U.S. Department of State
Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
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Is New Zealand safe? 🇳🇿
Oceania · Updated
As of September 2026, New Zealand scores 91/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index (average across assessed destinations). The U.S. State Department rates New Zealand Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Of the 9 New Zealand destinations assessed, Queenstown scores highest (94/100), while Rotorua scores lowest (84/100).
01 · Official Guidance
Government advisories
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
Level 1No advisory against travel
This travel advice page covers New Zealand. See separate travel advice for Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue.
Full advisory →Government of Canada
Level 1Exercise normal security precautions
Canada's official risk level for New Zealand: exercise normal security precautions.
Full advisory →02 · Destinations
New Zealand destinations by safety score
#1🇳🇿QueenstownVery Safe · updated 28 July 202694#2🇳🇿NelsonVery Safe · updated 29 July 202693#3🇳🇿TaupoVery Safe · updated 29 July 202693#4🇳🇿DunedinVery Safe · updated 29 July 202693#5🇳🇿Napier CityVery Safe · updated 29 July 202693#6🇳🇿ChristchurchVery Safe · updated 28 July 202692#7🇳🇿WellingtonVery Safe · updated 28 July 202691#8🇳🇿AucklandVery Safe · updated 3 September 202688#9🇳🇿RotoruaSafe · updated 29 July 202684
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03 · Evidence Signals
New Zealand safety data
| Indicator | Value | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government travel advisoryCA / US | Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions · 2 govts | 100 | CA / US |
| Homicide rateWorld Bank Open Data · 2022 | 1.5 / 100k | 90 | World Bank Open Data (2022) |
| Physical assault (past year)UN SDG Global Database · 2024 | 2.5% | 87 | UN SDG Global Database (2024) |
| Political stability & no terrorismWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 86/100 | 86 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Rule of lawWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 86/100 | 86 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Road traffic deathsWHO Global Health Observatory · 2021 | 6.6 / 100k | 78 | WHO Global Health Observatory (2021) |
04 · Questions
New Zealand safety FAQ
Is New Zealand safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates New Zealand Level 1 of 4 — Exercise Normal Precautions. On our composite index New Zealand averages 91/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 3 September 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in New Zealand?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Queenstown currently scores highest at 94/100 (Very Safe). Rotorua scores lowest at 84/100.
Where does this New Zealand safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.