Exercise Normal Precautions
βThere were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.β
Updated Wed, 29 Apr 2026
Full advisory βIs Auckland safe? π³πΏ
New Zealand Β· Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Auckland scores 88/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index β verdict: yes β very safe. Yes β Auckland remains one of the world's safest major cities for visitors, with very low violent crime and strong emergency services. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Auckland π³πΏ
New Zealand Β· Assessed 30 September 2026
88
/ 100
Yes β very safe
Safer than ~94% of countries
What drives this score
Crime76/100GoodCrime index 48.8 / 100
Sentiment87/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories97Good
Stability89Good
Health84Good
01 Β· Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
βThis travel advice page covers New Zealand. See separate travel advice for Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue.β
Updated 2026-04-22T10:56:08Z
Full advisory βExercise normal security precautions
βCanada's official risk level for New Zealand: exercise normal security precautions.β
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.9136662-04:00
Full advisory β02 Β· Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Urban scale factor
1.5M residents
63
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
1.5 / 100kHomicide rate Β· per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6New Zealand1.5World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
90
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery targeting visitors are rare; most incidents occur in isolated peripheral suburbs after dark, not in central tourist zones.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are most common in busy downtown locations such as Queen Street, Aotea Square and transport hubs, especially on weekends.
03 Β· Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 Β· Institutions
Stability
Good
βΈ 3 more indicatorsβΎ Hide extra indicators
05 Β· Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
87/100
Reported feel85Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe in Auckland, particularly in well-lit, central areas with good police presence and CCTV coverage.
Yes β Auckland remains one of the world's safest major cities for visitors, with very low violent crime and strong emergency services.
Auckland's safety profile is strong overall, with low homicide and terrorism risks, but visitors should remain alert for petty theft and scams in crowded areas. Recent reports confirm violent crime against tourists is rare, though opportunistic theft occurs in tourist zones and transport hubs. The city benefits from effective policing, good infrastructure, and high public trust in institutions.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Teens livestreamed own arrest after stolen car chase across Aucklandβ 1News
- Sep 2026Psychotic attempted murder suspect killed cellmate who was in for sending a text messageβ nzherald.co.nz
- Sep 2026Ellerslie double homicide: Lok Fung Lorrence Li found guilty of murderβ 1News
- Sep 2026NZβs murder capital? Auckland City homicide rate is nation's highestβ nzherald.co.nz
Common scams
- Fake-monk street collectors soliciting donations on Queen Street and the waterfront
- Taxi fraud including unmetered fares and overcharging, especially at the airport
- Fake police or official impersonation scams targeting tourists
- Overcharging in restaurants and bars, particularly in tourist areas
- Accommodation scams via fake listings or last-minute cancellation tricks
Full briefing
Auckland is very safe for travelers, with a composite safety index of 86/100 from trusted global databases and a Level 1 exercise normal precautions advisory from the U.S., UK, and Canadian governments. Violent crime against visitors remains rare, and the city benefits from strong institutions, low terrorism risk, and effective emergency services. However, as New Zealandβs largest urban center, Auckland sees higher levels of petty crime and scams compared to the rest of the country, particularly in tourist-heavy zones.
Recent dossier items confirm ongoing risks: pickpocketing and bag-snatching are moderate risks in crowded areas like Queen Street, Aotea Square, and transport hubs, especially on weekends. Scams targeting tourists include fake-monk collectors on the waterfront, taxi overcharging, fake police impersonation, and overcharging in bars and restaurants. While violent incidents such as homicides and assaults do occur, they are typically isolated and not directed at visitors β recent examples include a teen livestreaming their arrest after a stolen car chase (Sep 2026, 1News), a psychotic suspect killing a cellmate (Sep 2026, nzherald.co.nz), and an Ellerslie double homicide (Sep 2026, 1News). Airport security breaches in May and August 2026 caused delays but did not indicate broader safety threats.
To stay safe, travelers should use licensed transport, keep valuables secure and out of sight in crowds, avoid walking alone at night in less-lit parts of South and West Auckland, and lock rental vehicles when parked at trailheads or beaches. Trust your instincts β if someone approaches claiming to be an official or charity collector, verify their identity. Overall, Auckland offers a safe, welcoming environment for visitors who exercise standard urban precautions.
06 Β· Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Auckland districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Auckland safety map.
South Auckland (e.g., Manukau, Otara)avoidWidely regarded as higher risk due to poverty and unemployment; thefts and robberies more prevalent β exercise caution, especially after dark.
Auckland CBDcautionWell-lit and walkable day and night, but pickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded areas like Queen Street and Aotea Square, especially on weekends.
Karangahape Road (K' Road)cautionCreative arts district that is generally safe but can get rowdy late at night; drug use visible and occasional incidents around bars β avoid eye contact with intoxicated persons.
West Auckland (e.g., Henderson, Glen Eden)cautionFormer working-class area that has improved but still sees occasional burglaries and thefts; remain alert at night.
Auckland Airport environscautionRecent security breaches led to passenger rescreenings; remain vigilant with belongings and follow official instructions.
Viaduct HarboursaferPopular waterfront area with good security and lighting; safe for tourists but watch for pickpockets in crowds.
PonsonbysaferTrendy inner suburb with upscale dining and nightlife; generally very safe, though bar crowds can get rowdy late on weekends.
NewmarketsaferAffluent residential and commercial area with very low crime rates, excellent transport links, and family-friendly environment.
07 Β· After Dark
Is Auckland safe at night?
Mugging and armed robbery targeting visitors are rare; most incidents occur in isolated peripheral suburbs after dark, not in central tourist zones.
After dark, be most careful around South Auckland (e.g., Manukau, Otara), Auckland CBD, Karangahape Road (K' Road), West Auckland (e.g., Henderson, Glen Eden). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 Β· Questions
Auckland safety FAQ
Is Auckland safe for tourists right now?
Yes β Auckland remains one of the world's safest major cities for visitors, with very low violent crime and strong emergency services. Auckland's safety profile is strong overall, with low homicide and terrorism risks, but visitors should remain alert for petty theft and scams in crowded areas. Recent reports confirm violent crime against tourists is rare, though opportunistic theft occurs in tourist zones and transport hubs. The city benefits from effective policing, good infrastructure, and high public trust in institutions. (Assessed 30 September 2026.)
Which areas of Auckland should tourists avoid?
Field research flags South Auckland (e.g., Manukau, Otara) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Auckland?
- Fake-monk street collectors soliciting donations on Queen Street and the waterfront
- Taxi fraud including unmetered fares and overcharging, especially at the airport
- Fake police or official impersonation scams targeting tourists
- Overcharging in restaurants and bars, particularly in tourist areas
How does Auckland compare with other places in New Zealand?
Auckland ranks #8 of 9 New Zealand destinations we've assessed, scoring 88/100. See the New Zealand safety overview for the full list.
How is this Auckland safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources β government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts β with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More New Zealand reports
6 reports93π³πΏIs Nelson safe?Very Safe Β· New Zealand93π³πΏIs Taupo safe?Very Safe Β· New Zealand93π³πΏIs Dunedin safe?Very Safe Β· New Zealand93π³πΏIs Napier City safe?Very Safe Β· New Zealand91π³πΏIs Queenstown safe?Very Safe Β· New Zealand91π³πΏIs Christchurch safe?Very Safe Β· New Zealand
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the New Zealand safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: auckland.json (CC BY 4.0).