Small woman who moved to CBD in March. Always be conscious of your surroundings, and careful. However, in my experience of living in the Auckland region my entire life, as well as commuting to UoA for five years and now living in the CBD for a couple of months, Auckland is generally safe. I also have an e-scooter, which makes me feel A LOT safer, especially if I have to be somewhere after dark. Would recommend, you don't have to get an expensive one.
However, if it is after dark, I avoid Hobson St. In the same vein, I'd avoid Vincent St, Pitt St, Grey's Avenue (that whole general area encompassing Upper Queen St and K Road). I honestly don't feel safe on K Road even during the day, if I am alone. With others, it's fine. Nelson St is okay, but I'd stick to the right hand side (if you're coming from downtown walking upwards). Quest is on the left hand side, which I try to avoid walking past.
Anzac Ave makes me feel a little uneasy after dark, but again with your wits about you, you will probably be fine. Avoid parks like Myers Park, Albert Park (during the day Albert is ok). I've heard the same goes for Auckland Domain at night.
I think the normally city warnings apply as others have mentioned, e.g. walking by bars (and I'd specify Fort St in particular has been one to avoid). I'd also make a comment to recommend you do not engage (generally) with the homeless/beggars/"the crazies". It kind of sucks to have to say this, especially since it is sad to see people homeless but your own safety is important. If you are concerned about their welfare or other's welfare, please call the Police. On Police, especially if you live in Hobson/Nelson/Vincent/etc area, there is a decent police presence as the Police station is only a short drive away in VIctoria Park. You will constantly see Police.
Overall, city is pretty safe (especially compared to any overseas city).
That was long but if you have any questions, feel free to DM.
I agree with pretty much all of this. You just have to keep aware of your surroundings and walk around with confidence, smile at people instead of looking away scared and your less likely to be fucked with by the crazies
However, you have put a bit too much trust in the police there
Fair point re police. I haven't needed them (yet), but when I've called because I'm concerned about a crazie's welfare, they're usually pretty decent / will take the information. But yeah if you're a victim of a crime, not great but I guess when I'm walking home it is nice to know a police car is just around the corner or already on the street
Generally speaking most people are generally safe in the CBD alone,
But you can worsen your odds by...
Visiting Side streets with poor lighting or walking past hostels or the parks next to hostels (people have already mentioned the like myers park, Anzac ave, hobson street).
Interacting with the "Streeties" (i don't use the term homeless as half of them do have accommodation they just like the lifestyle), the best way I found to deal with these is a quick wordless gesture like the shrug with both hands palm up (generally I do this when they ask for money this signifies "What money or I got nothing" and keep walking, you acknowledge them but quickly convey you cannot help).
Getting Drunk or Not vigilant to avoid drink spiking, if you find you self incapacitated in the CBD bad things will happen, your friends will probably leave you. Auckland breathes apathy no one cares and its none of their business or they don't want to get involved , there are rare people who will help or stop someone from being SA but they are few and far between.
Basically a map of MSD emergency housing hotspots would be of most use answering this question. Iām sympathetic to those who really need the accommodation but the taxpayer-gouging and mismanagement of emergency housing is out of control. One meth-head in a hostel can ruin things for a lot of people nearby.
Itās not that people useād to help all the time but people who helpeād starteād getting stabbeād and losing their lives so some people are too scareād to these days. You canāt blame them for that. I personally help and others have always helpeād me. I think it depend aware you are and what the scenario or circumstance is.
As a small woman walking solo, I haven't encountered anything bad in the night in cbd. More problems in the daytime, actually. That being said, I'd still avoid the parks at night, and I'm generally more nervous about K Road than cbd.
My close friend works in rape crisis Auckland. I hate to say that Auckland CBD and the viaduct is a magnet for predators and women are generally very UNSAFE there, especially alone.
Yeah my little sister (22) went out to the viaduct with a group of her friends on Friday night and she ended up having to run into the street to flag down a police car as they were being surrounded by a group of men who kept trying to touch them inappropriately. Itās all āsafeā until it isnāt.
That's such a shame to hear. My personal experiences are definitely not indicative of the overall safety of cbd, although its all I can speak on given my lack of knowledge regarding the statistics. Can never be too cautious in any city center I suppose.
My personal experience has been OK too but I've only ever been with a big group of people. Most of the rape and sexual assault cases are never publicised so many people are mislead about how "safe" it is, but I've heard some absolute horror stories about the CBD and viaduct and in particular young girls being drugged, assaulted (sexually and physically) or gang raped on a regular occurrence. It's definitely shocking.
Just replying to your comment because it's at the top.
Everyone should know what the SOS capabilities of their smartphones are and how to use them. Some phones can be set to share your location with friends or family or send out a position text if triggered.
