Sarah WallockAll good ideas come on hikes, right? Right.
A friend and I headed down to Te Anau to hike up to Lake Marian, pictured below. I was having an especially difficult period while living in Queenstown, and we wanted to get out of town for the weekend. As we reached the summit of the hike, she urged me to buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room and give myself some space to establish clarity on my future in New Zealand. And the trajectory of my 23 year-old life.
I had just quit my job and changed my visa. I was feeling hopeless due to the impact of Covid-19 on my already bleak future in New Zealand. And I was constantly burnt out and exhausted. It didn’t really feel like I had any reason to get out of bed in the mornings… And I didn’t. I would sit in bed writing on my blog until 3pm without eating or stretching.
Go anywhere, go anything, just get out of here. Solo travel is the most refreshing thing out there.
She had me convinced, but I was still pretty nervous. I wasn’t nervous about the logistics of the trip or taking care of myself. I was nervous about being alone for a few days and what I would discover…
To Wellington I Go!
Solo travel to Wellington it would be then. I booked an Airbnb and plane ticket one after the other. At the time, I was still on a budget but wanted to splurge as it would be a trip for me-time. This lead me to chose a cozy guest house in the suburbs near the beach.
I chose Wellington because it was still winter, so too cold to go backpacking and I had never spent more than a few hours in Welly.
I had met a dancer from Welly at a workshop with the Royal Family in that January, so I shot her a message that I would be around. She offered to pick me up from the airport and I was feeling more calm already. True Kiwi hospitality!
It was so unexpected and lovely to be greeted at the airport by a familiar face. I was already enjoying my newfound independence of being in a city where I knew almost no one.
Initial Thoughts on Solo Travel
Every time I wanted food, or to change the plan, or to wander in an unknown direction, I could. The only person I was accountable for was myself.
I definitely had some mixed feelings about solo travel. And I still do. There is nothing more special than sharing moments with those you love, but everything should have balance.
After being hooted and hollered at by a group of men on Cuba Street, at 7pm on a Monday in my sweatpants and baggy shirt, then nibbling on “plates for sharing” with my adventure partner nowhere to be found; I began to second-guess myself.
Molly dropped me at her work in downtown Wellington and I walked over to fantastic Te Papa Museum, featuring New Zealand history and visited the exhibit on refugees and the outdoor garden.
Throughout the whole trip, having an activity made the solo travel worthwhile. Whether it was meandering around the museum, taking a dance class, or watching a show, it gave me purpose.
Top Welly Recs
Te Papa Museum of New Zealand – This is my favorite museum in all of New Zealand.
Rasa Malaysian Food on Cuba Street – We got recommended to this spot by the manager of the camping park and loved the lowkey vibe and delicious food.
Brunch at Lola Stays and walk along Oriental Parade – I had a filling and tasty brunch here after being invited by a friend. Excellent location for exploring the coast.
Wellington Cable Car and Wellington Gardens – This is a classic!
Mount Albert Park for stargazing or concerts – I watched the lunar eclipse with Molly. It was an iconic Kiwi experience.
Discover more of my solo travel adventures in my memoir, Chasing a Feeling.
