Is New Zealand safe for solo female travelers?

New Zealand is widely recognized as a safe destination for solo female travelers. It is known for its hospitable people, low crime rates, and well-established tourism industry. Both urban and rural areas are typically safe to explore, and there are numerous hostels and accommodations that cater to solo travelers. As with any travel destination, it's always important to stay vigilant, especially at night, but overall, New Zealand is generally considered securely safe.

Safety rating

Make travel friends

Meet other female travelers, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is New Zealand for solo female travelers?

Travel safety index

4.6 /5

based on 30 experiences from female travelers

Méline

Méline

France

New Zealand, Solo travel

I stayed there for 8 months and never had any problem, the people are the nicest, you can walk alone at night without feeling scared to meet strange people. Around 6pm everyone is at home in little cities so it's quiet and nice 😁

Posted: November 9, 2025Experienced: October, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

New Zealand, Solo travel

I felt safe, it was one of the great things that you easily meet people who are generous and kind! I must say without a car traveling could have been a bigger task, so having a car was a plus plus. I haven’t felt unsafe or threatened. Food was better when self cooked

Posted: October 18, 2025Experienced: September, 2024
favorite_border 4
mode_comment 0

Rotorua, Couple travel

You might like it if it’s your first time but it’s so much diff from when I first visited as a student back in the early 90s. It’s become a lot more commercial and I suspect the geyser is even artificial. I read reviews that they were too. However it’s a safe town. Love the vibes there in general.

Posted: September 29, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Cassi

Cassi

United Kingdom

New Zealand, Family travel

I felt really safe and so comfortable at all times. We went parasailing which i recommended, 10/10! Went to beaches, tried local food places, rode horses in lakes and just tried to see as much as we could. We rented a car and it was really easy to do. Not too much hassle. We stayed with a host family while we were there and it was so much fun. Would definitely go back and plan too

Posted: June 17, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Mel

Mel

Australia

Queenstown, Couple travel

Queenstown is such a beautiful little mountain town. There is so many activities to do. Lots of adventure sports if you’re into that. We hired a rental car to get around but I’m not sure whether it’s needed if you’re content to stay in the same place. Accommodation and food can be a bit of the expensive side. I found some airbnbs that were reasonably priced. The scenery and hiking here is unreal. If you like the outdoors and mountains go to Queenstown. One of the safest places I’ve ever travelled as well.

Posted: February 6, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

How safe is New Zealand for women?

Local safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 77 local experiences

Local crime index

2 /5

Based on 77 local experiences

Auckland

Only passing through however it seems relatively safe and the normal precautions that I would take in any other city stand, don’t leave things in a parked car, leave drinks unattended, make sure friends get home safely etc.

Posted: November 26, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Federica

Federica

Auckland

Been here for just a few days but feels very chill and safe. It’s not overly crowded, even the centre where you’d usually expect it to be mobbed. I had no issue exploring the city by myself these past couple of days.

Posted: November 3, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Wellington

It’s pretty safe! Capital of NZ but very small. Walkable even at night. Obviously always be careful of your drink, and people on drugs… Very honest country if you lose something it is usually found by the community. Hospo community looks after eachother. We have Facebook groups in place to warm eachother of trouble people.

Posted: October 30, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Auckland

Compared to most big cities, it's pretty safe most of the time to walk around. Things do close early however, so the walk tends to be quite empty so keeping alert is still very important. Crime has gone up recently so it's especially important now.

Posted: October 29, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Auckland

I’d say it’s generally safe, but because I used to live there for 4 years back in the early 90s, I tend to compare with those days, and it does pale in comparison now. It’s a lot LESS safe than before.

Posted: September 29, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety in New Zealand

Hospitality Exchange in New Zealand

Victoria

Victoria

Wellington

Can host for:

5 days

About me

I'm an Australian New Zealander who has traveled all my life. I have a background in broadcasting but now teach English to adults. Conversation with other travelers is one of my favourite things.

Speaking

mode_comment 2
Tennille

Tennille

Dannevirke

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I live in Dannevirke, NZ. A rural town underneath the Ruahine Ranges. Happy to show you around the local hiking spots and further in the Manawatu area.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Expats in New Zealand

Captain

Captain

Wellington

About me

Relocating from the USA to Wellington on June 4. Staying in the CBD the month of June and relocating to Lowry Bay in July. I am a very diverse person with multiple interest with an adventure, spirit and respect for the land. I love all things, outdoors, art, music, dancing, food, and adventure. I will be celebrating my 39th birthday shortly after arriving. Meeting local women who have experience of living in New Zealand for guidance and friendship is welcome.

Speaking

Jenna

Jenna

Christchurch

About me

Hello Ladies!! I'm a Canadian who lives in New Zealand. I'm positive, like to have a good time. I'm planning a world trip next year starting in February 2026. I'll be back in New Zealand for a friends wedding in October 2026. I'm heading to Vietnam, Thailand, China, Turkey. Europe as well, but not sure which countries yet. Would love to fit in Morroco, Egypt and Tunisa if I can do it on a budget. I love travel, experiencing new things, learning about cultures, trying new food, long walks, nature, seeing different landscapes, meeting new people, beach, live music, specially dnb and electronic.

Speaking