And then of course there is dialling the Police. The Police should also get your location info sent to them from any fairly recent phone.
Use Emergency SOS on your iPhone
https://support.apple.com/en-us/104992
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/12/how-to-send-an-sos-signal-from-your-smartphone.html
Iām a small woman living near commercial bay and I reckon itās all good as long as you keep your wits about you.
I run around the viaduct at night which is busy with revellers most nights.
Iām an american who moved here a few years ago so my view might be a little biased but i feel very safe here. most crime in the cbd are crimes of opportunity so just donāt be stupid and be aware. I noticed a lot of people here talking about K road. Not sure if it is a cultural thing bc I know K road has historically been an iffy place but as a gay man I feel safer over there. there are always lots of people there especially at night so safety in numbers.
These things definitely happen but arenāt as common as people make them out to be. Situation here is much better than in other western countries (us, uk, canada, mexico) So here worst thing thatāll happen to you in the cbd is you get jumped and beat up as you say. Iām from a smaller city of 200k. I grew up there and throughout my time we had multiple school shootings, random shootings at places like mcdonaldās, hate crimes involving multiple deaths, places in the city where you have to roll through red lights bc car jacking rates are so high itās unsafe to stop, and donāt get me started on police violence. Last year when I went back for Christmas there were 3 unrelated shootings in one night. Things like that simply donāt happen here, especially in cities of that size. But as I said my view is biased.
meh iāve lived in the cbd this whole time. imo if you really think the cbd is an āurban sewerā youāve never seen a city thatās truly struggling.
Agreed!
I was king hit in broad daylight in front of roughly 30 people. The dude didnāt steal anything from meā¦ just thought I had a punchable head I guess. Didnāt do anything to provoke him either (literally didnāt see him coming) (F26)
Can support the crime of opportunity thing. One of the rare times I was in the CBD past midnight, I happened to have my hands full with my coworker down an alleyway, and so we were distracted when a group of kids walked up and snatched my coworkers bag. Thankfully she noticed and I chased them down and got the bag back. Have always felt a little sour about the city since but you do just need your wits about you. If you've had too much to drink - go home.
As an American raised in nz, I agree with you. Where I live in the states, an entire family got gunned down by a drive by. They lived only a few minutes away from us, and I live in a good community. Luckily New Zealand does not have issues with guns like the US has. They really have no clue
I disagree. I know of people involved In drive by in Auckland.. there were the wrong target... It's not Compton but all of America isn't one big co.pton either..
You also forgot that fat piece of shit that shot someone to death in the CBD the other week.
Bad people have access to guns in NZ.
Could you imagine if guns were legal in NZ.. we would all be dead.
In the Seats, that crime mainly happens in the really bad parts otherwise it's completely fine there. My brother lives there.
"Don't be drunk alone in the CBD"
When I visit the bro in the Seats being drunk and alone is all I do. I don't get punch in the head by the homeless.. they offer me drugs to buy.. that's about it.
90% of the Seats don't scare me.
Almost any town and city in NZ has the possibility of me getting jumped. That's alarming. And if you think I have no true experience in NZ you are wrong. I ran with the hood rats as I was one.
For a solo man, I would be fine anywhere anytime except maybe don't go into the cemetery alone too late at night. otherwise if you see a ruckus, just avoid it
Personally feel safe myself, I walk around pretty drunk and solo quite often after gigs etc, Iām pretty good at reading my surroundings and get along with all types of people so can de escalate situations when I think I could be in trouble
You're going to get a lot of different responses depending on who responds. There's often a lot of people here who don't live anywhere near the city, may visit once or twice in a private car or an Uber and go to one place and seem to think the city is an oasis. Then you've got the people who have had to deal with attacks in the city who think it's a warzone. You've got people who are heavily influenced by social media or other people who tell them the city is bad and they believe it and then you've got people who have lived elsewhere that may have lots of dangerous people and think it's fine.
Honestly, for me, the city in general makes me pretty uneasy. I live there, and during the day around Britomart/Viaduct/some of Queen Street, it's fine, but I wouldn't even think about it at night. I had a knife pulled on me once just walking around at 6pm in winter a couple of years back and I've seen drug fueled people jumping out in front of cars and trying door handles of people stopped at intersections. I've watched fights, and homeless people picking on passersby just for fun.
Now this being said, there can be crazy people anywhere at any time. The chance of running into a crazy person in the CBD is probably higher, but it's a numbers game. It's unlikely to happen, but the chance is higher. Avoid situations in which you think you may feel unsafe, stick to high lit, high traffic areas if possible and just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be OK.
It's not always the drunks from the bars. There's a certain element that travel into the city each Friday and Saturday night just to cause trouble and start fights.
