Published: October 24, 2025
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Wellington
29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington
Tel: +64-4-462-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0900-1700.
U.S. Consulate General Auckland
3rd floor, Citigroup Centre, 23 Customs Street East, Auckland
Tel: +64-9-303-2724
For after-hours Emergencies, call +64-4-462-6000 and leave a message.
Please note: Consular services to U.S. citizens are available only at the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland. Consular services are unavailable at the U.S. Embassy in Wellington even in case of emergency. Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland for consular assistance.
OSAC Country Chapters
The Regional Security Office (RSO) has OSAC Country Chapter in New Zealand with events in Wellington and Auckland; contact the Regional Security Office at DS_RSO_Wellington@State.gov for more information on events.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
New Zealand Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in New Zealand.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed most of New Zealand as being LOW-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. However, the level for Auckland was recently raised to MEDIUM. Crime, including violent crime involving both edged weapons and firearms. New Zealand Police provide detailed reports on crime rates on crime rates and safety for the public. Rates of crimes involving firearms are increasing, local police have responded by enacting new laws to help combat gang violence. Property crime and fraud are also of concern.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for New Zealand.
The crime emergency line in New Zealand is 111.
Crime: General Threat
Crime is less prevalent in New Zealand than in many major U.S. cities, though New Zealand is experiencing an increase in some types of criminal offenses, especially in Auckland and Wellington. Most of the crime involves theft, frequently from motor vehicles and hostels. Though violent crime against foreigners is rare, those traveling alone should remain vigilant and be cautious in secluded areas.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Most of the country’s population lives in the larger urban areas of Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, which lead the country in criminal activity and associated arrests. In major urban areas, the New Zealand Police have more robust resources and manpower to disrupt street crimes, such as thefts from vehicles. Rural areas can expect a longer response time due to staffing shortages.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for New Zealand.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Wellington and Auckland as being LOW-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for New Zealand.
The New Zealand government’s Combined Threat Assessment Group assess the country’s current national terrorism threat level as LOW, indicating that a terrorist attack is “a realistic possibility.” New Zealand faces threats from right-wing domestic extremists and Islamic extremists.
On March 15, 2019, a self-proclaimed white supremacist gunman carried out and live-streamed a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city. 51 people were killed, 50 more were injured, and the livestream was viewed around 4,000 times before being removed by technology companies. On September 3, 2021, an ISIS-inspired attacker and refugee from Sri Lanka who had been previously arrested over his extremist beliefs and under police surveillance due to his extremist ideology stabbed and wounded six people at a supermarket in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.
An appointed Assistant Commissioner within the New Zealand Police oversees national efforts to preempt and respond to terrorist attacks; these include a full-time Special Tactics Group for operational response, a full-time Specialist Search Group and National Bomb Data Center Manager, a Strategic Intelligence Unit, and liaison positions at New Zealand’s diplomatic missions abroad.
In line with its commitments, New Zealand has adopted procedures to implement UN resolutions against terrorism, including taking steps to prevent terrorist financing, recruiting, or other forms of support. New Zealand applies these measures against specific entities listed by the UN Security Council.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Wellington and Auckland as being LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for New Zealand. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The October 2023 New Zealand general election determined the composition of the 54th parliament. Both the general election and the release of the official results shortly thereafter occurred without incident.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests occur occasionally at the U.S. Embassy in Wellington and regularly at the U.S. Consulate in Auckland. Common themes include Pro Palestine, Anti-Israel, Anti AUKUS, anti-globalization, domestic political issues, immigration issues and indigenous (Māori) rights. Protests are generally peaceful and local police support is adequate. Protests at Parliament are commonplace and are mostly well organized, and peaceful.
Since October 7, 2023, the Gaza War created an environment where weekly protests from large, organized groups across the country are common. Protestors targeted all U.S. diplomatic facilities in New Zealand throughout 2023-2025 and in June 2024, vandalized the U.S. Embassy in Wellington. In 2023, protestors vandalized the U.S. Consulate in Auckland. Also, protestors disrupted several government meetings with U.S. officials in the past year.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Since the start of the 2023 Gaza War on October 7, several pro-Palestinian and anti US groups stage weekly protests countrywide. All the major cities in New Zealand have protests and the groups are largely peaceful and well organized.
Law Enforcement
The New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for reducing crime and enhancing community safety. It operates from more than 300 community-based police stations, with a staff of 15,000 personnel who respond to more than 992,000 emergency calls each year. The police operate by land, sea, and air. The New Zealand Police trains to a Western standard and is actively involved in crime prevention and response. The force has specialized units to deal with armed offenders and hostage situations.
