New Zealand is full of hidden dangers, just ask British rugby supporters. Photo / Thinkstock
New Zealand is full of hidden dangers, just ask British rugby supporters. Photo / Thinkstock
Treacherous weather, opportunistic thieves and wandering animals are among the perils identified for British rugby fans travelling to the Rugby World Cup.
Despite New Zealand's reputation as one of the safest countries in the world, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued an advisory about the dangers facingvisitors.
It advises tourists that "New Zealand is subject to earthquakes and weather conditions which can quickly become treacherous" and says the tournament is likely to attract "opportunistic thieves".
The document also urges Brits to stock up on petrol because of "large distances" between service stations in rural areas and watch out for livestock wandering onto roads.
If that wasn't enough to reinforce enduring stereotypes, the advisory says petrol stations are mostly self-service and there is little street lighting outside cities and towns.
Fearful visitors are told they can log location and travel movements with a database accessed by the New Zealand police and urged to let friends and family know their plans in case of poor mobile phone reception.
The advisory goes on to mention freezing temperatures overnight, short sunburn times during the day and increased risk of asthma attacks.
Ex-pat Kiwi and coach of the Welsh national rugby team Warren Gatland chimed in with a warning about travel times.
"New Zealand is a beautiful but vast country - it's really easy to underestimate how long journeys can take so I'd encourage people to allow plenty of time to get to matches so you don't miss a minute of the rugby or take risks on the roads."
The advice was issued as part of the FCO's 'Be on the ball campaign', aimed at preventing problems among travelling sports fans.
Perhaps reinforcing a stereotype about the Brits, it contains one last piece of advice for fans on game days.
"Is there enough time for that last pint? Make sure you arrive at the stadium with plenty of time to spare. Expect queues and security checks."