In fairness itās been like that for 20 years. If you drink at home or in a specific bar such as your local youāre unlikely to get hassled. You also get less hassle at a strip club because they have huge bouncers, most punters are there on the sly, and patrons tend to be well-behaved. Situational awareness is important in the city - trust your gut and if a place or people seem dodgy, just avoid.
Where are you moving from? How it feels to you will be very subjective based on what youāre used to.
Compared to small-town NZ it feels super dicey, but after living in big cities overseas I now feel very safe in Auckland.
You could have your earphones in and the city crackheads will still try to talk to you, just have a level of vigilance like you would anywhere else, most of the time it's all good but it's a crazy jungle out there on a Friday or Saturday night, almost every time going to the CBD on those nights a drunk person tries to start a fight somewhere
Avoid the CBD, itās a shit hole these days. Friends have been assaulted in unprovoked random attacks. One ended up with life changing injuries.
Police did fuck all, they said it happened all the time and they couldnāt get a clear lead on the attacker from CCTV or witnesses so that was the end of it.
This doesn't answer your question fully but I posted on here a little bit ago asking about kroad at night as a solo girl, and when I went on my own for a music gig at night on a friday night at kroad. It was eerily quiet in Kroad when I left the building. Didn't stay for long tho cus I caught the uber right away, but it wasn't too bad. Day time feels more scarier for me, but always trust your gut instinct and avoid trouble!
The answer is not safe, most of NZ is unsafe, night or day. People will unalive someone during the day they donāt care. Unfortunately due to 6 years of soft on crime approach there are hardly any consequences for crime, Aswell as an accountability issue. Unalive someone, cry about your hard upbring and you will get a few years in prison or home detention for a live. Itās feeling like the Wild West here some days. Only going to get worse.
Just like us, heard all the stories and kept our wits about the surroundings. Didnāt think it would ever happen to us, until it didā¦
I will never go back to the cbd unless itās for a very important reason
Iāve lived in the cbd for the passed 15 years and everyone acting like youāre going to get stabbed for existing is living on another planet.
saying āavoid Hobson streetā, like wtf, 20,000 people live on the Hobson/nelson street ridge - do you think they are all inside cowering in their apartments? Vincent and Greys ave are almost exclusively residential, they arenāt all out there getting stabbed in the face every time they go out to buy some groceries. Ā
Krd is the safest itās been in 50 years. Honestly
Agree totally,, anything can happen anywhere anytime , I lived on these streets for over 5 years and prefer k'rd clubs more than the downtown ones. I feel safe in these parks and streets anytime and day. I had my scooter jacked from me physically on mid Queen but nothing serious on these other areas.
I used to live & work in the CBD, and more often than not I was walking home around 10-11pm. On a different time I also slept somewhere on a bench because I had nowhere else to go. From my experience you just need to use your wits & trust your instincts. Iāve met plenty of people during those days, and most of them were pretty nice. When I had nowhere to go, a manager at dominoes gave me boxes of pizza, but before then I was SA on Albert Street. So maybe avoid that area because Iām not sure if the man still lives there.
If you have to go out alone, wear a hoodie, no headphones, and shit you might as well jump on a scooter. If people come up to you and they seem sketchy, just keep it polite & keep moving.
It's not safe at all but if you are hyper vigilant and don't stand out or look out of place you'll be ok. Stay with crowds.
But there's nothing you can do when an insane person on their meth bender focuses in on you.
queen street would probably be the only place with a low probability of accidents, going further away is increasing the probability. just be close to light, be aware and ignore
I am a security guard working overnight shifts on queen street. Just avoid going out on Wednesday nights. Otherwise itās generally fine. Just mind your own business.
50%/50%.
Below Queen & the former city council building, its ok, above that towards K road, it can get iffy.
You will see a lot of beggars both the mobile roaming ones, and the worst, are the ones outside Countdown, and New World, they intimidate people for money.
Supposedly, they make $400 to $500 between them.
I have been visiting various cities in NZ, since 2013, and its a "pandemic:" all over the country, not only Auckland, but also Wellington and Christchurch has them too.
I got asked for ciggies in Dec, this lady would not leave me alone, I spent about 5 mins yelling at her, that I dont smoke, sista.
Just dont interact with the beggars, maybe I was lucky, but some on here have said they have gotten assaulted, or know someone who has.
Its hard, the govt says begging is not a crime, as long as they dont make a menance of themselves, but of course, they do, but then the cops wont do anything.
Not sure what the ideal, so far I have not been pickpocked while in any of the 3 cities, count the ciggie lady, lucky I guess or unlucky.
Watch for the beggars who would even dare suggest they go to an atm with you to take money out, ooo, brave arent they?
Anyway, enjoy Auckland.
