I have discovered that there is not very much to be afraid
of in New Zealand.
Fauna
There are no large predators (except if you count the few
wild pigs); nothing is poisonous (well, as far as I know anyway), and best of
all there are no snakes whatsoever. The case in the water is only slightly
different, there have been some great white spotting in the Otago harbor, but
no one has been attacked recently, so I think I am probably safe in that
department. There are also no… wait for it….. TICKS! (on humans anyway!).
Flora
The flora is a whole other issue. Good news- no poison ivy!
Bad news, there is a wicked plant called matagari that will mess you up. It is
evil and will scratch you, as part of my field class I had to drudge though
that and wild roses (with thorns) for a few hours every day, needless to say my
legs were cut up, needless to say I am now considering getting gaiters (they go
on top of your boots and protects your calves, kind of like a tough leg warmer).
 |
| Gaiters |
 |
| Maragari! |
People
New Zealand is one of the few countries where it is still safe to go hitch-hiking (not that I have done this). It is not an unusual thing to do. In addition the crime rate is extremely low. Apparently NZ rated number one for the most peaceful countries in the world last year. The policemen don’t even carry guns here, they have a baton, tasers, and pepper spray. Suing is not done here, if someone gets into an accident of hurt, the government provides free medical care, so I don’t have to worry about if I get injured sky-diving, the government will take care of me.
What to fear
The weather- New Zealand has all four seasons, every day sometimes, the weather here can be very alterable, it can be nice and sunny and then half an hour later, be freezing and cloudy. Its not really something that you can predict. Lesson- bring a lot of layers, and remember, being dry isn’t going to happen, so get used to it!
The Sun- the UV rays are 40% higher, which is why NZ has the highest rate of skin cancer of any country in the world. Lesson- wear sunscreen!
So considering these conditions I would not feel to bad leaving a group of kids out in the wilderness, I would just give them some warm clothes and sunscreen, and tell them not to fall off of a cliff.
Hopefully I come home in one piece, well at least I shouldn't die from getting mauled by a wild animaor being poisoned.
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