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Visitor Safety - New Zealand Police

Keeping safe as a visitor in New Zealand

This information will help you enjoy your holiday and be safer as a visitor. It has been produced by the New Zealand Police, the tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Conservation and the NZ Mountain Safety Council.

 

Introduction

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.

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Section 1 - 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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Section 2 - Keeping Yourself Safe

Rates of crime in New Zealand are lower than many other countries, but 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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Section 3 - Keeping Safe Outdoors

Walking on the Keplar Track.

New Zealand is the perfect destination for all types of outdoor adventure and activity.

However, the weather in New Zealand changes very quickly which means an experience in our mountains and waterways can sometimes become extremely challenging. Intended short treks can be hazardous if you become injured, lose your way or the weather becomes unfavourable.

Visitors often get into difficulty because they over-estimate their ability, take unnecessary risks or aren't prepared for the conditions. 

If you are planning to go into the forests, hills or mountains, lakes, rivers or sea, seek advice on the conditions first from local experts or information centres - such as Department of Conservation staff, an i-SITE information centre or Police.

While enjoying the outdoors please don't remove any plants, or other natural resources.

Prepare well by taking suitable food and equipment. This will greatly improve your safety. Always take a waterproof top and warm clothing with you, even when good weather is forecast.  

Preferably do your activity with other people and ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and how long you intend to be away. Notify them if your plans change and of your safe return.

If possible, take a mobile phone with you in a zip lock plastic bag. However, be aware you may not get mobile coverage in some areas.

An emergency personal locator beacon is a useful device to have with you if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation. However for two-way communications in remote areas contact the Mountain Radio Service.

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Section 4 - 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 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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Section 5 - 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.

Keeping safe via txt messaging

New Zealand's two main mobile phone providers offer a txt messaging service for visitors.

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

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.

Police and the New Zealand tourism industry encourage you to use this service as another way of letting people know where you are and what you are doing while in our country.

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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