Denmachan

Hi all - I wonder if any of you could put my mind at rest.

My Son is 25 and has decided to visit NZ, and is there as I type this. he has decided to go alone, and even though he is a grown Man I am very concerned about him being so far away (we live in the UK) on his own.

Of course he would be absolutely mortified with embarrassment if he knew I was asking this in a NZ forum, but I don't suppose you stop worrying about your kids however old they get!

My question is, is NZ a fairly safe place? He is booked with a company called Haka tours based in Christchurch, which is where his tour begins, and he travels all over the Country with them I think.

I have seen the reviews for the company and they look very good, but I'm wondering if anyone here has heard of, or has experience of the company.

Thanks a lot in advance,

Best regards,

Den.

McLeod

He's 25!
Jeez, I moved out of home at 15.

Denmachan

I understand what you are saying, of course. However I'm a bit of a worrier and was looking for a bit of reassurance.

Possibly a mistake, by the looks of it!

Snap Shot

I find your post a bit of an insult, Den. NZ is safe for visitors and inhabitants. I was thinking of taking a holiday in your home town. What are the risks ? What precautions should I take ?

Is this really your second post in ten years ?

McLeod

If your son is 25, then he's going and you can't stop him.

What if he decides to move to NZ?
Or gawd forbid... Meet a girl.

This must be quite suffocating for him.

Stormer999

Cannibalism is frowned upon down here nowadays and I am sure a 25 year old fully mature man would be too tough anyways. I think Haka tours employ lots of young nubile female tour guides so the only danger might be his reluctance to go back!.... Safer here so put your mind at rest

LauraNotts

I know that 'far away' can seem very daunting when it's someone you love, so much as your post makes me smile a bit I will respond kindly.

NZ is as safe and unsafe as any other developed nation anywhere else in the world. If your son takes sensible precautions around his personal safety and travel insurance etc as anyone else might then he is at no more risk here than he would be anywhere else.

He will share a common language with the people here too which is an extra level of reassurance. In the absolute worst case scenarios eg theft or accident etc we have good health systems here and you yourselves are only a phone-call away. The world is a lot smaller than you think.

He's more than old enough at 25 to do this.

Denmachan

Snapshot, I apologise if you find my post insulting....it certainly wasn't meant that way. I would have asked the same question, regardless of the destination.

It is probably a lot more dangerous here in Liverpool, England. Gun crime is rife here, so in answer to your question, it's probably not as safe as where you live!

Pom_Chch

He'll be fine. No need to worry. Plenty of young people (even younger than your son) take holidays, trips, go backpacking, work abroad etc without trouble. The only thing he'll have to worry about is having too much fun

Relax!

Denmachan

Thanks Lauranotts.

My Son often complains about my questioning of him, and maybe the replies here are a wake-up call to back off. It probably is a bit suffocating, I must (reluctantly) admit.

Thanks for your replies all.

McLeod

And the Kiwi ISIS.

And Snakes.

Make sure he checks inside his shoes for scorpions too.


Is he called Norman by any chance?

LauraNotts

Erm yeah we get it McLeod - point made, point received by the OP, maybe let it drop now?

MrsFychan

depends on your son to be honest.

if he is reckless as a normal trait then I can understand your concern. I am a bit like you and worry wart about my kids, albeit they are much younger and I worry about the lack of health and safety over here, ok lets just say a lot less than you get in the UK, there might be some around.

Make sure he keeps in contact with you on a regular basis, does he have FB that you can access and say you would like to see what he is getting up to and the so you can see what NZ looks.

My eldest son is in UK and we keep saying to him that he is young, 24, and should be out there getting as many working holiday visas he can

barnsleymat

This is my favourite thread for ages.

You should have gone with him Den!!!!!!

http://youtu.be/tyHm8oqkOB0

McLeod

Not yet, I've a few more.