never know when you might catch a glimpse of something prehistoric! They also run tours at night where you may be lucky enough to see the very special and protected Kiwi.

You can book your tour to Zealandia here - Zealandia Tour Choices

Top Tips for Visiting Wellington

If you're heading to the capital, here are a few friendly tips to make the most of your time:

1. Take the Cable Car early – It’s a popular attraction, so going in the morning means fewer crowds and the light is perfect for photos from the top! You can also walk back down through the botanical gardens if you choose.

2. Explore the waterfront on foot – The walk from Queen’s Wharf to Oriental Bay is beautiful, especially around sunset. Lots of sculptures, cafés, and locals enjoying the view.

3. Don’t skip Te Papa – New Zealand’s national museum is free (donations welcome), interactive, and full of amazing exhibitions. Great on a rainy day!

4. Dine like a local – Cuba Street is full of quirky cafés and restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a bite, a coffee, or a bit of people-watching.

5. Visit Zealandia in the morning or early evening – The birds are more active, and the light is great for spotting wildlife (and photos!). You can also book a guided tour if you want a deeper experience.

6. Be ready for the wind – Wellington is famously breezy. Pack a light jacket—even on sunny days!

Wellington has such a great mix of culture, nature, and good vibes. It’s the kind of place that feels easy to settle into, but there’s always something new to discover. 

From Wellington, I headed northeast to Napier, and the drive itself was stunning—rolling hills, vineyards, and little towns along the way. I stayed at the Harbour View Motel, right on Napier Beach, and had a beachfront room with a balcony. It was the perfect place to relax after the drive—waking up to the sound of the waves and enjoying a morning coffee while watching the sun rise over the Pacific was such a treat.

Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture, and walking through the town feels like stepping back in time. I spent a few hours just strolling around, taking photos, browsing quirky shops, and enjoying the laid-back coastal vibe. It’s one of those towns that feels both stylish and super relaxed at the same time.

One of the most fascinating things about Napier is how it came to look the way it does. The city’s iconic Art Deco architecture isn’t just a stylistic choice, it’s the result of a massive rebuild after a devastating natural disaster.

In February 1931, Napier (and nearby Hastings) was struck by a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake, still one of the most destructive in New Zealand’s history. The quake, followed by devastating fires, flattened most of the town. Tragically, over 250 people lost their lives, and nearly all of Napier’s central business district was destroyed.

But what came next was remarkable. Instead of rebuilding in the old style, the city embraced the popular architectural trends of the time: Art Deco, Spanish Mission, and Stripped Classical. These styles were seen as modern, optimistic, and forward-looking, perfect for a city rising from the rubble.

Within just two years, Napier was almost entirely rebuilt. The result is a uniquely cohesive look that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The pastel colors, geometric patterns, sunbursts, zigzags, and sleek lines all speak to a bold vision of the future from the 1930s.

Today, Napier is considered one of the best-preserved Art Deco cities in the world. There’s even an annual Art Deco Festival where locals and visitors dress up in vintage outfits, drive classic cars, and celebrate the spirit of the era.

It’s amazing to walk through the town and realise that all this beauty was born from a moment of such destruction. Napier isn’t just pretty, it’s resilient, creative, and full of history.

After soaking up Napier’s seaside charm, I hit the road again - next stop: Lake Taupō for a fresh dose of nature and adventure in the heart of the North Island.