The Police Commissioner is accountable for the operational response to threats to national security, including terrorism, and has a key role as a member of the Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination (ODESC). ODESC is composed of government and non-government agencies that work together to manage counterterrorism efforts.
Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces do not commit any significant abuses.
Police Response
In comparison to law enforcement agencies in the U.S., the New Zealand Police has limited resources and personnel. Nevertheless, police typically respond to major incidents with the appropriate personnel, however especially in rural areas, the response time is extended.
Police harassment, misconduct, and corruption are not significant issues. Detained individuals have rights enshrined under the New Zealand Bill of Rights, including the right to legal representation (which includes an initial free consultation).
Transportation Security
Road Safety
New Zealand has over 35,000 miles of paved roads, including motorways that connect major metropolitan areas. These roads have widths comparable to Western highway standards, although roads in rural areas are slightly narrower than most of those in the U.S. Due to New Zealand’s unique topography, and the fact that most of the major roadways linking cities and towns consist of just narrow, two-lane roads, passing vehicles can be dangerous. The country’s rugged terrain results in sharper curves and steeper grades than those found in the U.S. Interstate Highway System.
Most traffic laws are comparable with U.S. traffic laws. Traffic flows on the left side of the road. There are numerous roundabouts (traffic circles) that can be confusing for those unfamiliar with yielding to traffic coming from the right. Pedestrians do not have the right of way except in crosswalks. New Zealand law requires that cars stop at least two meters (approximately 6 feet) from a crosswalk that is in use. Additionally, there is no left-hand turn allowed at a red light. These conditions, combined with the possibility of extreme weather, make it essential for newcomers to familiarize themselves with local laws and procedures before driving a motor vehicle.
Exercise caution to avoid animals while driving in rural areas. Large portions of the scenic highway in the South Island have very limited cell phone coverage; the area is remote and has little traffic. New Zealand only has 100 miles of multi-lane divided motorways.
Driving on the wrong side of the road is a leading cause of serious injury and death for U.S. tourists. Make sure to follow the posted speed limit signs. The speed limits are much lower than those in the United States.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation is available in all major cities and some towns and is generally easy to use and reliable. Taxis are widely available, along with rideshare companies. Buses are safe, efficiently run, and a good transportation option.
Aviation Concerns
The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) is the government agency tasked with establishing civil aviation safety and security standards in New Zealand. The CAA also monitors adherence to those standards and is responsible for enforcement proceedings.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights
Maritime Security
The ferry services linking the North and South Island run multiple times a day in both directions. To avoid injury from shifting vehicles, ride only in the passenger compartment, not on the automobile deck during the crossing.
The worldwide escalation of acts of terrorism has highlighted the vulnerability of the global transport infrastructure. This includes ports, which are critical infrastructure for most economies, including New Zealand's. Ships may be the target of attacks and hijacking; they may be used as weapons, or to transport weapons and terrorists. Ports may also be a terrorist target or be the location of an attack. New Zealand is almost entirely dependent on seaborne trade carried by foreign shipping, which means that New Zealand's supply chain is particularly vulnerable to disruption.
The New Zealand Government has implemented a range of measures to address security risks in trade and travel at the border, including the Maritime Security Act. New Zealand expects all ports and vessels that operate under the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code to maintain international best practice regarding maritime security.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. Like many countries, New Zealand has adopted this code. New Zealand has 21 port facilities that operate under the ISPS Code. Each of these port facilities has been audited by Maritime New Zealand to ensure best practice. Every vessel berthing at a New Zealand ISPS port facility is required to abide by that port's security provisions.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in New Zealand, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for New Zealand.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implements the law effectively. The Serious Fraud Office and police investigate corruption.
Health Concerns
For emergency medical services in New Zealand, dial 111. Ambulance services and quality medical care are widely available although the budget cuts into medical infrastructure have caused significant delays in service. In addition, several paramedic groups went on strike in 2024 which was a first for the country. Ambulance response times are extended in rural areas and New Zealand often struggles with specialist appointments. New Zealand has a socialized medicine system which is often described as understaffed by local citizens. Waiting lists are common for certain types of treatment and diagnostic exams. Access to medical care may be less available in rural areas.
Injuries and death can result from participating in extreme adventure sports, including bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking, rappelling, climbing, motorcycling, and kayaking. Use caution and common sense when engaging in these activities. Ensure that you have travel medical insurance that covers your sport.
Consider participating in adventure sports with at least one other person. Always carry identification and let someone else know where you are always. Before kayaking, check the river conditions and wear a life jacket. When hiking, rappelling, or climbing, carry a first aid kit and know the location of the nearest rescue center.
