Author: Debra Howell, Founder of Kiwi Ultralight
We don't hike alone to avoid others, we hike alone to better experience ourselves and our place in nature.
Aspiration - the one-word summation of women's answer to the question, "What do you think of hiking solo?"
Whether they've already caught the bug, or they're trying to get started, Kiwi women aspire to improve themselves and their tramping skills to the point of being a master of the solo tramp.
Having completed Te Araroa, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Appalachian Trail after starting each alone, walking solo through vast, beautiful landscapes is something I've learned to love. There’s something profoundly transformative about standing on a remote mountain ridge feeling connected to the land beneath your feet. But I started with group tramping like essentially everyone does, and I learned and tested my skills in increasingly difficult adventures over the years to reach the point where I felt comfortable leaving my desk job to walk TA by myself.
In this post you'll find practical advice for women considering solo tramping in New Zealand. While solo hiking offers incredible rewards, it’s essential to be prepared and informed - safety, gear, and mental strength all play a crucial role.
My hope is that you will find the confidence, and the pride, that comes with accepting the challenge of solo tramping - the benefits will permeate every aspect of your life.
Overcoming Fears and Building Confidence
Taking the first steps toward solo tramping is often delayed by unease about the unknown, or worrying about worst-case scenarios. The thought of getting lost, encountering wild animals, or dealing with an emergency while alone can be daunting.
But as we always advise, knowledge and preparation can overcome any obstacle!
You'll find the more you walk, the more you learn to manage your fears and trust yourself. The trick is just getting started in the first place.
Here are a few ways I suggest building confidence:
Start Small: If you’re new to solo tramping, begin with shorter, easier tramps to build your confidence. Many of the Great Walks offer manageable challenges that still immerse you in New Zealand’s stunning landscape. They also have the benefit of being popular - tramping solo with others, if you will.
Alternatively, try a trip you’ve walked previously with a group, the familiarity of the track will make the whole adventure feel less daunting. After that, pick tracks less crowded or less familiar and go from there.
Practice Skills: Learn how to read a topo map before you start. Plan your trips beforehand using the map, and note key features of the landscape so that you can identify them even in the bush. Eventually, this skill will become second nature and act as a passive tool to keep you from getting lost. It removes dependence on the trail markers and improves immersion more than most other techniques. This is just an example, look for other areas where you may be uneasy and dive in!
Connect with Other Women: The tramping community is quite supportive and connecting with others through online forums or in-person meetups can provide valuable encouragement and advice.
Connecting with Nature and Yourself
When you go solo tramping, it’s not just about the adventure—it’s a chance to really build your self-reliance and experience the mental boost that comes from being out in nature.
"Love solo hiking! Easy to get organized, can go at my own pace, eat all the food myself, and actually have an introvert-approved break! Also it forces me to rely on my own skills and decisions and that is quite empowering." -Amy B.
For me, hiking alone in New Zealand has been a transformative experience. It’s a chance to reflect, breathe deeply, and match the slow rhythm of the world around you. No rushing, no distraction - just the present moment and the trail ahead. Tramping can ultimately be a more meditative experience when done alone.
Who doesn't need more quiet time?
"Solo tramping allows me to be fully in tune with myself and the Taiao. I slip into a mindful, intuitive space where I often have epiphanies and marvel at the small things. I express a lot of gratitude when I'm alone and I feel like I have all the time in the world." -Gee M.
And when it comes to landscapes, New Zealand has it all - stark mountains, lush forests, shimmering lakes, wild rivers, and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a tramper’s paradise, and its tracks are often quiet and remote offering the perfect setting for solo adventures.
The solitude you experience on a solo tramp in New Zealand is unparalleled. It’s just you and the land, and that sense of isolation can be both exhilarating and intimidating. But with that beauty and isolation comes challenge. It’s crucial to be prepared for all conditions and to remain flexible with your plans.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Trampers in NZ
Safety is always a top priority. This doesn't change no matter how ultralight you go, nor how big (or small) your group. Some safety gear should even be duplicated in groups, so here’s a basic rundown of how I prepare under all scenarios:
Planning & Preparation:
Route Planning & Navigation: Understand your route thoroughly. I recommend using topo maps in the section above, and you should also consult the Department of Conservation website or the Plan My Walk app for each track you plan to tackle. It’s important to know where the nearest huts or campsites are, as well as the exit points in case something goes wrong.
Weather Forecasting: Check weather reports regularly and be prepared to make last-minute changes. The weather can change quickly, especially in mountainous areas.
Leave Intentions: Always inform a friend or family member of your route and expected return time. This can be via text or email, but if you want to do something more formal, then the Adventure Smart website offers a good baseline of information to provide to your trusted contact.
Gear Essentials:
We have an in-depth gear guide that provides a more complete list, but here are some important considerations for solo tramping.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): This is a must-have. If you get into trouble, a PLB can save your life. Beyond that, a satellite communicator (such as the Garmin Inreach) can also help you stay in touch with others and make you feel less alone when you need it.
Emergency Kit: A good first-aid kit with supplies you’re comfortable using is vital. At the very least, this should include a firestarter, a high-quality medical tape (Leukotape P optimally), and any medicines you need such as an anti-histamine for allergic reactions.
Navigation Tools: Topo maps, topo maps, topo maps. Know them, use them, and have apps such as New Zealand Maps or Farout on your phone. This may upset the old boys' club, but a topo map and knowledge of the terrain are more important than a compass or any other single navigation tool. That's not to say you shouldn't have a compass, but a good topo map is more useful in nearly every way.
Shelter: It’s always a good idea to carry an emergency tarp, bivy bag, or ultralight tent. You never know when you won't make it to the hut, or when the beds will be full!
On the Trail:
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s the weather, the trail, or your surroundings, listen to that gut feeling. If you need to turn back, do it. There's always next time.
Managing Risk: If the conditions on a river crossing or a mountain pass don’t feel safe, don't hesitate to adjust your plans. I’ve turned back or altered plans on several occasions when I knew the risk outweighed the reward. This is where knowing the terrain and finding alternative paths can save a trip.
Conclusion: It's All Mental!
Solo tramping in New Zealand is a rewarding and empowering experience. While it requires preparation, knowledge, and courage, the rewards - independence, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with nature - are worth every step.
Ultimately, the only thing holding you back is the mental game, and you can build this up over time the same as you can build up your physical strength to tackle harder adventures. Learn, test gear, and gain knowledge with each trip. By the time you come back from all your solo adventures, your group will surely recognise you as a leader!
"Walking your hiking journey is like walking through your life journey, you take the initiative, you're in charge of your trip, navigation, rerouting, and at your unique pace. It's very empowering, you learn a lot of skills which can apply in real life. Going into nature alone is a good way to unwind, reset, restart, and to experience invaluable freedom." -Dee Y.
To all the women out there considering a solo tramp, I encourage you to take that leap. You don't need anyone to say you're ready. The wilderness is waiting for you, and with the right preparation, you’ll emerge stronger, more confident, and forever changed for the better.
Feel free to reach out for advice, and remember: the wilderness is for everyone!
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