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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How safe is New Zealand for female travelers?

Travel safety index

4.6 /5

based on 29 experiences from female travelers

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
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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
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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
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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
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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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How safe is New Zealand for women?

Local safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 76 local experiences

Local crime index

2 /5

Based on 76 local experiences

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
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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
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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
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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
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Auckland

Pretty safe overall, but exercise good observation skills in the city, at night and on public transport. The city does have aggressive homeless folk or those with severe untreated MH issues who may yell abuse or try to touch you. Be confident and ignore. Be situationally aware on public transport as there are a number of thefts and MH related abusive incidents.

Posted: September 15, 2025
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Safety in New Zealand