Aro Valley

Wellington, New Zealand

Overall Safety
Good
4.3 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

Alternative neighborhood with community feel and local cafes. Safe. Good for authentic local experience but away from main attractions with limited evening options.

Alternative and bohemianCommunity feelStudents and artistsLocal shopsVillage-like
Details

Alternative neighborhood in a narrow valley with colorful wooden houses. Students, artists, longtime residents - kind of village-like within the city. Aro Street has cafes, vintage shops, and Aro Video (old video rental store). Aro Cafe is popular for coffee and brunch - solo diners common, students studying, locals reading. Community gardens and art projects, neighbors know each other. Safe during the day, friendly vibe. Quiet evenings, mostly residential with a couple local bars. Valley location means it's off main bus routes - either walk up the steep hill from Te Aro (10-15 min) or catch specific buses. Good for local experience away from tourists, but you'll go to CBD for most dining and nightlife.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Good

Harassment Risk

Low

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Low

Scam Risk

Low

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Good

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Excellent

Drug Activity

Very High

Homelessness Visibility

Very High

Getting By in English

Excellent
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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Aro Cafe
  • Arobake

Restaurants

  • Aro Street local eateries

Bars

  • Local Aro Valley pubs

Other Spots

  • Aro Video
  • Aro Park
  • Local vintage and thrift shops
Impressions & Tips

"Community vibe, locals talk to each other and were friendly"

"Aro Cafe is good for solo breakfast"

"Safe during the day, quiet at night"

"Out of the way but more local feel"

"Steep walk from city center"

Similar Neighborhoods in Wellington

Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers

Mount Victoria

4.0
Wellington, New Zealand
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyExcellent
Historic areaVictorian housesResidential and local+2

Historic residential area with Victorian houses, close to CBD and waterfront. Safe during the day. Some side streets dark at night. Good if you want residential feel with access to central areas.

12

Te Aro

4.0
Wellington, New Zealand
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyExcellent
Central and busyCuba Street has alternative cultureLots of cafes+2

Te Aro is the central neighborhood with the most cafes, restaurants, and attractions. Good base for visitors. Safe during the day, reasonably safe at night on main streets. Courtenay Place gets loud on weekend nights.

56

Kelburn

5.0
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Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyExcellent
University area with studentsHillside locationHarbor views+2

Hillside university area with views, reached by cable car. Quiet and safe. Good if you want peaceful accommodation away from the center with cable car access.

21

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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