Visit the New Zealand Department of Conservation website for advice and direction on how to safely and legally hike, bike, etc. in New Zealand.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for New Zealand.
Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider all other routine vaccines prior to all travel. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations are also recommended.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check the regulations at MedSafe to ensure the medication is legal in New Zealand.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water is potable in New Zealand.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for New Zealand
The possibility of natural disasters—including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones—is one of the greatest security threats those living and working in New Zealand face.
In 2016, New Zealand experienced a 7.8-magnitude earthquake near Kaikoura (South Island) that resulted in two deaths and significant damage to infrastructure. Wellington was heavily impacted, with widespread power outages and property damage. Several buildings in the Central Business District (CBD) have been or are in the process of being demolished due to safety concerns.
In early 2023, Cyclone Gabriel created flooding in Auckland which was highlighted as an event which overwhelmed the country’s disaster response infrastructure. The country emergency management agency estimates that a medium to large disaster in Wellington would disrupt communications and life support services for several months.
New Zealand’s port cities are susceptible to tsunamis. Although no recent tsunamis have caused significant damage, New Zealand experiences occasional tsunami watches and warnings related to seismic activity in the Pacific region. The Civil Defense Ministry publicizes the issuance of tsunami watches or warnings through local and national media.
The Civil Defense Ministry promotes emergency preparedness, urging responsibility for personal safety and security in the event of a natural disaster. Civil Defense centers throughout the country serve as command posts and assistance centers during a natural disaster. It is critical for private-sector organizations to have a plan for emergencies that includes personnel accountability, personnel sustainability, communication, and continuity of operations.
New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency provides timely information to citizens and visitors through an Emergency Mobile Alert. This service is broadcast from local cell towers to all capable phones in the area and is designed to provide targeted messaging to areas affected by serious hazards. Messages will only be sent when there is a serious threat to life, health, or property.
New Zealand is home to active volcanoes. Although the probability of an eruption affecting a large area is very low, New Zealand’s 12 active volcanic areas are important considerations when developing emergency preparedness plans. Visit GeoNet for up-to-date information on volcanic alert levels, in addition to other environmental hazards in New Zealand.
In 2019, an active andesite stratovolcano erupted on White Island, 30 miles off the coast of the northeastern Bay of Plenty region (North Island). There were 47 people on the island at the time of eruption, most being passengers on a shore excursion from an at-port cruise ship. The eruption resulted in 22 deaths, while many others suffered major burns; the death toll included five U.S. travelers, with another four badly injured. The volcano remains active and future eruptions are possible. Avoid Whakaari/White Island and follow the advice of local authorities.
Review OSAC’s reports, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit and OSAC Snapshot: Recent Climate Security Challenges in New Zealand.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of the Government Communications Security Bureau, helps public and private-sector organizations operating in New Zealand protect their information systems from advanced cyberthreats. The NCSC works with government agencies, key economic generators, niche exporters, research institutions, and operators of critical national infrastructure to detect and disrupt cyber threats that are typically beyond the capability of commercially available products and services.
In 2020 the New Zealand Stock Exchange suffered two significant incidents, each of which caused disruption and halted market activity, put investor confidence at risk, and negatively impacted participants and the broader market ecosystem. In March/April 2020, the exchange experienced volume-related system issues and a market outage, and in August 2020, the stock exchange was impacted by distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
In 2021, a cyber breach that affected the Parliamentary Counsel Office and the Parliamentary Service was discovered by New Zealand’s intelligence services. In 2024, the NCSC publicly attributed the malicious activity to a foreign entity known as APT40. The government of New Zealand publicly condemned the attacks.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are no unusual counterintelligence issues affecting private-sector operations in New Zealand although the New Zealand government highlighted third party IT attacks against domestic agencies in a recent inspector general report. The Chinese government has heavily invested in New Zealand and recently opened new government offices adjacent to the U.S. Embassy in Wellington. New Zealand remains a steadfast partner in countering malign influence and their most recent defense strategy affirmed that they consider China a competitor and fall in line more with current U.S. policy to contain such efforts in the South Pacific.
Import/Export Restrictions
The New Zealand government is serious about protecting its ecosystem; as such, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) strictly regulates what can be imported into the country. If you do not declare goods that could be quarantined, you can be fined up to NZD $100,000 and/or face up to five years in prison. If you do not declare goods that may pose a biosecurity risk, such as honey, fresh fruit, seeds, and plants, you can receive an instant fine of NZD $400. The MPI may seize and destroy unfinished wood products, used hiking shoes, gardening tools, fresh food items, and items such as used pet carriers. Travelers are advised to thoroughly clean any hiking equipment or sports gear prior to arrival in New Zealand.
There are no known restrictions on the import of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
