What Are the Safety Instructions?

Security concerns are usually overflown in travel guidebooks. Yet it is for the sake of travellers to be informed about the dangers they might face. On Kiwipal we are not trying to minimize problems, neither to embellish reality. The criminality is discussed without taboos, as well as the dangers of driving on the left or the problems that may occur during a mountain hike.

Should you fear a replica of the Christchurch earthquake?

This is a frequently asked question on Kiwipal and it deserves to be discussed with transparency. I will review the risks to experience an earthquake during your trip in New Zealand.

These are good reasons to seriously read this article if you're planning a trip to New Zealand.

You'll find a comprehensive guide on security, without jargon, with practical tips to solve any problem.

The country communicates ethnic statistics and there is a strong controversy regarding the Maori population. One can argue about the validity of the process, but this ethnic group seems to be statistically more represented in crime rates.

Some people consider that statistics reflect the poverty that affects the Maori community. Other people will consider that the problems are more related to the Western colonization heritage.

A debate that may sound familiar to some, but no foreigner can fully understand it nor have a serious opinion without knowing the History of the country.

If the criminality is more pronounced in the Maori community, it affects only a minority of its population. There is no reason to fear the Maoris who are like the other kiwis: adorable people, warm and welcoming.

Obviously, itineraries we suggest on Kiwipal does not include visits of poor neighbourhoods where gangs exist. In the main tourist areas, it is mostly theft that is to be feared and not physical aggression which are quite rare.

Although the risks are very low, I will address the issue of social behaviours to avoid.

The territory covers an area roughly the size of the UK, but with a density 16 times lower per square kilometre.

You should avoid leaving your belongings inside the vehicle, even if you're abandoning it for a few minutes only.

Use your common sense, especially in low traffic residential areas. If you come home late in the evening, just make sure to ignore the drunk people (often just students). Ignore their calls, provocations and proposals and move on.

Cannabis has a reputation of being easy to find in New Zealand, but the police apply a zero tolerance.

Being arrested in possession of drugs, regardless of the quantity, implies the end of the holidays, a severe fine and the immediate return to the origin country.

A woman traveling alone is not bothered more than a man, but do not be too confident.

Watch your glass in bars and call a taxi if your hotel is not in a busy area.

It is easy to drop your guard when you feel confident.

And the legendary kindness of the Kiwis gives the impression that the thefts and aggression do not exist in this country. If you adopt the same level of prudence to what you are used to in your origin country, then everything should be fine.

Security is not only related to the crime rate: wild nature also possesses its own dangers..

You must not drink the water from rivers even when it seems pure. There is a parasite (Giardia), which gives nausea and diarrhea. Campers should boil water before drinking, and if you have no experience in this field, please do not try to light a fire in the forest!

A bad fall can have serious consequences if you hike in the wilderness. The Outdoor Intention website is provided for this purpose. You indicate your itinerary and an alert will be triggered automatically if you do not report your safe return.

The weather and temperatures can change suddenly in New Zealand. A large blue sky can give way to a storm in less than a half hour. If you are unprepared, you may risk hypothermia in the mountains. There are basic rules you should always follow. An improper or incomplete equipment is at the origin of most problems. Forgetting to pick bottled water, wearing inappropriate footwear or walking off the path are the classic errors identified by rescuers.

New Zealand has excellent health services and modern hospitals. But one needs to be able to call for help in case of accident. Do not forget your cell phone and the list of emergency numbers , especially if you travel in isolated areas. Any health problems should lead to a visit at the doctor. Rabies is still carried by animals, so do not hesitate even in case of a slight bite. As for the bites of the Milford Sound's sandflies that can spoil your vacation, a simple repellent will keep these midges away, provided you remember to use it before getting outside!

In a geothermal area such as Rotorua, you must observe the safety instructions even if the place seems safe at first sight.

Do not go put yourself in danger just to take a single photo. Volcanic activity is subject to constant monitoring, in particular in the Tongariro National Park or White Island.

Unlike earthquakes that strike without warning, the coming eruptions are usually detected in advance. This is why you should contact an iSite first if you plan a hike in a volcanic area.

This means that the sunscreen is essential and that you must choose a higher protection index than usual.

You should buy at least an index 30 and a full sunscreen for children. I know that it is difficult to ask vacationers not to expose themselves to the sun between 10am and 4pm, but if you have to, please do not forget your sunscreen!

