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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 index

4.8 /5

Based on 13 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 36 experiences from local women

New Zealand is currently ranked #8 safest country for solo female travelers. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is New Zealand?

Safety at night:Safe

New Zealand generally has low crime rates and is considered safe for a solo female traveler. However, as in any location worldwide, it is important to maintain personal safety by staying in well-lit and populated areas, keeping valuable belongings secure, and avoiding walking alone late at night in unfamiliar places. Like anywhere else, always stay alert and attentive to your surroundings.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in New Zealand is generally very safe. The country has a reliable network of buses, trains, and ferries that runs efficiently and on time. The stations and vehicles are clean, well-lit, and regularly patrolled by staff and security. It is common for solo travelers, including women, to use public transportation. However, as with any area, be aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings close at all times.

Street harassment:Very low

New Zealand is generally a very safe country for solo female travelers, with a friendly and respectful culture. Instances of street harassment are relatively low compared to many other countries, although as with any other place, it can occur on occasion. All the same, it is rare and is not commonly reported in most parts.

Petty crimes:Low

New Zealand largely enjoys a safe and secure environment with a relatively low crime rate. However, like everywhere else in the world, petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft from vehicles do occur particularly in popular tourist areas and larger cities. It is always advisable to take general precautions such as keeping valuables secure and maintaining a vigilant eye on your surroundings.

Is New Zealand worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 13 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

3.5/5

Budget-friendly

3/5

Syaza

Malaysia

Christchurch, Solo travel

I was travelling solo from Malaysia to Christchurch for a conference. I met a few friends there and would go around with them. But most of the time I also like to walk alone. Although a few years have passed since the mosque attack, I also feel cautious especially as a Muslim hijabi. But it was all okay, people were friendly and Christchurch to me looks like a city of rebuilding and relearning, especially after the earthquake. I was partially sponsored for my accommodation and flight so I wasn't sure of the rate. I stayed at an Airbnb on my last night as it was near the airport, it was a really nice airbnb with super friendly hosts I walk a lot, the food was okay, but I also tried the Uber and Uber food there.

Posted: August 30, 2024Experienced: April, 2023

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Rana

Saudi Arabia

Queenstown, Solo travel

I visited Queenstosn in December 2023. What an amazing place, the unbelievable nature and in top of that there are tons of activities you can do. In general, the quality of food is great in New Zealand. Queenstown is a very safe town for female solo travelers.

Posted: August 24, 2024

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Frauke

Netherlands

New Zealand, Solo travel

New Zealand is the best country for hiking and meeting nature. Don't go there for the food. But you'll be amazed by the kindness of the people and the spectacular views. Many 1 to 7 day hikes are easy to access

Posted: August 6, 2024Experienced: April, 2023

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Megan

New Zealand

Kaikoura, Solo travel

Very cute wee town with a good vibe to it and a beautiful drive on either side. If you’re looking to relax a bit and this is the stop for you. Nothing overly exciting going on but surrounded by beautiful nature and lovely hikes.

Posted: July 23, 2024

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New Zealand, Solo travel

Did a backpacking solo trip to New zealand for 15 months in 2018 :) I travelled from the North to the South and then back to the North in a camper van. It was an experience I would recommend everyone should have! Along my trip I took different jobs to finance my travels and met so many other lovely travellers that way, some of whom I am still in touch with today! I highly recommend working on fruit orchards, as it was always fun and you meet the most other travellers. I also definitely recommend buying a car to be more flexible. Personally, I would suggest buying a camper van, as it was amazing to be able to sleep right at the most beautiful nature spots. I felt really safe at all times! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me😊

Posted: July 21, 2024Experienced: October, 2018

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Aurora

Germany

New Zealand, Family travel

It feels much safer than in Europe in general. It’s less people, and the nature is so peaceful. The air in the mountain is out of the world refreshing. You need a car to travel easily everywhere in the country. But we took the flexibus, and sign up for some local tourism groups which gets rid of the hassle of driving and planning a lot, and the groups were also good.

Posted: June 22, 2024

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Anwesha

India

New Zealand, Couple travel

Highlights of my NZ trip & things I’d strongly recommend not to miss: 1. Rotoura- the geothermal formations with their vibrant colors are simply one-of-kind experience. 2. Lake Tekapo- another unique experience of staying in a small quite village where lights go out in the evenings for you to fully enjoy the famour Tekapo night sky and stargazing 3. South Island drive- If possible self drive through south island. Its very safe and easy drive. Roads are the best I’ve driven on with lovely countryside views Rest of my itenary included Auckland and Queensland cities, Hobbiton day trip, Hahei beach town (and a hike to Cathedral Cove), and a tour of the famous Milford Sound. We went to see the very instagrammable Wanaka Tree too enroute to Tekapo and i found it to be very over rated. I’d rather recommend stopping over at The Puzzling World in Wanaka- a very interesting illusion museum!

Posted: June 19, 2024

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Jessica

New Zealand

Nelson, Family travel

This was a mixture of takaka, Nelson, and kahurangi national park is incredible so is Harwords hole you have to go spend a week just tramping and driving around a car is definitely a nessassery though.

Posted: June 17, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

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Queenstown, Solo travel

I felt not safe in Queenstown when I risked booking a mixed hostel room. It was only me and another guy. However, I ventured for sex from me subtly. I said no. Then he left the room and never came back. Tbh, I was afraid he was gonna come back but I didn’t let the reception know or ring the police. That was a lucky miss for me. Other than this experience, everything else was impeccable.

Posted: June 15, 2024

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New Zealand, Solo travel

I felt very safe my whole time in NZ, such friendly and helpful people. Stayed at a few different hostels and met a few great travel buddies along the way! Highly recommend. There are some absolutely stunning areas of natural beauty everywhere you look.

Posted: June 14, 2024Experienced: May, 2006

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Is New Zealand safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

New 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, 2024

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Rotorua

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

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Is New Zealand safe right now?

Before your visit to New Zealand, it's essential to check travel advisories for New Zealand, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States Government advises exercising normal precautions in New Zealand. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 8, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

**The Canadian Government advises to take normal security precautions in New Zealand.** Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: October 4, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in New Zealand. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 18, 2024

Meet locals in New Zealand

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 :)

Speaking

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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.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in New Zealand

Samantha

New Zealand

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

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Victoria

Wellington

Can host for:

3 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.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to New Zealand

Monika

About Me

Monika, 25 yo, corporate rat & video editing in free time. Living in Warsaw (able to host), also with possibility to offer place in Lesser Poland Area.

Speaking

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Monika

About Me

Monika, 25 yo, corporate rat & video editing in free time. Living in Warsaw (able to host), also with possibility to offer place in Lesser Poland Area.