New Zealand Travel Risk
All collected sources · selected advisory updated 2026-04-29
Site summary · whole-country advice
Level 1 · Exercise Normal Precautions
Uses the official U.S. level.
China MFA assessments use their own scale and do not affect this site's numeric summary.
Official advisories
Original source wording; interface language does not translate official advice.
U.S. Department of State — Travel Advisories
Read U.S. State Dept official advisory (opens in a new tab) ↗Source document checked 2026-11-01T18:49:53Z · version b0b4d79ea949.
Exercise normal precaution in New Zealand.
New Zealand is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for New Zealand to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Source: U.S. State Dept — View full advisory ↗. Text extracts from the linked U.S. Department of State advisory. This site is independent; third-party materials retain their own rights.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Read UK FCDO official advisory (opens in a new tab) ↗Source document checked 2026-11-01T18:50:04Z · version ff823b134f52.
This travel advice page covers New Zealand. See separate travel advice for Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue.
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East
Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
- check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
- check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
- review your travel insurance policy for coverage
- monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety and security
This section comes from the same source document as the advisory above.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in New Zealand
Terrorist attacks in New Zealand cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Crime levels are generally low, but street crime happens in major towns and cities. Thieves may target unattended vehicles, especially hire cars and camper vans in major tourist areas.
You should:
- avoid leaving possessions in unattended vehicles even if out of sight
- not leave valuables in hotel rooms
- use the hotel safe if possible
- keep passports, travellers cheques and credit cards separate
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Importing illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
LGBT+ travellers
New Zealand has an established tradition of tolerance towards same-sex relations, but there are still isolated incidents of homophobia-related crimes. LGBT+ travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Partial safety extract; read the full official section.
Source: UK FCDO — View full advisory ↗. Contains public sector information from GOV.UK licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Global Affairs Canada — Travel Advice and Advisories
For Canadian travellers and residents abroad. Official Canadian four-level scale; source wording is retained separately from the site summary.
Older data retained · last successful check 2026-10-17T01:45:42Z
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Source document checked 2026-10-17T01:45:42Z · version 6d771ff21915.
New Zealand travel advice · Author: Global Affairs Canada. Text extracts from the linked official version; this site is independent of the Government of Canada.
Risk level
New Zealand - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in New Zealand.
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in major cities. Theft generally occurs in the following places:
- hotel rooms
- tourist sites
- recreational areas
- unattended vehicles
Make sure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism. Far-right domestic terrorists have carried out attacks in New Zealand, the most recent being the 2019 shootings in Christchurch at two mosques.
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
The Government of New Zealand maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through social media.
Local terrorism threat - New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Partial safety extract; read the full official document.
Read Global Affairs Canada official advice ↗Source: Global Affairs Canada — copy of the version at the official link. Reproduced for non-commercial information; Government of Canada terms.
中国外交部目的地风险评估 · China MFA destination risk assessments
Native MFA risk assessment; no mapping to travel-advice levels. Read regional scope and consular notices.
Last checked 2026-11-01T18:52:13Z
中国外交部评估：蓝色（低风险）
Original document version 0669354ce78d.
新西兰风险等级为蓝色（低风险）
Read collected consular notices alongside this assessment; their dates and validity are separate.
来源：中国领事服务网 · Source: China MFA · destination risk assessments
How the sources compare
| Source | Published advice / scope | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| This site (summary) | Level 1 · Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-04-29 |
| U.S. State Dept | Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-04-29 |
| UK FCDO | No whole-country FCDO warning — read the full advice | 2026-03-19 |
| China MFA · consular notices | No data | — |
| Canada · Global Affairs | Take normal security precautions | 2026-10-15 |
| China MFA · risk assessments | 中国外交部评估：蓝色（低风险） | Official update date not provided |
This site shows the higher available whole-country level. Missing data and regional advice are never treated as Level 1. UK FCDO does not publish a 1–4 numeric level — the level shown for it is our mapping of its published advice, not an official UK grading.