With hundreds of kilometers of deserted beaches, New Zealand is reminiscent of the lost paradise. However, the beautiful beaches are not without of danger! When in doubt, it is better not to swim because the currents can be dangerous.

Some beaches like Hot Water Beach possess areas closed to swimming. The presence of people on the beach or in the water does not necessarily mean an absence of danger. Do not follow other people blindly.

Sea water is often pretty fresh in New Zealand. Only the sunny days of summer are perfect for swimming without a combination. Do not risk an hydrocution and take your time to get into the water.

The thermal springs allow to swim all year long at the sole condition not to put your head under water. Although rare, the amoebic meningitis is an amoeba that enters the body through the nose and can be fatal for man.

The maximum speed is limited to 100 km / h on the speed highways of New Zealand. Driving more slowly than usual is no big deal... But New Zealanders, usually so nice with strangers can become quite stressful and annoying for other drivers when they hit the road.

Familiarise yourself with your vehicle before getting into the circulation (limited to 50 km / h in town). You can drive around a car park or the neighbourhood to get used to the idea of driving on the left. It is often said that it requires two people to create an accident, so be careful and do not forget to put your car blinking lights. Excessive speed, besides the fact that it is often captured by radar, is easier to achieve because many people are used to drive faster in their own country! On the other side, the landscape is magnificent enough to grab full attention, and some tourists may slow down suddenly, without warning the other drivers.

If you must stop to admire the scenery, please do not slow down suddenly but progressively and park in a safe place. Get off your vehicle and stay away from the road. If you are pursuing the journey by bicycle, keep in mind that New Zealanders do not respect safety distances most of the time.

The driving Code is similar to the international code, but it has small nuances. The surprise usually comes from the post signs that are not where a foreigner may expect them to be.

For example, the sign posts are sometimes planted on the opposite side of the intersections (which is not the case in France for example). The zebra lines separating two traffic directions are being used to turn on the right, while it is usually strictly forbidden to do so in Europe.

Bridges with a single lane are sometimes notified at the last minute on the road. But the ultimate surprise comes with the cattle wandering quietly on the road. This is usually when someone begins to feel comfortable to drive on the left side of the road that the risk increases. Stay focused all the time but relaxed and everything will be fine. Now, we still have to discuss another important security problem.

With 15,000 earthquakes per year (most too weak to be even noticed), there is very little chance that you are a victim of a serious seism. Earthquakes hit mostly the North Island, but the buildings there are designed to resist.

Can the tragedy of Christchurch happen again?

According to seismologists, the chances are less than 1% annually. A very low level, but the possibility exists after all.

Other cities have experienced strong earthquakes in the past without enduring such massive destruction.

The attitude to adopt depends of the earthquake strength. A small seism only lasts a few seconds and is harmless (the majority of the earthquakes in New Zealand can be classified in this category).

However, the strongest earthquakes can last during several minutes and they are quite frightening.

The behavior to adopt is not the same whether you are inside or outside a vehicle, for example. Honestly, I can't summarize such an important subject with few basic tricks. While awaiting a dedicated article on Kiwipal, I invite you to consult this handy guide to learn how to respond effectively in case of an earthquake.

Community tensions are much less marked than anywhere in the world. Auckland is now classified at the second position of the most pleasant cities in the world. The country is far enough not to feel international tensions, even if its economy depends largely on the international market.

The last terrorist act in New Zealand was done by the French secret services. Some Kiwis do not lose an occasion to remember the Rainbow Warrior. case when they meet French people. So, if you are French, do not take offense and turn the conversation to their last victory in the World Cup.

In my opinion, the real danger is on the road. The absence of circulation and the scenic beauty should not make you forget to watch the road constantly. Adopt a responsible attitude in all circumstances!

You're not safe from injury when you go hiking. I insist on the need for proper equipment. Do not try to keep pace with other walkers stronger than you (it's not a race!), and take time to study your itinerary.

New Zealand is a country where a victim can be sure that his complaint will be considered by the police. In comparison, countries like France ranks at the 10th place on the same criteria. This to say that if you adopt the same security reflexes as usual, there is no reason for you to be in trouble. Thanks for having read this article seriously. And do not forget to travel with a good insurance!