Theft from campervan at trail heads?

**lostbeachbum** · 20th August 2012, 05:53

Hey guys,

I'm coming over to NZ in Oct on a WHV and will be buying a campervan plus a few toys ASAP. I plan on free camping in most places, lots of hiking, boating, and riding on remote beaches and trails. BTW, my van will be fully self contained and I practice leave no trace. My question is, are there any known areas like certain trail heads or beaches where theft from cars is common? I realize New Zealand is an extremely safe country, however after my truck was broken into near a National Park in Canada, I realize you never know for sure. Apparently it was common knowledge in that area, but no signs were posted. What concerns me most is the fact that I will have a small 125-250cc dirt bike on a rack and an inflatable zodiac with outboard on the top rack. The boat and motor will likely be locked in a luggage carrier but they are easy to get into. Any places I should be more cautious of or specific precautions I should take?

Thanks!

John

**JimO** · 20th August 2012, 06:47

your campervan is in danger of being broken into everywhere, especially remote places NZ isnt as safe as you may think

**scumdog** · 20th August 2012, 06:49

Originally Posted by JimO

your campervan is in danger of being broken into everywhere, especially remote places NZ isnt as safe as you may think

What he said.

Even stopping to go for a short walk to look at a waterfall can be ruined by your campervan being broken into.

It may not happen - but be aware.

**lostbeachbum** · 20th August 2012, 07:06

My main concern isn't what's inside the van, it's the bike on the back. In the US it's not uncommon for someone to just pull up with a truck and steal unattended motorcycles. I thought you guys were being sarcastic but after looking at some theft stats, it seems like alot of bikes get stolen. Is it a bad idea to do what I'm planning? Tour NZ in a campervcan with a dirt bike on the back. I'd hate to not ride there but I also don't feel like putting out $1500 just to have it stolen. Any specific areas to what out for?

**lostbeachbum** · 20th August 2012, 08:06

Hey guys,

I'm coming over to NZ in Oct on a WHV and will be buying a campervan plus a few toys ASAP. I plan on free camping in most places, lots of hiking, boating, and riding on remote beaches and trails. BTW, my van will be fully self contained and I practice leave no trace. My question is, are there any known areas like certain trail heads or beaches where theft from cars is common? I realize New Zealand is an extremely safe country, however after my truck was broken into near a National Park in Canada, you never know for sure. After a quick look at crime stats, it seems like theft is somewhat common. What concerns me most is the fact that I will have a small 125-250cc dirt bike on a rack and a inflatable zodiac with outboard on the top rack. The boat and motor will likely be locked in a luggage carrier but they are easy to get into. We all know any bike can easily be stolen with a truck. Any place I should be more cautious of or specific precautions I should take?

Thanks!

John

**sinfull** · 20th August 2012, 08:22

A camo net !

**davereid** · 20th August 2012, 09:15

Originally Posted by lostbeachbum

Hey guys,

I'm coming over to NZ in Oct on a WHV and will be buying a campervan plus a few toys ASAP. I plan on free camping in most places, lots of hiking, boating, and riding on remote beaches and trails. BTW, my van will be fully self contained and I practice leave no trace. My question is, are there any known areas like certain trail heads or beaches where theft from cars is common? I realize New Zealand is an extremely safe country, however after my truck was broken into near a National Park in Canada, I realize you never know for sure. Apparently it was common knowledge in that area, but no signs were posted. What concerns me most is the fact that I will have a small 125-250cc dirt bike on a rack and an inflatable zodiac with outboard on the top rack. The boat and motor will likely be locked in a luggage carrier but they are easy to get into. Any places I should be more cautious of or specific precautions I should take?

Thanks!

John

New Zealand is not a safe country. The USA for example is much safer for the average person.

Assault victims
NZ 2.4%
USA 1.2%

Rape victims
NZ 1.3%
USA 0.4%

Suicide rates in ages 15-24
NZ 26.7 per 100,000 people
USA 13.7 per 100,000 people

Total crime victims
NZ 29.4%
USA 21.1%

Source - Nationmaster

**awa355** · 20th August 2012, 10:04

Do you know people here, that you can leave some of this stuff with when you are not using it. A kind of base to work from?

Even the local supermarket carpark isn't always safe. Trouble with campervans, is that they stand out like dogs balls.

Having said all that, the fun you'll get from the boat and bike far out weighs the risks of theft. You would be missing out on a lot of good times if you let the thought of 'maybe' getting ripped off become a bigger issue.

**Paul in NZ** · 20th August 2012, 10:14

99% of the time you are fine BUT like everywhere there are scumbags that see a campervan and think - hmmm.. smorgasbord....

South island is safer simply cos there are less people around.

Also - free camping sounds great but frankly a lot of people here are sick to death of it. Free campers have a bit of a bad reputation and while I'm sure you are a responsible guy just be warned that if you start leaving shit all over the place you are going to become very unpopular very fast... Sometimes its better to find a campground.... There are loads of cheap ones...

if you do free camp and park in carparks - ffs - don't leave your essential documents in the van.... Get some insurance...