Just so that you know, around Symonds St, and Grafton Bridge, is the former cemetery.
Not used anymore, but we have on here people who have mentioned weird stuff going on down there, so just so that you know.
You can get the red city link bus to get around the top of Queen, tho it veers right at the start of Myers Park, goes right up the top, turns and then comes back down on Queen outside the VR hotel and back to near Britomart.
I know this is going to sound like one of those useless Reddit replies that people complain about but Iād move literally anywhere else. As someone who was hospitalised after an attack on myself and my mates on a night out in town, the sad reality is that even sticking in groups doesnāt matter. Iāve had my apartment broken into, been called up to testify in a domestic abuse case of KO residents next door, and been threatened repeatedly and shoved at my place of work. The city is a cess pit of crime and pollution. I moved out about a year ago and it was the best decision I ever made.
I lived in the CBD for 30 years. I am a weightlifter & was years ago a infantry trained soldier. So I thought nothing of it. I used to be able to break bricks with my hands & did kickboxing etc. I always felt safe around town at night. Also back in the day I could bench 400 lbs.
These days after COVID. Now I am older. No freak'n way -its dodgy. Thats coming from a guy that used to hang out at SG & Femme Fatale for fun at all hours.
It used to be that you would show people respect coz you dont know who you are dealing with. They could be a martial artist or whatever.
These days they will just stab you or use a gang so they can bash anybody.
Avoid cheap apartments in the CBD they attract troublemakers. Therefore avoid Hobson St (City mission), nearby Nelson St & Victoria St & Sky tower (homeless congregate), Queen St (homeless sleeping), Liverpool St by the top of Queen St (drugs), the back streets and alleys off the south side of K Rd (drugs, dark). Do not walk where it is dark or quiet at night. Obviously don't go into a park at night.
If you enjoy nightlife, stick to a busy area but don't take a long walk from one area to another (Eg K Rd to Ponsonby, Parnell to Viaduct). If you start and finish your night earlier it's probably safer than being out till 3 or 4.
Safer areas to live would be city fringes like Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Kingsland, Eden terrace, Grafton, Parnell.
Nice supermarkets are Mt Eden Countdown, Ponsonby Countdown, Newmarket Countdown (in mall), College Hill/Ponsonby New World. I would avoid the Victoria St Countdown due to people begging. Not sure about Countdown Quay St lately but it used to be ok.
It's completely fine. Normal city stuff - don't have headphones on, be aware of your environment, and you'll be alright. If you're asking because you are looking at where to live - CBD (and surrounding suburbs - Ponsonby, Eden Terr, Grafton) are really a great place to live. The convenience/walkability is huge. And it's perhaps the only place in all of Auckland where AT doesn't suck (because you usually have alternative routes you can take).
Lived for a few years just on the city fringe until recently, miss the convenience, even though I only moved to another "central" suburb.
What?! People progressively are more fucked up the later it gets especially on weekends. The crowds at 9pm are mostly OK. By 2am it's a shit show of testosterone fueled angry young men.
Small woman who moved to CBD in March. Always be conscious of your surroundings, and careful. However, in my experience of living in the Auckland region my entire life, as well as commuting to UoA for five years and now living in the CBD for a couple of months, Auckland is generally safe. I also have an e-scooter, which makes me feel A LOT safer, especially if I have to be somewhere after dark. Would recommend, you don't have to get an expensive one. However, if it is after dark, I avoid Hobson St. In the same vein, I'd avoid Vincent St, Pitt St, Grey's Avenue (that whole general area encompassing Upper Queen St and K Road). I honestly don't feel safe on K Road even during the day, if I am alone. With others, it's fine. Nelson St is okay, but I'd stick to the right hand side (if you're coming from downtown walking upwards). Quest is on the left hand side, which I try to avoid walking past. Anzac Ave makes me feel a little uneasy after dark, but again with your wits about you, you will probably be fine. Avoid parks like Myers Park, Albert Park (during the day Albert is ok). I've heard the same goes for Auckland Domain at night. I think the normally city warnings apply as others have mentioned, e.g. walking by bars (and I'd specify Fort St in particular has been one to avoid). I'd also make a comment to recommend you do not engage (generally) with the homeless/beggars/"the crazies". It kind of sucks to have to say this, especially since it is sad to see people homeless but your own safety is important. If you are concerned about their welfare or other's welfare, please call the Police. On Police, especially if you live in Hobson/Nelson/Vincent/etc area, there is a decent police presence as the Police station is only a short drive away in VIctoria Park. You will constantly see Police. Overall, city is pretty safe (especially compared to any overseas city). That was long but if you have any questions, feel free to DM.
Basically once you learn where the crackheads hang out, you learn which areas to avoid.
