Visitor Safety

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Keeping safe as a visitor in New Zealand

New Zealand is a relatively safe travel destination but we are not crime free.  Just as you would in your home country, it's important to look after yourself and your possessions while travelling around New Zealand.

Try not to put yourself in unsafe situations, or leave your valuable possessions where somebody else could easily take them.

Keeping safe on New Zealand roads
Keeping yourself safe
Keeping safe outdoors
Keeping your possessions safe
Keeping your credit cards and identity safe
Keeping safe via text messaging
Keeping safe around alcohol
General information
Useful websites
 

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Keeping safe on New Zealand roads

New Zealand has a good roading system, but weather extremes, changes in terrain, and narrow secondary roads and bridges can make driving hazardous.

Although New Zealand is a small country, it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest.

You should always be well rested before starting a long road trip. There have been serious crashes in New Zealand when people have attempted to drive while tired after a long-haul flight.

During long journeys, take regular rest and refreshment breaks.

Remember: a fatigued driver is an unsafe driver.

The following general information is provided for your road safety:

  • Drive on the left-hand-side of the road and give way to your right.
  • Keep within the speed limits. Speed limits are rigorously enforced by Police.
  • Drive carefully according to the weather conditions.
  • Fixed and mobile speed cameras operate throughout New Zealand.
  • You are required by law to carry your driver licence with you at all times.
  • All vehicle drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt or approved child restraint at all times.
  • If you are cycling or motorcycling, cycle helmets and motorcycle helmets are compulsory.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime. Police actively enforce it. Penalties are severe and your vehicle could be impounded in certain circumstances.
  • If you are driving a campervan, you will generally drive more slowly than other vehicles. Where it is safe, please pull over to let other vehicles pass.
  • For your own safety, hitch-hiking is not recommended.

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Keeping yourself safe

You can help keep yourself and others safe by following these simple tips.

  • Be aware and take notice of your surroundings and who’s around when out walking or sight-seeing.
  • If possible, go places with someone you know and trust.
  • Avoid walking alone in isolated places late at night. Stay in well-lit areas where there are other people. Take a taxi or arrange for someone you know to pick you up.
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery with you. If you must carry valuable items, keep them close to your body.
  • If using an ATM, only withdraw small amounts of cash - preferably during the day - shield your PIN number and be aware of people around you.
  • If you are in a bar, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and don't leave your drink unattended. Remember, alcohol and drugs can affect your judgement.
  • Police do not recommend accepting rides from people you don't know.
  • Carry a mobile phone with you and don’t hesitate to use New Zealand’s emergency phone number if you feel unsafe or threatened. Dial 111.

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Keeping safe outdoors

Walking on the Keplar Track.

New Zealand is the perfect destination for all types of outdoor adventure and activity. Before heading into your chosen pursuit, make sure you follow the Outdoor Safety Code:

Outdoor Safety Code

  1. Plan your trip
    Seek local knowledge as Department of Conservation staff, an i-SITE information centre or Police and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.
  2. Tell someone
    Tell someone your plans and leave a date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned, visit AdventureSmart to find out how.
  3. Be aware of the weather
    New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes.
  4. Know your limits
    Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience. Going with others is better than going alone.
  5. Take sufficient supplies
    Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication. Don’t rely on cell phone coverage and consider using a personal locator beacon especially if you’re travelling alone. You can buy or hire a distress beacon however for two-way communications in remote areas contact the Mountain Radio Service.

Outdoor Intentions

When using the outdoors for recreational activities safety is your responsibility so tell someone your plans (Outdoor Intentions) as it may save your life.

Land-based outdoor intentions 

Visit the AdventureSmart website, complete the Outdoors Intentions process, and record details of your proposed trip before you go. 

Boating and aviation outdoor intentions

While enjoying the outdoors please don't remove any plants, or other natural resources. Visit www.leavenotrace.org.nz for more information.

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Keeping your possessions safe

  • Always lock your accommodation or vehicle and keep windows secure.
  • If possible, don’t leave valuables in parked cars or campervans - especially at scenic spots or trail heads. If you must leave valuables behind, keep them out of sight.
  • Store your valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your accommodation.
  • Carry important documents with you - such as your passport, credit cards, and traveller’s cheques. Keep copies of these documents separate from the originals.
  • Hand your room key to a staff member at the reception of your accommodation, rather than carrying it with you.
  • Keep a record of the description and serial numbers of your valuable items e.g. camcorder or digital camera.
  • If travelling by campervan, always try and park it overnight in holiday parks, Department of Conservation camping grounds or other specially designated areas, or at least where there are other people. If in doubt, ask the nearest i-SITE.
  • Don’t leave maps, luggage or visitor brochures visible in your vehicle.
  • Don’t leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras unattended in a public place, even for a short while – especially at airports, railway stations or ferry terminals.
  • If any of your possessions are misplaced or stolen, advise police as soon as possible by going to the nearest Police Station.

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Keeping your credit cards and identity safe

  • Be careful who you give personal information to.
  • Minimise the number of cards and ID you carry in your wallet.
  • Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to let your credit card out of your sight whenever possible.
  • Keep your credit cards in a purse or wallet close to your body where it can't easily be snatched away.
  • Shield your credit card number and PIN so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.
  • Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately. Inform the nearest Police Station.
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Keeping safe via text messaging

New Zealand mobile phone providers Telecom, Vodafone and 2degrees Mobile offer a text messaging service for visitors.

You can send updates about your location and travel movements via text to number 7233 [SAFE]. These details are kept on a central database which can be accessed on request by Police if necessary to help locate you.

Each text message sent to 7233 will be acknowledged by an automated response, which advises you to call 111 and request police assistance if you are in danger.

It is also a good idea to leave detailed information about your travel plans with friends and/or family back home.

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Keeping safe around alcohol

New Zealand has important controls around the buying and drinking of alcohol.
  • The legal age for purchasing alcohol is 18. If you look 25 years or younger, proof of age may be asked for.
  • The only acceptable forms of proof-of-age are on overseas passport, a NZ passport, NZ Drivers License or the Hospitality Association of New Zealand (HANZ) 18+ card.
  • Most New Zealand towns and cities have liquor bans in designate public places, e.g. central business districts or alongside stadiums.
  • Drinking alcohol or having an open container of alcohol in a liquor ban area could lead to arrest and a court appearance.
  • Drinking of alcohol while on public transport, including taxis will attract a fine of up to $300.
  • Intoxicated people, by law, cannot be served alcohol or allowed entry to licensed premises e.g. pubs, cafes, bars and hotels.
  • Intoxicated people may be asked to leave stadiums and other licensed premises.
  • Look after your friends and drink alcohol responsibly.
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General information

The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111. It is a free phone call. If you have an emergency and need a quick response from Police, the Fire Service or Ambulance, then dial 111.

There are Police Stations in all main towns and cities in New Zealand, and in many rural locations. Contact details for these stations can be found in local telephone books.

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Useful websites

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