New Zealand — Living: Safety

Key facts

• 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.
• Crime: Crime levels are generally low, but street crime happens in major towns and cities.
• Laws and cultural differences: Importing illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
• Outdoor activities and adventure tourism: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation
• Transport risks: If you are planning to drive in New Zealand, see information on driving abroad and read the Road Code .
• Extreme weather and natural disasters: Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

Steps

1. Understanding the Local Environment — Familiarize yourself with local neighborhoods, talk to locals, and consider visiting areas before deciding on a place to live. Understand the local crime trends and hotspots to ensure your safety.
2. Taking Precautions — Be mindful of personal belongings, especially in tourist areas and crowded places. Consider using secure parking or storage for your valuables, and always keep an eye on your belongings.

Costs

• Police Certificate: varies depending on the issuing authority
• Background Check: varies depending on the agency and purpose of the check
• Warrant of Fitness: N/A
• Vehicle Registration: N/A
• Driver Licence Fees: N/A

Timelines

• Processing Time for Police Certificate: typically 1-3 months

Required documents

• Police Certificate (for certain visa or employment applications)
• Background Check (for certain employment or volunteering positions)

Common mistakes

• Assuming that New Zealand is completely safe, without understanding local nuances and risks.
• Not taking necessary precautions to protect personal belongings and information.

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 .

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Extreme sports: British nationals have been involved in tragic accidents while doing extreme sports activities. If you’re taking part in extreme sports, check that: • the company is well established • your insurance covers you Visiting remote areas: If you are planning to visit a remote area, check with the local tourist authorities for advice. To find out more information about being prepared, check: • New Zealand’s Department of Conservation • AdventureSmart which is managed by the New Zealand Search and Rescue Council (NZSAR) Leave details of your itinerary with family or friends. Weather conditions can quickly become dangerous in some coastal and exposed areas. Monitor regional weather forecasts.

Transport risks

Road travel: If you are planning to drive in New Zealand, see information on driving abroad and read the Road Code . It lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months. You can exchange an old-style paper licence if you need to. Highways can be narrow, winding and hilly. Car rental companies should provide you with information, or read what’s different about driving in New Zealand . Motor vehicle insurance: Hire car companies will arrange your insurance, but if you are driving a private vehicle you must get insurance, including accident cover. Accident victims do not have a legal right to sue a third party. The Accident Compensation Commission ( ACC ) helps pay for local care if you’re injured.  However, delayed travel or loss of income in a third country is not covered.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards . Natural disasters can happen in New Zealand. If there is a disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and the National Emergency Management Agency . For more information, see the government’s Get Ready website. Earthquakes: New Zealand is in a major earthquake zone. Tsunamis can happen along the coastlines. You should: • familiarise yourself with safety procedures. In New Zealand advice in the event of an earthquake is to ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’ • take note of instructions in hotel rooms and public areas • find and check your local emergency services social media pages • monitor any warnings or updates from the National Emergency Management Agency For more information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the New Zealand government’s Get Ready advice for earthquakes . If there is a tsunami warning, the Local Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups will have tsunami evacuation zone maps and advice. Familiarise yourself with local arrangements from New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency . Flooding: Flooding and landslides can happen, resulting in road closures and infrastructure damage. Volcanic eruptions: There are several active volcanoes on the North Island of New Zealand. Get local advice about where there might be volcanic activity.