Activities and places that are safe in New Zealand might not be the same in other places, so you should do your research before you go.
Try to find out about:
• Areas that are safe or unsafe in the place you’re planning to travel
• Dress codes and customs
• Attitudes to gender
• Laws that might limit your freedoms, like those that require women to travel with a male escort, or don’t allow them to drive.
Find out about safety and security risks in other countries by reading our travel advice.
Even if you’re not planning to pre-book your whole trip, it’s a good idea to have accommodation booked for your first night of travel before you arrive.
Think about how you will look after your belongings while you travel. For example, you might want to find places where you can store your luggage when you’re not checked into accommodation.
Have a plan for what you’ll do if something goes wrong. Carry an alternative form of payment in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen. Carry a list of important phone numbers in case you have an emergency and need to reach emergency services or friends and whānau back home.
Plan to keep in contact with whānau and friends back home. Give someone a detailed copy of your itinerary, including accommodation details and your travel insurance policy. Let them know if you change your plans.
Before you leave New Zealand, register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send security alerts and travel advice updates about the places you’re travelling to. It is also how we communicate with New Zealanders during an international crisis.
Find out where the nearest New Zealand embassy will be to the places you’re travelling in case you need help.
Moving around or between cities can expose you to risks when travelling.
To reduce the risk:
• Always use licensed and reputable taxi services.
• If using a ride share app, check that the car and driver’s details match what it says in the app. Don’t get in a car with a different registration or driver.
• Choose reserved seating when booking train tickets.
• Stay alert when travelling on crowded public transport. If you feel uncomfortable, sit near the driver or guard.
• Avoid travelling in train carriages by yourself.
• Do not hitchhike.
You may find more information about transport in our travel advice for the country you’re travelling. [Read our travel advice]
For many, meeting new people is an important part of the travelling experience. But it’s a good idea to be alert when socialising with people you’ve just met.
If you’re going out with people you don’t know:
• Meet in a public place.
• Trust your intuition, and if something doesn’t seem right, leave.
• If you are drinking, know your limits and keep track of your consumption.
• Watch for drink spiking. Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
Think about what you’re sharing on social media and who can see it. Don’t post publicly about where you’re staying or your exact location while travelling.
If you do share details about your travels, you might want post a few days after you leave an area. You could also change your privacy settings so only close friends or family can see your posts.
