Is New Zealand a safe place to vacation?

Question

I hear its a beautiful country, but violent like NYC used to be.

Any advice?

I have been reading the NZ newspapers online cause the place interests me.

Every day there seems to be a brutal murder reported - some on tourists

I just wonder if its as safe as they try to make out in the brochures

Answer 1

You are right, there have been 10 violent murders already this year. There is also an extremely high rate of child abuse deaths. So-far we haven't had any serial killers as far as I know. Guns are not easily accessible here so the weapons used are generally knives. So if you keep a safe distance from danger you aren't likely to be attacked. It is not as safe as it used to be. You don't leave ANYTHING in your car, women must hold their handbags securely or they will be snatched, and you keep your house (or apartment, motel room etc.) locked even during the day. You don't go for runs or walks after dark on your own and you keep away from certain areas - particularly parts of South Auckland or inner city - pubs etc. late at night.

I read somewhere that we have the highest crime rate per capita but they can't possibly have included South Africa in the survey surely!!

If you don't own a place where some drug addicted teenager might be able to take your money, and you aren't out in secluded areas late at night - you should be safe because the murders that have occurred were in either one of those situations.

Answer 2

All travel today can be dangerous NZ not as bad as Baghdad

Answer 3

I don't know, all my friends who have been have never returned...

Answer 4

Like all countries, there are good and bad and murders occur in almost every country.  We travelled around in motorhome in South Island for 2 weeks and found New Zealanders  generally to be very approachable and helpful & friendly people. Be alert but not alarmed and have an enjoyable holiday.

Answer 5

It is a great place.  It's true that there is violence in some places but a lot of the time it is caused by idiot teenagers or gang members.  It is bery possible to visit NZ and be safe as ever.  I have lived in NZ my whole life and lived in Auckland for 10yrs+ and I feel very safe just about where ever I go.  There are some places that you stay away from  but all tourist areas are safe.  I have traveled around the South Island and found everyone very friendly.  I am currrently living in central North Island and it is so safe here that we leave the keys in the car and the house unlocked and open when we go out.  NZ is a fantastic place to visit, so good that some people never leave,  so don't take any notice of what the newspapers and news says,  or what other people say, just come here and enjoy.

Answer 6

There are murders, rapes, robberies etc. everyday in every country in the world. NO where is truly safe to visit. You just have to live your life and not worry about what 'may' happen.

Answer 7

I am an Australian that has visited New Zealand. I also have friends who travel regularly between the two countries and although the two nations have a very fierce rivalry in lots of areas I have to say the NZ would have to be one of the safest places to holiday in the entire world!! I don't know where you are getting these reports from but everywhere has crime and if you looked at the US or UK from an outsiders point of view you would be mortified.

Visit NZ (and Australia too!!!). It is a beautiful country that is extremely safe if you show even small amounts of common sense.

Enjoy

Answer 8

a lot of safety issues are related to yourself, your experience and how much you are capable of looking after yourself.....you should not put yourself in dangerous situations...getting drunk, going to pubs late at night, going to other people house without knowing them, bringing other people to your house before knowing them, easily trust others and be naive....you know there are certain rules you have to follow

Answer 9

really?..I've heared that NZ is one of safest country in the world?

Answer 10

New Zealand is definately safe. I have been there on holiday and I loved it. It's Very fun.

Answer 11

New Zealand would have to be one of the safest countries in the world to visit.

Like visiting any country or city - take care to go to well lit and public places. Don't hitch-hike. Be respectful and quiet in situations where you are unfamiliar.

I have visited several times - including taking my son when he was younger - just on our own. I never felt threatened in any way - but I am also not one to try and provoke people/ go to nightclubs/ drink too much/ walk the streets alone in the small hours of the morning - the same as I don't at home.

Answer 12

Compared to other countries,Yes it's safe as one is responsible. You hear everything that happens as It's population is small .But rarely would you see anything out of the ordinary. Most New Zealanders are friendly helpful people. As long as you are wise and don't leave car's unlocked or walk down lonely streets in the night . or put yourself in a vonurable position. you will be fine, even if you did those things you probably would still be ok

Answer 13

The reason that you see the murders reported in the newspapers is that so few of them happen so they are still main news.

In New York alone there are likely more murders than in all of New Zealand, even now, think about how a USA wide newspaper would look if all got a report.

I found New Zealand a very nice and friendly place to travel, and it is listed as one of the safest ones in the world.

You should still keep to normal safe behavior, as:

Do not go into the park after dark, do not go home with people you just have met, do not show big amounts of money or cards.

But if you behave like you would when traveling near home you should be OK, and it is a country not to be missed.

Answer 14

to many phsyco murderers

Answer 15

lmao  i lived there for 20 years and its one of the safest places to vacation. I now live in Australia where it seems to be more dangerous. If you want a list of places to see that are the safest please email or i.m me.