Region in Northland, New Zealand
Bay of Islands for solo travelers
Is Bay of Islands good for solo travel?
Subtropical bay in Northland with islands, dolphin cruises, sailing and the Treaty of Waitangi site. Relaxed and scenic; public transport is thin, and Paihia and Russell are the realistic bases.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women. Normal care with hitchhiking and isolated beaches. |
How to meet people in Bay of Islands
Hostels in Paihia, group dolphin and Hole in the Rock cruises, kayaking tours and shared walks around Waitangi.
Good things to do alone
- Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Take the ferry to Russell and walk the Flagstaff Hill track
- Swim with dolphins on a cruise
- Hike the Waitangi forest and walks
Where to stay in Bay of Islands
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Paihia | Main base: tours, hostels, ferry to Russell |
| Russell | Historic village; quieter, pricier stays |
| Kerikeri | Cheaper long stays inland, orchards and cafés |
Solo travel across New Zealand
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Auckland | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Wellington | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Christchurch | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Rotorua | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Wanaka | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Taupo | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Bay of Islands | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Coromandel | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Tauranga | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Dunedin | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Nelson | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Kaikoura | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Milford Sound | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Lake Tekapo | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Waiheke Island | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Franz Josef | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
Quick answers
Is Bay of Islands good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Subtropical bay in Northland with islands, dolphin cruises, sailing and the Treaty of Waitangi site.
How do you meet people in Bay of Islands?
Hostels in Paihia, group dolphin and Hole in the Rock cruises, kayaking tours and shared walks around Waitangi. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Bay of Islands?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is Bay of Islands safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women. Normal care with hitchhiking and isolated beaches.
More about Bay of Islands
Going to Bay of Islands solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bay of Islands meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.