Health & Safety

New Zealand is one of the safest travel countries in the world — no poisonous snakes, no dangerous predators, no malaria risk. The greatest dangers are natural forces and overconfidence when hiking.

Natural Hazards

Hazard	Details	Protection
UV Radiation	Up to 40% stronger than in Europe (thin ozone layer). Sunburn possible in 15 minutes.	SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses — ALWAYS, even when cloudy
Earthquakes	New Zealand is on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Light quakes are frequent.	Drop, Cover, Hold. Pay attention to tsunami warnings on the coast.
Sandflies	Tiny flies whose bites itch for days. Especially West Coast, Fiordland.	DEET spray (at least 30%), long clothing at dusk
Hypothermia	Most common cause of death among hikers. Even in summer, 5 °C in the mountains.	Warm, water-repellent layers. ALWAYS a rain jacket.
River Crossings	Rivers rise by meters in hours after rain.	NEVER cross a swollen river. Wait!

Medical Care

• ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation): New Zealand's state accident insurance system covers ALL accidents — even for tourists. Doctor visits after accidents are partially free or heavily subsidized. BUT: illnesses (not accidents) are NOT covered — travel health insurance is essential.
• Pharmacies: Well-equipped, many over-the-counter medications available. Present in every city. Buy sunscreen, antihistamines, and DEET spray locally.
• Emergency: Emergency number 111 (police, fire, ambulance). Mobile reception often unavailable in remote areas (Fiordland, West Coast, Backcountry) — Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) can be rented from DOC (from 50 NZD/month).