| New Zealand travel tips posted by real travelers and New Zealand locals. Map |
 | New Zealand Warnings or Dangers | Tips 1 - 10 of 157 |  |
 Roadsigns by kiwi
This indicates there is sharp corner and that the recommended speed in this case, is only 15 kilometres per hour. Please take notice of these speeds, as they are not joking. OK you may be able to negotiate the corner at a slightly faster speed, but at least you should know to slow down when approaching.
The nature of the terrain of New Zealand is such that there are many examples of these signs, this one is an extreme. Leave a Comment
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 Gravel road by kiwi
Just drive very slow and take your time on these roads.
And remember to keep to your side of the road, there just may be someone coming the other way on a corner. Often these roads are not very wide and of course they don't have a white line in the middle! Leave a Comment
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PLEASE NEVER HITCHIKE ALONE!! We are at present shocked at the murder of a young German backpacker, who was hitchiking alone in New Zealand, Sept 2005. Of course we are proud of our safe country. However don't be lulled into a false sense of safety, never drop your defense and alertness while travelling around here.
Despite at least two New Zealanders who this girl came in contact with, warning her against the dangers of hitching alone, she went ahead and did just that. She paid with her life, in a far away land, far from her family and so very unexpected and tragic. She told both those people, "I'll be fine". Well she wasn't. This is not the first time such a story could be told, and we can only ask you all and advise that you do not hitch alone.
Most of the time you are very safe here, but it's not guaranteed.
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Another trap is this. You put your pack into the rear of the vehicle, and they drive off with all your belongings, and leave you standing on the side of the road!! It happens, be aware!! Leave a Comment Phone: 111- Police/Ambulance
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 Parking Sign by kiwi
You may also see P60 or P120 etc. The numerals refer to the number of minutes you may park here. Leave a Comment
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 Fatigue warning sign. by kiwi
Our roads can be very long and lonely between towns. OK we are a small nation, however the roads seem to be longer than imagined. It think it is because of the lack of towns along the way.
Fatigue can Kill. It can kill you and your loved ones as well as some innocent other people.
When you are touring our country, so often you are trying to fit a lot in a short time frame, hence the long driving hours.
This is when fatigue can hit unexpectedly, so PLEASE remember this and take some breaks in your journey. Leave a Comment
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 Road sign by kiwi
Often this happens at 5.30am - 9.00am and again between 3.30pm and 7.00pm.
You must slow down and preferrably stop. sometimes is it possible to slowly drive through the line of cows and carry on your way, but you must drive very slowly and be alert the whole time so you don't him any of the animals.
Remember in the countryside of New Zealand cows and dairy farming is a traditional way of life. Leave a Comment
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 A Wee Lamb. Picture from a
Post card. by Hmmmm
They are so cute, you can hardly handle it. You'll find yourself rapping on some Taranaki or North Otago Farmer's door, saying "Please Mr. Farmer can I take a lamb back to Germany (or Israel, England, USA Botswana, or Nicaragua wherever)." And New Zealand farmers are so laid back, and kind they'll say "Oh yeah, Go and pick one. Do you need a bag to carry it in." And this is all fine and dandy.
But I warn you now, You will encounter problems at the Airport. First you'll have to declare the animal... and If you try and do it secretly, Lambs have a habit of Baaaing loudly until they are fed. And once its declared, MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) will be on you like a Fly on Sheep Poo. Leave a Comment
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 Arrows on road. by kiwi
Please be very careful about this, for both driving and when a pedestrian.
Every year we have tourists involved in head-on collisions due to them driving on the wrong side of the road. This often happens because our roads have so few cars on them, so you sail along on the wrong side. Then you go round a corner and bang! into a solitary car on the same side.
It's not a pretty outcome, for the tourists or for the locals.
Safe journey and enjoy your trip. Leave a Comment
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Remember to declare these:
- food of any kind
- plants or parts of plants (alive or dead)
- animals (alive or dead) or their products
- equipment used with animals
- equipment such as camping/hiking gear, golf clubs, and used bicycles
- biological specimens
If you're unsure, it's better to declare them. Else there's an instant fine of NZ$200!
Dump any food items, even those from the airplane, either on board or in the bin provided at the airport (you can't miss them!). You'll never win this race!! Leave a Comment
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 Mountain parrots, Keas by kiwi
They are very friendly, or should I say, they are not afraid. Perhaps this is because they know they have a powerful weapon in their beak!!
Keas have been known to almost dismantle a vehicle! They can remove hubcaps, take out complete windscreen seals, making the screen dislodge. They can carry off a whole boot leaving trampers (trekkers) with one boot! They can take off with a heavy SLR camera and fly off with it.
They have been known to reach into a pack and remove items. Don't ever underestimate their ability, so always be aware and prepared. Keas live to 20 yrs of age or more, so they know about things!!
Their mischieviousness and playfulness has been described as a sign of a higher level of intelligence, so always respect these wonderful birds. They are quite happy walking around, and don't fly to move from A to B if they can walk. Leave a Comment
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