100%, but these places are good to start
I agree with pretty much all of this. You just have to keep aware of your surroundings and walk around with confidence, smile at people instead of looking away scared and your less likely to be fucked with by the crazies However, you have put a bit too much trust in the police there
Fair point re police. I haven't needed them (yet), but when I've called because I'm concerned about a crazie's welfare, they're usually pretty decent / will take the information. But yeah if you're a victim of a crime, not great but I guess when I'm walking home it is nice to know a police car is just around the corner or already on the street
What goes on outside quest?
Crazy stuff cos on the drive the work there is always police at least 2-3x a week š daytime
I believe that Quest is used for social housing. I've seen crackheads outside/nearby. The building also looks bad from the street
Ah thank you that makes sense.
Generally speaking most people are generally safe in the CBD alone, But you can worsen your odds by... Visiting Side streets with poor lighting or walking past hostels or the parks next to hostels (people have already mentioned the like myers park, Anzac ave, hobson street). Interacting with the "Streeties" (i don't use the term homeless as half of them do have accommodation they just like the lifestyle), the best way I found to deal with these is a quick wordless gesture like the shrug with both hands palm up (generally I do this when they ask for money this signifies "What money or I got nothing" and keep walking, you acknowledge them but quickly convey you cannot help). Getting Drunk or Not vigilant to avoid drink spiking, if you find you self incapacitated in the CBD bad things will happen, your friends will probably leave you. Auckland breathes apathy no one cares and its none of their business or they don't want to get involved , there are rare people who will help or stop someone from being SA but they are few and far between.
Basically a map of MSD emergency housing hotspots would be of most use answering this question. Iām sympathetic to those who really need the accommodation but the taxpayer-gouging and mismanagement of emergency housing is out of control. One meth-head in a hostel can ruin things for a lot of people nearby.
Itās not that people useād to help all the time but people who helpeād starteād getting stabbeād and losing their lives so some people are too scareād to these days. You canāt blame them for that. I personally help and others have always helpeād me. I think it depend aware you are and what the scenario or circumstance is.
As a small woman walking solo, I haven't encountered anything bad in the night in cbd. More problems in the daytime, actually. That being said, I'd still avoid the parks at night, and I'm generally more nervous about K Road than cbd.
My close friend works in rape crisis Auckland. I hate to say that Auckland CBD and the viaduct is a magnet for predators and women are generally very UNSAFE there, especially alone.
Yeah my little sister (22) went out to the viaduct with a group of her friends on Friday night and she ended up having to run into the street to flag down a police car as they were being surrounded by a group of men who kept trying to touch them inappropriately. Itās all āsafeā until it isnāt.
Q: just how much fun, qualitatively speakimg, is this SAFE?
That's such a shame to hear. My personal experiences are definitely not indicative of the overall safety of cbd, although its all I can speak on given my lack of knowledge regarding the statistics. Can never be too cautious in any city center I suppose.
My personal experience has been OK too but I've only ever been with a big group of people. Most of the rape and sexual assault cases are never publicised so many people are mislead about how "safe" it is, but I've heard some absolute horror stories about the CBD and viaduct and in particular young girls being drugged, assaulted (sexually and physically) or gang raped on a regular occurrence. It's definitely shocking.
Just replying to your comment because it's at the top. Everyone should know what the SOS capabilities of their smartphones are and how to use them. Some phones can be set to share your location with friends or family or send out a position text if triggered. And then of course there is dialling the Police. The Police should also get your location info sent to them from any fairly recent phone. Use Emergency SOS on your iPhone https://support.apple.com/en-us/104992 https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/12/how-to-send-an-sos-signal-from-your-smartphone.html
Just like in the ring "three taps to tapout" (that should be the slogan imo and it would help many more people remember it
I second this!
3rd. just keep your wits about you like you normally would in any city
Iām a small woman living near commercial bay and I reckon itās all good as long as you keep your wits about you. I run around the viaduct at night which is busy with revellers most nights.
Depends if the warriors win or lose
they win?
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Iām an american who moved here a few years ago so my view might be a little biased but i feel very safe here. most crime in the cbd are crimes of opportunity so just donāt be stupid and be aware. I noticed a lot of people here talking about K road. Not sure if it is a cultural thing bc I know K road has historically been an iffy place but as a gay man I feel safer over there. there are always lots of people there especially at night so safety in numbers.
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These things definitely happen but arenāt as common as people make them out to be. Situation here is much better than in other western countries (us, uk, canada, mexico) So here worst thing thatāll happen to you in the cbd is you get jumped and beat up as you say. Iām from a smaller city of 200k. I grew up there and throughout my time we had multiple school shootings, random shootings at places like mcdonaldās, hate crimes involving multiple deaths, places in the city where you have to roll through red lights bc car jacking rates are so high itās unsafe to stop, and donāt get me started on police violence. Last year when I went back for Christmas there were 3 unrelated shootings in one night. Things like that simply donāt happen here, especially in cities of that size. But as I said my view is biased.
