[wcape]

just a question for any ladies out there that likes going on the occasional run... how safe do you feel running on your own in nz? i've seen some lovely running trails in auckland, but i'm just wondering if i go on my own, if i have to be super careful or anything like that...

[gil]

Hi wcape, I haven't been running on any trails, but always feel very safe running on my own here in Bucklands Beach/Howick. There's usually so may other single people out running it doesn't feel at all lonely or scary!

Gil

[KerryS]

It's one of the things I really love about NZ. I feel safe going out on a dark morning for a run. I always see other people about - but this is in an urban area along the roads or across parks, not on a trail run. I wouldn't personally do any off road trail running early morning or late at night, but I do them alone at other times. Always let someone know where you plan to go though. I have a friend I send an email or text to before I set off with an expected time of return, just so someone will know where I am.

[K&CS]

I normally go with a friend but if it's daylight I don't have any problems with going alone, although I'm not going off the beaten track. I usually run along the esplanade and the beach and sometimes to the next village and back. I run in the dark during the winter with a friend but never on my own although dh runs by himself in the dark. I tend to take the same precautions that I would in the UK and avoid being out in the dark alone too much - better safe than sorry!

Kate

[SharpBlade]

I run around Port Hills in Christchurch, Bowenvale, etc.. up to summit road and down again during the day or summer evenings and I don`t necessary stay on the tracks.I take my cell phone with me just in case and I have to phone number of the Rangers too if something happens. I feel very safe here by myself. If it is dark, I stick to the flat and safe areas around where we live. I feel as safe here as in rural Ireland where we used to live, but I feel much much safer than in Belgium (where we lived before Ireland). In Belgium, it wasn`t rare to be followed up by some strange cars or bikers and I would always look for a back up option.
Laura

[SarahEDH]

I used to look for places to run after work in the Petone area (Wellington suburb) but only felt comfortable during daytime hours. In parks and bush areas I would only run solo on weekend days and only on well-developed tracks where there were families & other groups within sight.

This is no different from how I feel about running in the U.S., so it's nothing against NZ.

I usually have a small canister of pepper spray hooked to my key ring . . . it adds some peace of mind. (Yes, I've been told this isn't legal in NZ. If the need ever arose, I'd take my chances explaining things to the judge.)

[wcape]

thanks for the response guys! i'm looking forward to an early morning jog each day :)