**SMOKEU** · 20th August 2012, 10:51

You want to avoid the "dark" areas to minimize risk of theft. NZ law for theft is almost a joke. The government practically encourages theft by handing out pathetic sentences to criminals. Eg, if someone steals your bike they will probably get a fine or a bit of community service. Maybe home detention if they've got an extensive criminal history.

I wouldn't even leave my road bike parked in a car park all day.

**jasonu** · 20th August 2012, 11:52

Originally Posted by lostbeachbum

Hey guys,

I'm coming over to NZ in Oct on a WHV and will be buying a campervan plus a few toys ASAP. I plan on free camping in most places, lots of hiking, boating, and riding on remote beaches and trails. BTW, my van will be fully self contained and I practice leave no trace. My question is, are there any known areas like certain trail heads or beaches where theft from cars is common? I realize New Zealand is an extremely safe country, however after my truck was broken into near a National Park in Canada, I realize you never know for sure. Apparently it was common knowledge in that area, but no signs were posted. What concerns me most is the fact that I will have a small 125-250cc dirt bike on a rack and an inflatable zodiac with outboard on the top rack. The boat and motor will likely be locked in a luggage carrier but they are easy to get into. Any places I should be more cautious of or specific precautions I should take?

Thanks!

John

Not as safe as you think mate. There is a lot of petty crime in NZ, just take a look at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ and sooner or later you will see a story about some light fingered
cunt(s) who robbed some unexpecting tourist such as yourself if you are not careful. The places you plan to camp will make you a target for sure. Best you use pay campgrounds. The small amount of money you will pay is cheap insurance.
Have a great and safe trip.

**zique** · 20th August 2012, 12:23

Definitely best to be on the cautious side here but not overly cautious that you can't fully enjoy your trip here.
NZ is a beautiful place,it is only just ruined by some people.

Like someone mentioned,if you got people here that you could leave your stuff with,that would be a big help.
So start making plans and friends before you come here to NZ because they'd be able to help you out in a lot of ways.It always sucks being in a foreign country and you don't know anyone or the rules etc.Even try and see if anyone will be travelling to the same places as you,so you guys can meet up and camp together.It's always best not to be alone with camping,hikes etc
And please don't readily announce that you bringing heaps of cash,cameras and other gear,as thieves do go through forums looking for stuff and victims.

**lostbeachbum** · 20th August 2012, 12:27

Thanks for the tips everyone. It's such a shame to hear these things about thefts and how people view free campers. I regularly "stealth camp" in the US and most of the time, reactions are positive when confronted especially when they see trash bags and smell whatever I'm cooking that day. The only reason I was so interested in free camping is the freedom of finding remote spots and peace&quiet. It's not security I'm worried about while at the site, it's when I leave. I wish someone would try to rob me again, it hasn't ended to good for the few that have tried. There will really be nothing of value in the van besides the bike and boat. My electronics and cash/papers will always come with me. I'm fine with staying at campsites as long as it's not too crowded, that's just not camping to me. Then again, plenty of theft happens at campsites as well. I agree that the fun factor is worth the risk. I plan on getting full coverage insurance on the van and whatever they'll give me on a dirt bike that old. Hopefully I can find a policy that will cover some personal property. I only want to spend around $1500 so I'm thinking an older kx125 or similar. Any other tips are appreciated, I'm very excited to visit your beautiful country. Beaches to sleep on, trails to ride, lakes or lagoons to boat/fish in, must eat dishes or restaurants, etc? Let me know!

**ellipsis** · 20th August 2012, 12:30

...big chains, even bigger locks and a very noisy alarm/ siren and even then it's not safe if some thieving prick, which we are not short of here, decides he wants your stuff...way of the world these days...it's a percentage game,the likelihood of it happening is growing more every year it seems...I think that even some travellers down this way (NZ) come for the easy pickings...bigger population of the Nth Island means a bigger number of arseholes but they certainly exist down here (South Island) too...I live out in the country and now have to lock things up, sad but true...good luck and happy trails...

**Paul in NZ** · 20th August 2012, 12:58

Yeah well - you might need to bone up on this a bit to be honest... Here we get swamped with freedom campers sometimes and frankly they are usually utter pigs that literally just shit on the ground and leave it there. In most cases you can't free camp anymore without it being a self contained van because of that. Its a shame and its not because we are unfriendly - its just people that come to a pretty spot and ruin it for others. Often alcohol is involved but isnt it always?

Another point is - if you expect to ride an MX bike on our beaches unopposed - think again. Usually these are designated as public roads (where they can be ridden on) and you will need a street legal bike. Again - don't take it personally but idiots damaging fragile environments and speeding around ordinary beach users ruined it for everyone. Try it in a national park and you will get your arse reamed six ways to sunday and most likely loose the bike. With something street legal you can ride a bit further and have many options. There are lots of adventurous roads to travel and if you must have an MX bike time it for the big organized trail rides, they usually get access to places you couldn't get onto alone anyway.

Instead of a zodiac - consider a SOT kayak, heaps of fabulous places to explore and fish around the coast and its easier to secure. If you make it to wellington area I'll even take you out for a kayak fish and treat you to a feed ;-) (assuming you catch something for dinner)

To get a feel for prices

http://www.trademe.co.nz/

is your friend....