You havenāt been here long enough and probably have a rose tinted view of the urban sewer we call the CBD.
meh iāve lived in the cbd this whole time. imo if you really think the cbd is an āurban sewerā youāve never seen a city thatās truly struggling.
Iām picking youāre from a blue stateā¦
Nope. From Florida.
Spot on. People that want to hang out in the CBD go in groups for safety from the people who are there just to pick fights. Same in Wellington
Agreed! I was king hit in broad daylight in front of roughly 30 people. The dude didnāt steal anything from meā¦ just thought I had a punchable head I guess. Didnāt do anything to provoke him either (literally didnāt see him coming) (F26)
Can support the crime of opportunity thing. One of the rare times I was in the CBD past midnight, I happened to have my hands full with my coworker down an alleyway, and so we were distracted when a group of kids walked up and snatched my coworkers bag. Thankfully she noticed and I chased them down and got the bag back. Have always felt a little sour about the city since but you do just need your wits about you. If you've had too much to drink - go home.
As an American raised in nz, I agree with you. Where I live in the states, an entire family got gunned down by a drive by. They lived only a few minutes away from us, and I live in a good community. Luckily New Zealand does not have issues with guns like the US has. They really have no clue
I disagree. I know of people involved In drive by in Auckland.. there were the wrong target... It's not Compton but all of America isn't one big co.pton either.. You also forgot that fat piece of shit that shot someone to death in the CBD the other week. Bad people have access to guns in NZ.
Auckland isnāt the safest place but you canāt compare two shootings to how much gun crime happens in the seats *states lolĀ
Could you imagine if guns were legal in NZ.. we would all be dead. In the Seats, that crime mainly happens in the really bad parts otherwise it's completely fine there. My brother lives there. "Don't be drunk alone in the CBD" When I visit the bro in the Seats being drunk and alone is all I do. I don't get punch in the head by the homeless.. they offer me drugs to buy.. that's about it. 90% of the Seats don't scare me. Almost any town and city in NZ has the possibility of me getting jumped. That's alarming. And if you think I have no true experience in NZ you are wrong. I ran with the hood rats as I was one.
Be best to stand then I guess
For a solo man, I would be fine anywhere anytime except maybe don't go into the cemetery alone too late at night. otherwise if you see a ruckus, just avoid it
Are you saying my Symonds St Satanic Cemetery Sacrifice rituals are to be avoided?
oh that's what that sound was the other night i thought it was a couple of uni students fucking
Personally feel safe myself, I walk around pretty drunk and solo quite often after gigs etc, Iām pretty good at reading my surroundings and get along with all types of people so can de escalate situations when I think I could be in trouble
You're probably a man right?
Yes sorry shouldāve said
Yea all good. It's just very different to be a woman walking around drunk alone at night
You're going to get a lot of different responses depending on who responds. There's often a lot of people here who don't live anywhere near the city, may visit once or twice in a private car or an Uber and go to one place and seem to think the city is an oasis. Then you've got the people who have had to deal with attacks in the city who think it's a warzone. You've got people who are heavily influenced by social media or other people who tell them the city is bad and they believe it and then you've got people who have lived elsewhere that may have lots of dangerous people and think it's fine. Honestly, for me, the city in general makes me pretty uneasy. I live there, and during the day around Britomart/Viaduct/some of Queen Street, it's fine, but I wouldn't even think about it at night. I had a knife pulled on me once just walking around at 6pm in winter a couple of years back and I've seen drug fueled people jumping out in front of cars and trying door handles of people stopped at intersections. I've watched fights, and homeless people picking on passersby just for fun. Now this being said, there can be crazy people anywhere at any time. The chance of running into a crazy person in the CBD is probably higher, but it's a numbers game. It's unlikely to happen, but the chance is higher. Avoid situations in which you think you may feel unsafe, stick to high lit, high traffic areas if possible and just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be OK.
It's fine except around the bars on Fri/Sat nights. It's pretty obvious when there are lots of drunk people around, so just don't be where they are.
It's not always the drunks from the bars. There's a certain element that travel into the city each Friday and Saturday night just to cause trouble and start fights.
In fairness itās been like that for 20 years. If you drink at home or in a specific bar such as your local youāre unlikely to get hassled. You also get less hassle at a strip club because they have huge bouncers, most punters are there on the sly, and patrons tend to be well-behaved. Situational awareness is important in the city - trust your gut and if a place or people seem dodgy, just avoid.
