We want all visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time in New Zealand.
New Zealand is home to active and dormant volcanoes and many geothermal destinations. If you plan to visit a region with volcanic activity it's essential to keep up to date with the latest travel warnings.
New Zealand boasts safe and fun adventure activities for everyone to enjoy.
If any of your possessions are stolen or valuable items misplaced, advise local police as soon as possible.
New Zealand is a safe place to travel - it just pays to prepare, and take a few precautions.
Most visitors come to New Zealand to enjoy our unique natural environment but visitors can underestimate the risks associated with the great outdoors.
A walk in a city park is very different to a walk in a National Park. Take the time to learn about where you are going and to seek advice from others, especially your local i-SITE or Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Information Centre on how to be best prepared.
For more information visit the AdventureSmart(opens in new window) website.
Master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell carved Ngatoroirangi, his first ever rock carving, onto the cliff face at the southern end of Mine Bay.
New Zealand’s extensive coastline and network of waterways provide ample opportunity for swimming, boating and fishing. However many people are unprepared for the potential dangers of the water.
We recommend that you visit Water Safety(opens in new window) or AdventureSmart(opens in new window) for advice on how to stay safe on New Zealand's beaches and waterways.
Important things you need to know about driving in New Zealand.
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111. It is a free phone call.
If you have an emergency and need a quick response from the Police, the Fire Service, Ambulance or Search and Rescue, dial 111.
There are Police Stations in all main towns and cities in New Zealand and in many rural locations. Contact details can be found in local telephone books.
Don’t hesitate to contact the police if you feel unsafe or threatened. Report any theft and crime to the police immediately.
Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees offer a txt messaging service for visitors.
You can send updates about your location and travel movements via txt to number 7233 [SAFE]. These details are kept on a central database which can be accessed by police if necessary.
Each text message sent to 7233 will be acknowledged by an automated response, which advises you to call 111 and request police assistance if you are in danger.
Police and the New Zealand tourism industry encourage you to use this service as another way of letting people know where you are and what you are doing while in our country.
With a little care and common sense, your visit to New Zealand should be accident free. If you are injured here, you may need the help of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) - New Zealand's accident compensation scheme.
In New Zealand, you cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages if you are injured. Instead ACC helps pay for your care - and that means paying towards the cost of your treatment and helping in your recovery while you remain in New Zealand.
You still need to purchase your own travel and medical insurance because ACC does not cover everything:
ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation in New Zealand, and usually you must pay part of the cost yourself.
ACC does not pay any additional costs resulting from an accident, for example delayed or curtailed travel costs, travel home, treatment at home and loss of income in your home country.
We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service, but it is important to note these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.
Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand.
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.
If you are intending to use a drone while on holiday in New Zealand, it is important to be aware of New Zealand's rules and regulations surrounding their use.
Please visit the Airshare website to find out more.(opens in new window)