2 missions of Costa Rica in New Zealand: Consulate of Costa Rica in Hamilton, New Zealand; Consulate of Costa Rica in Paparangi, New Zealand. Addresses…
Head of mission: Mr. Juan Antonio Arias-Castro, Honorary Consul (confirmed in the diplomatic list of New Zealand, 20 Nov 2024)
Head of mission: Ms. Gloriana María Quirós Venegas, Honorary Consul (confirmed in the diplomatic list of New Zealand, 20 Nov 2024)
Costa Rica is an appealing destination for some New Zealand travelers due to its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. With around 200,000 New Zealanders traveling abroad each year, a portion may find Costa Rica's diverse tourism offerings, from adventure activities to serene retreats, particularly attractive.
Costa Rica is generally considered a relatively safe destination for tourists, including those from New Zealand. According to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica ranks 56th out of 160 countries, while New Zealand ranks 4th, indicating that New Zealand is significantly safer. In terms of crime statistics, Costa Rica has a higher murder rate of 11.4 per 100,000 people compared to New Zealand's 2.6. Female murder rates also reflect this trend, with Costa Rica at 2.2 and New Zealand at 1.1. The Global Organized Crime Index shows that Costa Rica faces challenges with organized crime, with indices indicating a higher presence of mafia groups (6.5) and crime networks (6.0) compared to New Zealand (4.5 and 3.5, respectively). While Costa Rica has its risks, many tourists visit safely by taking standard precautions. It's advisable for travelers to stay informed and be aware of their surroundings.