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

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Safety index

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.

Tap water:Very safe

New Zealand's tap water is typically very safe to drink due to their strict water quality standards. It's sourced from pristine resources and is rigorously tested, complying with high sanitary measures. However, during heavy rainfalls, take advice from local authorities, as this might temporarily affect the water.

Is New Zealand safe to travel?

4.7 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Solo travel experience

Everyone in new zealand is so friendly and welcoming. The scenery is incredible. Transport to get around is difficult, so I would recommend buying a car if you will be there for a few months. Hitchhiking is also an option given how safe it is there.

Posted: April 9, 2024Experienced: December, 2022
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Group travel experience

New Zealand was very safe and accommodating. We stayed in Paihia and I went there as part of a travel group with Contiki. The trip was relatively not cheap considering the activities I decided to engage in included boat cruises and sky diving but the trip was well worth it. The views were spectacular.

Posted: December 20, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I travelled alone to New Zealand for 2 weeks. I never felt unsafe, people were very friendly and helpful. I flew into Auckland, and took a bus to Rotorua. I spent a day in Whakarewarewa, in the evening I enjoyed hot springs and a massage at Polynesian Spa. I took a long bus ride (9 hours) from Rotorua to Wellington. I chose the bus because I wanted to see the surroundings and I was not disappointed. I stayed at an AirBnB in Wellington (Te Papa museum, a cable car ride to the Botanic Garden, I also went to an All Blacks match). I flew from Wellington to Queenstown. I stayed at a YHA hostel (highly recommend a single room). I took a gondola to the top, then walked back down, took a lake cruise to a sheep farm, and also did a one-day trip to Milford Sound. I returned to Auckland for 3 days before leaving the country and a friend who lived there showed me around the city. I wish I could have stayed in New Zealand longer. There is so much more to see.

Posted: December 14, 2022
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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 taking normal security precautions in New Zealand. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 19, 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: April 16, 2024

Is New Zealand worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 6 experiences

Solo travel experience

New Zealand is amazing. I've been there three times and I definitely recommend renting a camper. New Zealand has some of the best free camping spots in the world and many fantastic campgrounds that encourage this. My favourite attractions are: * Waipoua Forest and its majestic trees * The Waitangi Treaty House (wonderful history of Māori relations with the whites) * Waitomo Caves * Rotorua - Gravity sledding (Luge) and thermal pools * Te Papa Museum (Wellington) * Kaikoura - the perfect bay for dolphins and whales * Franz Josef Glacier * Queenstown * Milford Sound Fiord

Posted: December 14, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I flew to Queenstown. I spent there 3 days, during which I took a trip to Mt Cook National Park, another trip to Glenorchy, and also used the cable car in Queenstown, as well as a boat trip on the lake. Then the bus drove 8 hours to the town of Franz Josef. The bus was like a sightseeing tour, stopping at various viewpoints, a waterfall, Lake Wanaka, a fish farm, etc. during the trip. I spent 3 days in the town of Franz Josef. That's where the glacier is. I took a helicopter tour there. I walked the trail around Lake Matheson and another in Okarito. In the end, I returned by bus to Queenstown for my flight back home.

Posted: December 14, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in New Zealand

Meet local women in New Zealand who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
SophieNZ

SophieNZ

About Me

Hi, I'm a Kiwi living in a little bach near the beach with my dog Wilbur. Love travel, nature, dancing, cooking and entertaining! Heading to Europe for a month in July and would love to meet some awesome women from around the globe and hopefully do the same for others when they're in New Zealand 🇳🇿 😊

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Samantha

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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Stay with locals in New Zealand

Stay with local women in New Zealand who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Samantha

Samantha

New Zealand

Can host for:

3 days

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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SophieNZ

SophieNZ

Mount Maunganui

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi, I'm a Kiwi living in a little bach near the beach with my dog Wilbur. Love travel, nature, dancing, cooking and entertaining! Heading to Europe for a month in July and would love to meet some awesome women from around the globe and hopefully do the same for others when they're in New Zealand 🇳🇿 😊

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Upcoming visitors to New Zealand

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Josie

Josie

About Me

Hi, I'm Josie, recently turned 30, working as a mental health therapist and taking a break to travel 🤗

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Safety in New Zealand