The emergency number for fire, ambulance and police is 111. For non-emergency police matters, call 105. Calls are free. There are police stations in all main towns and cities and in many rural areas.
Tips:
- Don't walk alone late at night and avoid unlit areas.
- Don’t carry lots of cash, valuables or expensive jewellery with you.
- New Zealanders are very sociable but you need to be sensible. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.
- Be aware of people around you when using ATMs (cash machines) and hide your PIN.
- Hitchhiking or accepting rides from people you don’t know is not recommended. If you do decide to hitchhike, Police strongly advise you not to travel alone.
- Make sure there is always someone who knows where you are going and when you should arrive at your destination.
- Harassment is a crime and everyone in New Zealand has the right to live free from harassment. Find out more information about harassment on NZ Citizens Advice Bureau
Keeping your credit cards and identity safe
- Be careful who you give personal information to.
- Minimise the number of cards and ID you carry in your wallet.
- Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to let your credit card out of your sight.
- Keep your credit cards in a purse or wallet close to your body where it can't easily be snatched away.
- Shield your credit card number and PIN so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards to your bank and the police immediately.
Keeping safe outdoors
Living in a country with such spectacular scenery and so many recreational opportunities, you may spend more time in the great outdoors. When you do, you need to respect a few basic safety rules. Our weather can be very changeable, so you need to be prepared. If you’re planning an outdoor trip or adventure, make sure you’re familiar with the safety basics. Check Adventuresmart.co.nz which has information on how to stay safe on land, snow, water or in the air, simple safety codes you should always follow and links to related safety organisations in New Zealand.
The New Zealand police have a Visitors’ Safety Guide. It will give you information on:
- Keeping yourself safe
- Keeping your stuff safe
- Keeping safe around alcohol
- Keeping safe on New Zealand roads
- Keeping safe outdoors and around water
- Keeping your credit cards and identity safe
- Keeping safe via text messaging