New Zealand Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for New Zealand
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated April 29, 2026
New Zealand recorded 1.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is low by global standards. That places New Zealand #130 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.9 per 100,000 in 2012, 1.5 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates New Zealand at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
1.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#66 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.9 per 100,000 in 2012, 1.5 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How New Zealand Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In New Zealand, the homicide rate for men is 1.6× higher than the rate for women — 1.8 vs 1.1 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for New Zealand:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand . New Zealand is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our country information page for additional information on travel to New Zealand. If you decide to travel to New Zealand: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for New Zealand
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 07, 2026).
Crime
The crime rate in New Zealand fluctuates between geographic locations however overall, it is relatively low . Theft from cars, recreational vehicles, and hostels is common, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Theft, fraud, drug sales and violent crime do occur, however, tourists are often not the intended target. Do not leave passports or other valuable items in unattended vehicles. Violent crime against tourists is rare; however, if you are traveling alone, you should remain vigilant and be cautious in secluded areas.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in New Zealand. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Money transfers Grandparent/Relative targeting
Victims of Crime
For emergencies please dial 111 for Police, Fire and Ambulance. For non-emergencies please dial 105 for Police, and contact the U.S. Consulate General Auckland at +64 4 462 6000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. If you are on the Cook Islands, the emergency police number is 999. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . How we can assist: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Consulate General for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
New Zealand Population & Demographics
Population of 5,287,500, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Zealand safe to visit?
The US State Department rates New Zealand at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in New Zealand?
New Zealand has an intentional homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #130 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for New Zealand?
New Zealand is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in New Zealand compare to other countries?
New Zealand's homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Oceania average of 5.9.