Tourist Guide to Safety Tips While Travelling in New Zealand

Travelers around the world regard New Zealand as one of the safest countries to visit. Crime rates are very low, and the crimes that exist are petty theft cases. However, just to stay on the safe side and ensure that your journey is flawless, there are a few travel tips and precautions that travellers must follow while visiting the land of Kiwis.

A dream country for every traveler to visit, New Zealand is a country of diverse natural beauty. The country is filled with breathtaking views of mountains, bushes, pasture lands, rivers, and beaches. The low population density on the islands, combined with highly developed roads and traffic control, keeps the islands easily accessible.

New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)

New Zealand eTA Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. The New Zealand Visa application process is automated, simple, and completely online. New Zealand Immigration now officially recommends Online New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents.

You can obtain New Zealand eTA by filling out a form on this website and making the payment using a Debit or Credit Card. You will also need a valid email ID. As the New Zealand eTA system will send the information directly to your email. You do not need visit an embassy or consulate or to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.

General Safety Measures for Tourists

If you’re visiting New Zealand, you should take the same precautionary measures as you would in any other country. We have listed the steps you should follow for a safe and hassle-free journey –

1. Make copies of all your important documents, such as your passport, New Zealand visa, and credit cards, and store them in a separate folder.
2. Remember the emergency phone number of New Zealand is “111”. Do not hesitate to call this number in case you feel threatened or unsafe. The number is toll-free.
3. If you are going out at night, stick to places that are well-lit and crowded. Avoid availing of shortcuts or alleyways. Try to take a cab or a ride from someone you know.
4. Do not leave your drinks unattended and avoid taking drinks from strangers.
5. Whenever you are leaving your car or mode of transportation, double-check to make sure that all the doors are locked and windows closed.
6. Try not to leave your possessions, including your bags, wallets, and cameras unattended in public places, especially in airports, bus and train stations.
7. Avoid carrying around large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery. In case any of your belongings are lost or stolen, inform the local police as soon as possible.
8. When withdrawing cash from an ATM, stick to small amounts only. Try to do it during the day and hide your pin.

Safety Measures When Touring Through New Zealand’s Natural Surroundings

Tourists mostly visit New Zealand to cherish its great outdoor environment. However, they often underestimate the risks associated with staying amidst nature. 

Keep in mind that spending a day at your local park is vastly different from spending a day in a natural park, so you need to prepare yourself accordingly. Below we have shared a few important safety measures that you must ensure while visiting the great outdoors of New Zealand –

The changeable weather conditions

New Zealand’s weather is famous for taking drastic turns and getting rather severe at times. Even if the day starts out on sunny notes, it can quickly change into a cold and wet day. Whether you are heading out for the waters, mountains, or forests, always be prepared to be faced with cold and wet weather. 

New Zealand’s clear, unpolluted atmosphere and low latitudes make the sunlight here much stronger compared to North America or Europe.. So do not forget to pack sunblock and hats and keep a constant eye on the weather forecast. Before you set out for a hike or walk, check out for all weather updates by the Department of Conservation (DOC). 

The difficult terrains

Never underestimate any of the natural terrains of New Zealand. You must be considerably fit to enjoy a walk through the mountains, bushes, and national parks. Thoroughly check the recommended level of fitness for every hike or walk before you participate in it. 

Make sure that you are wearing suitable clothes and footwear

Avoid using cheap raincoats since they will not be very useful against harsh windy or wet conditions. Similarly, your regular shoes will not be suitable for taking a walk on the muddy path or for rock climbing. 

Always inform someone about your whereabouts

Whether it is a friend or your travel acquaintance, always keep someone informed about where you are going. Set a “panic” date or time for your return, so that they can raise an alarm if you are not back by then. You can also leave the details of your plan with the DOC – the more informed the authorities are, the higher the chances to rescue you safe and sound.

Seek shelter immediately if you get lost

If you feel lost, seek shelter but avoid moving far from your current location. Use a flashlight to attract attention at night and try to position something that is colourful in easy view to help with the helicopter search during the day.

Prepare yourself to face any of the challenges

To prepare effectively, you must be ready to face any or all of the points mentioned above. Choose the right clothing and footwear, carry all safety equipment, and have enough food and water to keep you going in case of an emergency.

Safety Measures When in Water

New Zealand is positioned amidst the heart of the ocean, thus having a huge coastline and extensive network of waterways. This provides ample opportunities for tourists to take part in water sports. But even in the water, you may face many dangers that you need to prepare for. Follow the measures we mentioned below –

1. If you feel doubtful or unsure, avoid the waters.
2. If you plan to go boating, make sure to strap in the life jacket.
3. Check whether the weather conditions look good or not before you head out.
4. Always swim and surf in a group, and if you feel cold or tired, get out of the water.
5. Authorities designate potentially dangerous beaches, and lifeguards actively patrol them to ensure visitor safety. They also put up yellow and red flags to mark the places which are the safest to swim. Always swim within the flags and listen to the advice of lifeguards.
6. Always keep a watchful eye on your children.
7. Try to recognise the pattern of ocean rip currents.

Safety Measures When on Road

The smooth highways of New Zealand are a delight for every lover of a good long drive. In this case, you must follow a few basic precautionary measures, which we’ve listed below-

1. The left-hand side of the road is where you need to stick. Make sure to give way to other vehicles when you are taking a right turn.
2. Make sure you rest properly before you head out on the road. Especially if you’ve taken a long flight to New Zealand.
3. Your driver’s license must be your ultimate partner when you are driving.
4. Always follow the speed limits. The police rigorously enforce these rules. They’ve set up speed cameras on every street in New Zealand to monitor vehicle speeds.
5. The driver along with the passengers must wear a set belt. If you have a child under the age of seven, buckle them within the approved child restraints.
6. Refrain from using your phone while driving, as it is illegal to do so. The only exception is if you are on an emergency 111 call.
7. Never drive under the influence of any kind of drug or alcohol. It is a crime and the penalties for doing so are severe.
8. If you are driving slowly, pull over to a safe zone and let the traffic pass.

Health Insurance in case of an Accident

Your trip to New Zealand will be safe and secure if you are careful and follow all the precautionary measures we mentioned above. However, if you have any injury, you will be needing the assistance of New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

According to the policies of New Zealand, in case of injuries, you cannot sue a person for compensatory damages. But the ACC will help you to pay your medical fees as well as assist in recovery while you stay in New Zealand. You’ll still need to pay part of the medical fees, so it’s important to have your own travel and medical insurance.

Overall, New Zealand is a very safe country for travellers to visit, and cases of violent crimes are not at all common. With one of the lowest recorded gun crime rates in the world, the things that tourists mostly need to stay wary of are avoiding deserted or abandoned places, keeping a separate copy of all their important documents, and protecting their possessions in all public places. Now that you are all informed and prepared, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the diversity of grand nature!

Read More:
Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit the South Islands in New Zealand – the mountains wrap themselves in white snow, and there is no dearth of adventure as well as leisure activities to lose yourself in. Learn more at Tourist Guide to Winter in New Zealand’s South Island