Christchurch Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Christchurch.
Healthcare System
New Zealand operates a public healthcare system, but non-residents and visitors are generally not covered and must pay for services. Healthcare standards are high, with well-trained medical professionals and modern facilities. Christchurch Hospital is the main public hospital serving the region.
Hospitals
Christchurch Hospital (public, 24-hour emergency department) is located on Riccarton Avenue. 24 Hour Surgery (private) at 401 Madras Street offers after-hours medical care for less serious issues. Several private medical centers operate during business hours. Visitors will be charged for all services.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (called 'chemists' locally) are widely available throughout Christchurch. Urgent Pharmacy at 931 Colombo Street operates extended hours (8am-10pm daily). Many common medications available over-the-counter in other countries may require prescriptions in New Zealand. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with proper documentation.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended and effectively essential. Medical treatment costs for visitors can be very expensive - a simple emergency department visit can cost NZ$400-600, while serious treatment or hospitalization can reach tens of thousands of dollars. ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers some accident-related injuries regardless of fault or residency, but does not cover illness.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor for any medications you're carrying
- Travel insurance should cover medical evacuation, as specialized treatment may require transfer to Auckland
- Save the Healthline number (0800 611 116) for 24/7 medical advice before deciding if you need emergency care
- Dental care is not covered by the public system and can be expensive - ensure your insurance includes dental coverage
- UV radiation is extremely high in New Zealand - bring and use high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) to prevent sunburn
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft from vehicles and bags left unattended, particularly in tourist areas, car parks, and beaches. Theft from rental cars is more common than violent crime.
Break-ins to rental cars and campervans are the most common crime affecting tourists. Thieves target vehicles at trailheads, beaches, and tourist attractions, often breaking windows to access bags and equipment.
Christchurch sits on active fault lines and experiences regular minor earthquakes. While major quakes are rare, they can occur without warning. The city has strong building codes since 2011, but earthquake preparedness is essential.
New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world due to low air pollution and ozone depletion. Sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes, even on cloudy days.
Tourists unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road, narrow roads, and New Zealand driving conditions cause accidents. Fatigue and distracted driving are significant issues.
Weather can change rapidly, particularly in hill and mountain areas. Temperatures can drop significantly, and rain can arrive suddenly. Hypothermia risk exists year-round in outdoor activities.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Fake listings for holiday homes or apartments that don't exist or aren't owned by the person advertising. Scammers request payment via wire transfer or untraceable methods, then disappear.
Individuals approach tourists offering help or friendship, then lead them to overpriced shops, restaurants, or bars where they receive commission, or distract them while an accomplice steals belongings.
Unlicensed operators offering adventure activities or tours at discounted rates, often without proper safety equipment, insurance, or qualifications.
Devices attached to ATMs capture card details and PIN numbers, though this is rare in Christchurch compared to other destinations.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Safety
- Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in the central city late at night
- Walk in groups after dark and stick to well-lit, busy streets
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Keep a charged phone with you and know how to dial 111 for emergencies
- Make copies of important documents and store them separately from originals
Vehicle and Transportation Safety
- Always drive on the LEFT side of the road - put a reminder in your rental car
- Take regular breaks every 2 hours when driving - fatigue kills
- Don't leave ANYTHING visible in your parked car, even for a few minutes
- Lock rental cars and campervans at all times, even when inside
- Plan routes in advance and don't rely solely on GPS - coverage can be patchy
- Wear seatbelts at all times - it's law and strictly enforced
- Give way to the right at roundabouts and to traffic already on roundabouts
- Use public transport or taxis after drinking - drink driving laws are strict with random testing
Outdoor Safety
- Tell someone your plans before hiking and your expected return time
- Carry the 'essentials': warm clothing, waterproof jacket, food, water, first aid kit, torch, and charged phone
- Check weather forecasts and track conditions before setting out
- Don't underestimate walk times - New Zealand terrain is often harder than it appears
- Turn back if weather deteriorates or you're running late - the track will be there tomorrow
- Stay on marked tracks - vegetation can be dense and disorienting
- Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote areas, available to rent
- Download offline maps as mobile coverage is limited in many outdoor areas
Health and Sun Safety
- Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen liberally and reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
- Stay hydrated - carry water with you, especially during outdoor activities
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Christchurch
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications with documentation
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before arrival - medical costs are high for visitors
Earthquake Preparedness
- Identify safe spots in your accommodation (under sturdy tables, in doorways, away from windows)
- Keep shoes, torch, and phone charger near your bed
- Know your building's evacuation procedures and assembly points
- During shaking: Drop, Cover, Hold - get under sturdy furniture and hold on
- After shaking stops, check for injuries and damage before evacuating if necessary
- Expect aftershocks - they can continue for days or weeks after a significant quake
- Follow official Civil Defence advice via radio, TV, or emergency mobile alerts
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Carry a mix of payment methods - cards are widely accepted but have cash backup
- Split money between multiple locations - don't keep all cash and cards together
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Keep digital copies of important documents in secure cloud storage
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodation through reputable platforms with verified reviews
- Check that smoke alarms are present and working in your room
- Locate emergency exits and evacuation routes when you check in
- Use door locks, chains, and safes provided
- Don't leave valuables visible through windows
- Report any suspicious activity to accommodation management immediately
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Christchurch and New Zealand generally are considered very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The country ranks highly for gender equality and women's safety. Street harassment is relatively uncommon compared to many destinations. However, standard precautions should still be taken, particularly at night and when consuming alcohol.
- Solo female travelers report feeling safe in Christchurch - it's a popular destination for women traveling alone
- Use registered taxis or Uber rather than walking alone late at night, particularly in the central city
- When hiking alone, tell someone your plans and expected return time - this applies to all solo hikers
- Accommodation options like hostels and hotels are generally safe - read reviews and choose well-rated options
- Drink spiking is rare but possible - never leave drinks unattended in bars and watch your drinks being made
- New Zealanders generally respect personal space - unwanted attention is less common than in many countries
- Emergency services respond quickly and take safety concerns seriously - don't hesitate to call 111 if threatened
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer company
- Beach and outdoor activities are generally safe for solo women - popular tracks and beaches have good foot traffic
- Trust your instincts - if accommodation, a situation, or a person makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself
LGBTQ+ Travelers
New Zealand has strong LGBTQ+ rights protections. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal. Gender identity is legally recognized, and people can change gender markers on official documents.
- Christchurch is safe for LGBTQ+ travelers - discrimination is rare and illegal
- Public displays of affection are generally accepted throughout the city without issue
- The LGBTQ+ scene is centered around a few bars and venues - check local listings for current venues
- Annual Pride events are held, though Christchurch's LGBTQ+ scene is smaller than Auckland or Wellington
- Hotels and accommodation providers are uniformly welcoming - same-sex couples can book double beds without concern
- Rural areas outside Christchurch may be more conservative, but discrimination is still uncommon
- Use standard dating app precautions - meet in public places first and tell someone where you're going
- Healthcare providers are professional and non-discriminatory - feel comfortable seeking medical care
- No need to hide your identity or relationship - New Zealand is genuinely accepting
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Christchurch and New Zealand. Medical treatment costs for visitors are extremely high, and the public health system does not cover non-residents except for some accident-related injuries under ACC. A simple emergency room visit can cost NZ$400-600, while serious medical issues or hospitalization can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Adventure activities, which New Zealand is famous for, carry additional risks that should be covered.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Christchurch Safety Guide before you go.