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

4.6 /5

Based on 26 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.1 /5

Based on 67 experiences from local women

New Zealand is currently ranked #32 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.6 out of 5. 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

4.4 /5

based on 26 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

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

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New Zealand, Group travel

I did a two week road trip. It was such a wonderful experience. I may say that it is probably the most beautiful country I've ever been to. The natural landscapes are amazing. However, do not make the same mistake I did... I went in winter... I didn't know what cold means till I visited NZ... I would probably recommend you to go to any other season of the year, you won't probably see snow but you will survive 😂😂

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: May, 2020

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Bella

Australia

Queenstown, Group travel

I absolutely love Queenstown. I have been there twice now, once with family and just last year with friends. You can easily spend 1-2 weeks here and not run out of things to do. There is always something to do and I didn’t once feel unsafe. Below are some of my top recommendations! Restaurants: - The Cow - oldest restaurant in Queenstown, very cosy vibes and great authentic Italian food - Pog Mahoney Irish Pub - right in the centre some of the best food I’ve ever had, if you live steak you have to go here it comes out sizzling on a hot plate and you cook it to your liking. - The Bathhouse - really cute breakfast spot right on the beach, really yummy scrambled eggs and stunning view - White & Wongs - Asian Fusion restaurant, the best chicken noodle soup (especially when you’re sick like I was) - madam woo - south Asian cuisine which I don’t normally have but it was so delicious. Honestly no matter where you go in Queenstown it’s probably going to be good every where we ate was incredible and most prices are pretty comparable mid - expensive. Accomodation - The best hostel is definitely Absoloot Hostel. It is the perfect location and really comfortable dorm rooms and beds. Staff were really lovely, great view from kitchen and not too crowded but also nice and social if that’s what you’re looking for. Activities - SKIING - if you’re there in winter - lots of adrenaline activités including bungee jumping, canyon swing (as pictured), water rafting, waterfall canyoning - hikes: the main hill in Queenstown can be hiked, takes 1-2 hours if you’re walking from the centre of Queenstown, hooker valley track is a few hours drive from queesntown but so so worth it if you have a car to get there. The most beautiful place we visited.

Posted: January 10, 2025

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Lina

New Zealand

Auckland, Solo travel

Auckland is nice. It's just that they don't have a lot of stuff to see. You're only gonna need a week for the experience. At least that's what it was like for me. Mount Eden is very nice though. The art museum is also very interesting.

Posted: December 27, 2024Experienced: September, 2024

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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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Is New Zealand safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 67 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 67 local experiences

New Zealand

I would say day to day New Zealand feels safe. But I definitely feel less safe at night when I’m alone. Definitely make choices that keep me safe and am wary of hitchhiking in isolated areas and in general too. Most of the time it feels fine but you still come across the odd creep unfortunately. So try to make choices that keep me safe when that happens.

Posted: May 29, 2025

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Bella

Hamilton

Hamilton is a safe wee town an hour south from Auckland in New Zealand. The only thing safety wise I would recommend being cautious after dark - not walking alone, being cautious if you are going out to town because there are a couple weirdos.

Posted: May 20, 2025

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