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?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Is New Zealand safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 60 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 60 local experiences

New Zealand

Very safe overall in New Zealand. People are generally kind and helpful, open to different cultures. At night, I wouldn't recommend to go out at night alone, but that's personal for me. I have friends who have no problem with it.

Posted: March 25, 2025
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Hana

Hana

Auckland

Very safe city overall. Just be vigilant when it’s very late at night in but people are generally very friendly and won’t bother you. But will be happy to to help as well. Public transport isn’t very comprehensive but generally bus drivers are nice and willing to help. Walking at night in the city isn’t scary at all, but don’t go in dark alleyways by yourself if you’re not familiar with the area. Otherwise generally very good. Avoid south Auckland areas. Central and north shore are great safe lovely areas.

Posted: March 19, 2025
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Meet locals in New Zealand

Dana

Dana

About Me

Hey, I’m Dana, 21 years old, from New Zealand, currently travelling Europe! I have a degree in anthropology and history, so I love learning about other cultures and their history. I love looking at old buildings and experiencing culture, however, I also love nature and hiking. I am a photography and content creator, and am also very creative, play piano, sing etc. looking forward to connecting and meeting cool people!

Speaking

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Vanessa

Vanessa

About Me

Kia Ora 😀 I love all things adventure and having new experiences. I love food, music (especially electronic), hiking, kayaking, Lyra, climbing, meeting new people and living life as mindfully as I can. I am 35 and have a son who is about to leave home at the end of the year. I hosted Airbnb for year and have met some of my favourite people through this so when I found this app, it seemed perfect to me. Almost being an empty nester means I will get to do a lot more solo travel. I'm so excited to get out to see the world and to meet wonderful new humans! I am open minded, rainbow friendly and accepting of all people and their backgrounds and experiences.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in New Zealand

Vanessa

Vanessa

Christchurch

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Kia Ora 😀 I love all things adventure and having new experiences. I love food, music (especially electronic), hiking, kayaking, Lyra, climbing, meeting new people and living life as mindfully as I can. I am 35 and have a son who is about to leave home at the end of the year. I hosted Airbnb for year and have met some of my favourite people through this so when I found this app, it seemed perfect to me. Almost being an empty nester means I will get to do a lot more solo travel. I'm so excited to get out to see the world and to meet wonderful new humans! I am open minded, rainbow friendly and accepting of all people and their backgrounds and experiences.

Speaking

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Victoria

Victoria

Wellington

Can host for:

5 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. Conversation with other travelers is one of my favourite things.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to New Zealand

Pil

Pil

About Me

Hello! I'm Pil, a 25 year old woman aspiring to travel the world and everything it may bring me. I have earlier lived in Athens for 1,5 years, working as customer support for Google. It was an adventure as a 19 year old, and I can only recommend it! I now live with my sweet boyfriend in Copenhagen despite me being a true 'country-gal'. I am currently only working, but will hopefully, in a year of two, begin my studies as a veterinarian or marine biologist. I hope this will bring me further into the world of wonder and take care of our surroundings. Other than all of that, I enjoy taking different courses and certificates to improve lifeskills and opportunities later in life, so I currently have the following: - Driver licence for tractor, scooter, car, and motorcycle. - Speedboat certificate - Hunting licence and weapon permit - Scubadiving certificate - First Aid course - Extended fire safety training course - Scaffolding training - Epoxy course

Speaking

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yzc

yzc

About Me

I’m a student waiting to enter college. I love love love travelling and meeting new people. If you enjoy nature, hiking, nightlife, culture, and food, hmu!

Speaking

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Safety in New Zealand