Is New Zealand Safe for Women? Crime Rate in New Zealand
Safety rating
Women living in New Zealand consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in New Zealand consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.8 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 2.9% percentage of women in New Zealand have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 40 experiences
Safety rating: | 4.1/5 | Safe |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 3.5/5 | Safe |
Safety using public transport: | 4.4/5 | Safe |
Crime rate: | 1.8/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.5/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Is New Zealand safe for women?
Paekākāriki
Paekakariki is a small village, it feels very safe as there are lots of houses around, young families, and a friendly community. The train station is well lit. I would still use caution if walking alone at night and not go walking alone in park areas or the beach etc after dark as standard, but generally it is a safe place.
Posted: October 30, 2024Auckland
I grew up in Auckland and we left our front door unlocked in our house all the time and never had a problem. Some crime is on the rise but I still feel safe walking alone at night and living alone in NZ. Police are active and there is strong community spirit. Pick-pocketing is not common at all. New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the vote. You can and should expect to be treated fairly and equally. New Zealand is over 50% atheist so you are free to be yourself, without religious restrictions. Gay marriage is legal in NZ. NZ can be racist towards people that are not white, especially in the South Island where it is a pre-dominantly white population. Due to the low population of people from Africa in NZ, if you are of African descent you may get treated like an exotic flower.
Posted: October 29, 2024Wellington
On the whole very safe, it’s a pretty small city and people generally look out for each other. Like anywhere I wouldn’t say walking alone at night is recommended but I have many times and it’s always been okay :))
Posted: October 20, 2024Wellington
Pretty safe. Usual sort of stuff applies though like it’s not guaranteed safe to walk around at night. You wouldn’t really experience any issues day to day. Chill place with good vibe. Some homeless people etc.
Posted: October 14, 2024New Plymouth
Generally New Plymouth is safe and you can expect to be able to walk around uninterrupted during the evening. The community are also very supportive and should you need help, those around you are likely to assist.
Posted: September 7, 2024Rotorua
Rotorua is a place where one neighbourhood can be so lovely and tight but but if you turn a corner you could suddenly be surrounded by gangs, police and drug/alcohol abuse. The public transport isn’t too unsafe however if you are disabled it is a vulnerable place to be with a presence of discrimination. I would not be comfortable walking around Rotorua after dark by myself.
Posted: August 21, 2024
Koree
Wellington
Wellington is very safe. I personally have never experienced anything untoward from men. However, I have experienced cat-calling over the years, but this seems to have lessened as the world gets more progressive and men begin to use more of their brains. Keep your usual smarts about you, follow your instinct, and make sure you're with people if you're drinking.
Posted: August 9, 2024
sarah
Nelson
Nelson is a sleepy town but sometimes when it’s so quiet it feels rather eerie. Mugging doesn’t occur, but as a woman I think it’s always wise to be with another human in the middle of the nights. I have never been attacked and I’ve lived there most of my life!
Posted: August 3, 2024Whangarei
Whangarei is fairly safe when using common sense! Don’t walk alone past 10pm, everywhere during day time is fine to explore. Most crimes aren’t gender targeted - you will not feel uncomfortable walking around as a woman.
Posted: July 31, 2024Dunedin
Dunedin has felt quite safe, except for the occasional drunk and rowdy students. However, compared to other places I have been, they are much tamer. This can be a problem only very late into the night or early in the morning. In general, very safe and the people are quite helpful as well.
Posted: July 30, 2024Meet locals in New Zealand
Samantha
About Me
I am friendly,easy going, good sense of humour, honest, smoker, like to have a drink, but not everyday and nothing too strong, interested to learn about other countries and cultures and of course to travel to various countries.
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Summer
About Me
Hello! My name is Summer and I am a 24 year old solo female backpacker travelling around the world. I love connecting with local and fellow women travellers on my journey :)
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Safety in New Zealand
Christchurch
Auckland
Nelson
Hamilton
Rotorua
Kerikeri
Whangarei
New Plymouth
Wellington
Dunedin
Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula
Frequently asked questions
Is New Zealand safe?
Is New Zealand safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in New Zealand?
What is the crime rate in New Zealand?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in New Zealand?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in New Zealand?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in New Zealand?
What is the risk of burglary in New Zealand?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in New Zealand?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in New Zealand?