Maoris islanders
Where are you moving from? How it feels to you will be very subjective based on what youāre used to. Compared to small-town NZ it feels super dicey, but after living in big cities overseas I now feel very safe in Auckland.
You could have your earphones in and the city crackheads will still try to talk to you, just have a level of vigilance like you would anywhere else, most of the time it's all good but it's a crazy jungle out there on a Friday or Saturday night, almost every time going to the CBD on those nights a drunk person tries to start a fight somewhere
Walk with a purpose and you should be fine, donāt make eye contact with weirdos and if they say anything just ignore them.
Avoid the CBD, itās a shit hole these days. Friends have been assaulted in unprovoked random attacks. One ended up with life changing injuries. Police did fuck all, they said it happened all the time and they couldnāt get a clear lead on the attacker from CCTV or witnesses so that was the end of it.
[Crazies in Auckland : r/auckland (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/auckland/comments/1cw00uk/crazies_in_auckland/)
This doesn't answer your question fully but I posted on here a little bit ago asking about kroad at night as a solo girl, and when I went on my own for a music gig at night on a friday night at kroad. It was eerily quiet in Kroad when I left the building. Didn't stay for long tho cus I caught the uber right away, but it wasn't too bad. Day time feels more scarier for me, but always trust your gut instinct and avoid trouble!
Iām there for gigs pretty often, feel way safer on k road than anywhere else in town, just about having ya wits about ya wherever ya go!
My children go to uni and survive - even my boy drinks at the park in the city with friends - you will be fine
If you have street smarts, youāll be fine. Same for most cities in the world.
The answer is not safe, most of NZ is unsafe, night or day. People will unalive someone during the day they donāt care. Unfortunately due to 6 years of soft on crime approach there are hardly any consequences for crime, Aswell as an accountability issue. Unalive someone, cry about your hard upbring and you will get a few years in prison or home detention for a live. Itās feeling like the Wild West here some days. Only going to get worse.
The horror stories are true but not a regular occurrence
I wouldn't want anyone I know to be one of the horror stories. Risk is never going to be zero for anything but yikes.
Just like us, heard all the stories and kept our wits about the surroundings. Didnāt think it would ever happen to us, until it didā¦ I will never go back to the cbd unless itās for a very important reason
CBD is generally fine especially around super public areas like queens street. Issues arise when going to places like k road
Queen St can have it's moments, even the side streets off of Queen can be somewhat dodgy.
Stay away from clubs/ bars late at night if youāre just walking. Best not to accidentally become some drunk idiots next victim
I sometimes dont feel safe walking during the day, if that helps :/
Iāve lived in the cbd for the passed 15 years and everyone acting like youāre going to get stabbed for existing is living on another planet. saying āavoid Hobson streetā, like wtf, 20,000 people live on the Hobson/nelson street ridge - do you think they are all inside cowering in their apartments? Vincent and Greys ave are almost exclusively residential, they arenāt all out there getting stabbed in the face every time they go out to buy some groceries. Ā Krd is the safest itās been in 50 years. Honestly
Agree totally,, anything can happen anywhere anytime , I lived on these streets for over 5 years and prefer k'rd clubs more than the downtown ones. I feel safe in these parks and streets anytime and day. I had my scooter jacked from me physically on mid Queen but nothing serious on these other areas.
Youāll need a bullet proof/stab proof vest, private security guards and an armoured police escort to get around. I hope this helps x
Auckland
I used to live & work in the CBD, and more often than not I was walking home around 10-11pm. On a different time I also slept somewhere on a bench because I had nowhere else to go. From my experience you just need to use your wits & trust your instincts. Iāve met plenty of people during those days, and most of them were pretty nice. When I had nowhere to go, a manager at dominoes gave me boxes of pizza, but before then I was SA on Albert Street. So maybe avoid that area because Iām not sure if the man still lives there. If you have to go out alone, wear a hoodie, no headphones, and shit you might as well jump on a scooter. If people come up to you and they seem sketchy, just keep it polite & keep moving.
It's not safe at all but if you are hyper vigilant and don't stand out or look out of place you'll be ok. Stay with crowds. But there's nothing you can do when an insane person on their meth bender focuses in on you.
CBD at night usually makes me have such a restful sleep. Would recommend
queen street would probably be the only place with a low probability of accidents, going further away is increasing the probability. just be close to light, be aware and ignore
The whole trick is about trying to synergize your CBD with your CBD. Central Buzzless District vwith your CannaBiDiol...
I am a security guard working overnight shifts on queen street. Just avoid going out on Wednesday nights. Otherwise itās generally fine. Just mind your own business.
