Current smart traveller advice

In general, New Zealand is a very safe country to visit. So long as you are aware of your surroundings and don’t try anything funny, you should have a safe trip!

Safety tips and advice

Staying safe in a country that is unfamiliar to you is all about preparation. Do some research about where you’re going so you have an idea of what to expect and to avoid being caught off guard. Travel insurance is a great way to protect yourself and your assets when travelling to a new country.

Scams

Because New Zealand is one of the least cash dependent countries in the world, visitors don’t need to bring a lot of money with them. However, visitors do need to be aware of scams and fraud, and where they share their personal or banking details. Be wary of free Wi-Fi providers, as these are unsecure networks where hackers can easily extract your information. If you need to use an app containing sensitive information, be sure to only use it on a secured network.

Crime

Serious crime rates are much lower in New Zealand compared to other countries. In fact, New Zealand is rated as one of the most peaceful, least corrupt countries in the world. Of the 162 countries in the 2015 Global Peace Index, rating the risk of personal violence, New Zealand has been rated the fourth safest!

Of course, the country isn’t completely without crime, so it’s still advisable your wits about you as you travel the country.

Should you enter a dangerous situation, call 111 for all emergency services.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are quite prevalent in New Zealand, in fact, it’s nicknamed The Shaky Isles because tremors are so common. However, these earthquakes are rarely cause for concern. Any time you are visiting an area with the risk of an earthquake (no matter how small the risk) it’s a good idea to get insurance as a precaution.