Visitor Safety Brochure.indd - New Zealand

Keeping Your Possessions Safe
General Information
This information has been produced and
• Always lock your accommodation or vehicle and keep
windows secure.
• If possible, don’t leave valuables in parked cars or
campervans - especially at scenic spots or trail heads. If
you must leave valuables behind, keep them out of sight.
• Store your valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your
accommodation.
• Carry important documents with you - such as your
passport, credit cards, and traveller’s cheques. Keep copies
of these documents separate from the originals.
• Hand your room key to a staff member at the reception of
your accommodation, rather than carrying it with you.
• Keep a record of
the description and
serial numbers of
your valuable items
e.g. camcorder or
digital camera.
• If travelling by
campervan,
always try and
park it overnight
in specially
designated areas or
at least where there
are other people.
If in doubt, ask the
nearest i-SITE.
• Don’t leave maps, luggage or visitor brochures visible in
your vehicle.
• Don’t leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras
unattended in a public place, even for a short while
– especially at airports, railway stations or ferry terminals.
• If any of your possessions are misplaced or stolen, advise
police as soon as possible by going to the nearest Police
Station.
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111
It is a free phone call. If you have an emergency and need a quick
response from Police, the Fire Service or Ambulance, then call 111.
There are Police Stations in all main towns and cities in New
Zealand, and in many rural locations. Contact details for these
stations can be found in local telephone books.
Keeping safe via txt messaging
New Zealand’s two main mobile phone providers offer a txt
messaging service for visitors.
You can send updates about your location and travel movements
via txt to number
7233 [SAFE].
These details are
kept on a central
database which
can be accessed
by Police if
necessary.
Each text message
sent to 7233 will
be acknowledged
by an automated
response, which
advises you to call
111 and request police assistance if you are in danger.
Police and the New Zealand tourism industry encourage you to
use this service as another way of letting people know where you
are and what you are doing while in our country.
It is also a good idea to leave detailed information about your
travel plans with friends and/or family back home.
distributed by the following agencies to help you
enjoy your holiday and be safer as a visitor.
www.police.govt.nz/safety/visitors
KEEPING SAFE
AS A VISITOR IN
NEW ZEALAND

Introduction
Keeping Safe on New Zealand Roads
Keeping Yourself Safe
Keeping Safe Outdoors
New Zealand is a relatively safe travel destination but
we are not crime free.
Just as you would in your home country, it’s important
to look after yourself and your possessions while
travelling around New Zealand.
Try not to put yourself in unsafe situations, or leave your
valuable possessions where somebody else could easily
take them.
New Zealand has a good roading system, but weather extremes,
changes in terrain, and narrow secondary roads and bridges can
make driving hazardous.
Although New Zealand is a small country, it can take many hours to
drive between cities and other destinations of interest.
You should always be well rested before starting a long road trip.
There have been serious crashes in New Zealand when people
have attempted to drive while tired after a long-haul flight.
During long journeys, take regular rest and refreshment breaks.
Remember: a fatigued driver is an unsafe driver.
The following general information is provided for your road safety:
• Drive on the left-hand-side of
the road and give way to your
right.
• Keep within the speed limits.
Speed limits are rigorously
enforced by Police.
Rates of crime in New Zealand are lower than many other
countries, but you can help keep yourself and others safe by
following these simple tips.
• Be aware and take notice of your surroundings and who’s
around when out walking or sight-seeing.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated places late at night. Stay in
well-lit areas where there are other people. Take a taxi or
arrange for someone you know to pick you up.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery
with you. If you must carry valuable items, keep them close
to your body.
New Zealand is the perfect destination for all types of outdoor
adventure and activity.
However, the weather in New Zealand changes very quickly.
This means an experience in our mountains and waterways can
sometimes become extremely challenging. Intended short treks
can be hazardous if you become injured, lose your way or the
weather becomes unfavourable.
Visitors often get into difficulty because they over-estimate
their ability, take unnecessary risks or aren’t prepared for the
conditions.
If you are planning to go into the forests, hills or mountains,
lakes, rivers or sea, seek advice on the conditions first from local
experts or information centres - such as Department
of Conservation staff, an i-SITE information centre,
Police or the Mountain Safety Council website
www.mountainsafety.org.nz
• Drive carefully according to
the weather conditions.
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 111
• Fixed and mobile speed
cameras operate throughout
New Zealand.
• You are required by law to carry your driver licence with you at
all times.
• All vehicle drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt or
approved child restraint at all times.
• If you are cycling or motorcycling, cycle helmets and
motorcycle helmets are compulsory.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime.
Police actively enforce it. Penalties are severe and your vehicle
could be impounded in certain circumstances.
• If you are driving a campervan, you will generally drive more
slowly than other vehicles. Where it is safe, pull over to let
other vehicles pass.
• If using an ATM, only withdraw small amounts of cash -
preferably during the day - shield your PIN number and be
aware of people around you.
• If you are in a bar, avoid accepting drinks from strangers,
and don't leave your drink unattended. Remember, alcohol
and drugs can affect your judgement.
• If possible, go places with someone you know and trust.
• Hitchhiking or accepting rides from people you don’t know is
not recommended.
• Carry a mobile phone with you and don’t hesitate to use
New Zealand’s emergency phone number if you feel unsafe
or threatened. Dial 111.
Prepare well by taking suitable food and equipment. This will
greatly improve your safety. Always take a waterproof top and
warm clothing with you, even when good weather is forecast.
Preferably do your activity with other people and ALWAYS tell
someone where you are going and how long you intend to be
away. Notify them if your plans change and of your safe return.
If possible, take a mobile phone with you in a zip lock plastic
bag. Be aware you are unlikely to get mobile coverage in many
back country areas.
An emergency personal locator beacon is a useful device to
have with you if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation.
However for two-way communications in remote areas contact
the Mountain Radio Service www.nzlsar.org.nz/MRS/
While enjoying the outdoors please don’t remove any plants, or
other natural resources.