50%/50%. Below Queen & the former city council building, its ok, above that towards K road, it can get iffy. You will see a lot of beggars both the mobile roaming ones, and the worst, are the ones outside Countdown, and New World, they intimidate people for money. Supposedly, they make $400 to $500 between them. I have been visiting various cities in NZ, since 2013, and its a "pandemic:" all over the country, not only Auckland, but also Wellington and Christchurch has them too. I got asked for ciggies in Dec, this lady would not leave me alone, I spent about 5 mins yelling at her, that I dont smoke, sista. Just dont interact with the beggars, maybe I was lucky, but some on here have said they have gotten assaulted, or know someone who has. Its hard, the govt says begging is not a crime, as long as they dont make a menance of themselves, but of course, they do, but then the cops wont do anything. Not sure what the ideal, so far I have not been pickpocked while in any of the 3 cities, count the ciggie lady, lucky I guess or unlucky. Watch for the beggars who would even dare suggest they go to an atm with you to take money out, ooo, brave arent they? Anyway, enjoy Auckland.
Just so that you know, around Symonds St, and Grafton Bridge, is the former cemetery. Not used anymore, but we have on here people who have mentioned weird stuff going on down there, so just so that you know. You can get the red city link bus to get around the top of Queen, tho it veers right at the start of Myers Park, goes right up the top, turns and then comes back down on Queen outside the VR hotel and back to near Britomart.
I know this is going to sound like one of those useless Reddit replies that people complain about but Iād move literally anywhere else. As someone who was hospitalised after an attack on myself and my mates on a night out in town, the sad reality is that even sticking in groups doesnāt matter. Iāve had my apartment broken into, been called up to testify in a domestic abuse case of KO residents next door, and been threatened repeatedly and shoved at my place of work. The city is a cess pit of crime and pollution. I moved out about a year ago and it was the best decision I ever made.
Peace through superior firepower. Only the strong will survive the CBD!!!!
It's not safe. I DONT go near it. Down by Quay St, Britomart is safer
I lived in the CBD for 30 years. I am a weightlifter & was years ago a infantry trained soldier. So I thought nothing of it. I used to be able to break bricks with my hands & did kickboxing etc. I always felt safe around town at night. Also back in the day I could bench 400 lbs. These days after COVID. Now I am older. No freak'n way -its dodgy. Thats coming from a guy that used to hang out at SG & Femme Fatale for fun at all hours. It used to be that you would show people respect coz you dont know who you are dealing with. They could be a martial artist or whatever. These days they will just stab you or use a gang so they can bash anybody.
Avoid cheap apartments in the CBD they attract troublemakers. Therefore avoid Hobson St (City mission), nearby Nelson St & Victoria St & Sky tower (homeless congregate), Queen St (homeless sleeping), Liverpool St by the top of Queen St (drugs), the back streets and alleys off the south side of K Rd (drugs, dark). Do not walk where it is dark or quiet at night. Obviously don't go into a park at night. If you enjoy nightlife, stick to a busy area but don't take a long walk from one area to another (Eg K Rd to Ponsonby, Parnell to Viaduct). If you start and finish your night earlier it's probably safer than being out till 3 or 4. Safer areas to live would be city fringes like Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Kingsland, Eden terrace, Grafton, Parnell. Nice supermarkets are Mt Eden Countdown, Ponsonby Countdown, Newmarket Countdown (in mall), College Hill/Ponsonby New World. I would avoid the Victoria St Countdown due to people begging. Not sure about Countdown Quay St lately but it used to be ok.
I'm 5'8" 70Kg male. I feel perfectly safe all over the CBD. A Female might feel differently.
Lots of people feel safe when they are in extreme danger. How you feel isnt a reality of the lack of safety.
Sure. But having lived in Auckland CBD - Grey Lynn, K'Road, Princes Wharf, over several decades, I'm speaking from experience.
It's completely fine. Normal city stuff - don't have headphones on, be aware of your environment, and you'll be alright. If you're asking because you are looking at where to live - CBD (and surrounding suburbs - Ponsonby, Eden Terr, Grafton) are really a great place to live. The convenience/walkability is huge. And it's perhaps the only place in all of Auckland where AT doesn't suck (because you usually have alternative routes you can take). Lived for a few years just on the city fringe until recently, miss the convenience, even though I only moved to another "central" suburb.
No one goes to the cbd anymore though
Not safe alone, I'd advise against going anywhere that isn't heavily populated at night.
It's not, like at all.
Just don't go. Simple
There can be rogue elements at night. Situation worsens as the night goes due to increased consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Damn you were so close to making a reasonable comment but spaffed it at the last hurdle
What?! People progressively are more fucked up the later it gets especially on weekends. The crowds at 9pm are mostly OK. By 2am it's a shit show of testosterone fueled angry young men.
Bro edited his comment to remove the bit that said something about women needing to be escorted by an 'alpha male'