American travellers are being warned about ram raids and the increasing crime levels in New Zealand.
US body the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) released a report at the end of August highlighting crime levels in New Zealand.
The report found travellers should exercise normal precautions in New Zealand while also noting Aotearoa ranks fourth out of 163 countries on the Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2023.
Auckland and Wellington are rated as "low threat" locations for crime directed at or affecting official US government interests, but the report warned crime is on the rise.
"That said, more recently in the New Zealand media much attention has been paid to increasing levels of property and violent crime," the report said.
"Police sources are cautious to draw conclusions, however, most if not all admit that reports of crimes are on the rise. More and more crimes involving firearms are being reported and local police have enacted new laws to help combat gang violence."
Crime is "less prevalent" in New Zealand than in major US cities according to the report, which added Aotearoa is experiencing an increase in some types of criminal offences, especially in Auckland and Wellington.
"Most of the crime involves theft, including from motor vehicles and hostels. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, although firearms-related crimes are reported with increasing frequency," the report said.
"A new trend involving youth offenders are so-called "ramraids," where youth crash cars into shops and then rob them. The installation of bollards outside stores and shopping centres has been used to discourage and mitigate the exposure."
The Global Organized Crime Index - a tool designed to measure levels of organised crime - ranked New Zealand 172 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with one being the worst possible ranking.
New Zealand was also ranked three out of 193 countries for resilience, with one being the best possible ranking.
New Zealand was found to be a "low threat" location for terrorism directed at or affecting US government interests, according to the report.
There are no safety concerns for women travellers unique to New Zealand, according to the report with Aotearoa scoring 1.1 out of four - with 1.0 being the safest on the Solo Female Travel Safety Index.
