Safety update for New Zealand based on recent experience and community reports:
General Safety Level: Moderate — use common sense and you will be fine.
Common Risks:
- Drink spiking at bars — watch your drinks
- ATM skimming — use bank ATMs inside branches
- Bait and switch — verify photos before paying
Areas to Avoid:
Tourist areas are generally safe but stay alert.
Police Situation:
Avoid any interaction with police if possible.
Stay safe out there.
Common scams in New Zealand
Started by PortlandPaul · 19 Mar 2026 · 1603 views
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19 Mar 2026 at 02:42
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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Location: Buffalo, NY
19 Mar 2026 at 23:42
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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Location: Leeds, UK
21 Mar 2026 at 14:42
Word of caution — be careful with street touts. Other than that, great destination.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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Location: Sydney, Australia
21 Mar 2026 at 18:42
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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22 Mar 2026 at 10:42
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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Location: Cardiff, UK
23 Mar 2026 at 20:42
Different experience for me. Prices were lower when I went.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Cardiff, UK
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Location: Dallas, TX
25 Mar 2026 at 07:44
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Solid destination.
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Location: Philadelphia, PA
25 Mar 2026 at 09:44
Also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you go. Essential.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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25 Mar 2026 at 20:42
I was there in January and prices were great value. Spent about $50/day all-in.
My tip: avoid weekends.
My tip: avoid weekends.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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Location: Perth, Australia
26 Mar 2026 at 02:42
Saving this thread. Gold mine of information.
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Location: Nashville, TN
26 Mar 2026 at 03:44
Did you use dating apps or find girls at clubs?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Nashville, TN
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Location: Las Vegas, NV
27 Mar 2026 at 02:44
Also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you go. Essential.
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27 Mar 2026 at 02:44
Spot on with the prices. Matches what I paid recently.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Nashville, TN
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Location: Calgary, Canada
27 Mar 2026 at 09:44
Did you use an agency or find girls at the hotel?
Calgary Kevin — Calgary, Canada
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27 Mar 2026 at 11:44
Saving this thread. Gold mine of information.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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27 Mar 2026 at 12:44
Adding my experience: scene has bounced back since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
27 Mar 2026 at 14:44
Been there 12 times now. Still one of my top destinations. The value for money is what keeps me coming back.
Ottawa, Canada | 18 countries visited
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27 Mar 2026 at 14:44
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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Location: Liverpool, UK
27 Mar 2026 at 17:44
Quick question — how was the transport?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Liverpool, UK
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27 Mar 2026 at 18:44
I was there in February and prices were great value. Spent about $120/day all-in.
My tip: avoid weekends.
My tip: avoid weekends.
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