Two hours in NZ and robbed of everything

Caitlin Hardie (left) and friend Drew Sagar were visiting One Tree Hill when thieves broke into their car. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Canadian Caitlin Hardie had been in New Zealand less than two hours when all her belongings were stolen.

The 25-year-old from Vancouver touched down at Auckland's International Airport yesterday at 10am.

A recently qualified paraglider, Miss Hardie had planned a trip Downunder with friend and fellow Canadian paraglider Drew Sagar.

Mr Sagar - who arrived on Friday - had picked her up from the airport and decided to show her a well-known landmark, One Tree Hill.

"It was such a beautiful day, we decided to walk up," Mr Sagar said. "We parked at the base of the hill and walked up."

The friends spent about an hour taking photos at the summit before taking a stroll around Cornwall Park.

"We were walking back to the car when I noticed that everything that had been in the back seat had disappeared," Miss Hardie said.

"It was so upsetting. I'd been in the country less than two hours and then this happens. I couldn't believe it."

Her luggage, which included clothes, personal documents, passport and money had been stolen.

Her new custom-made paraglider was also taken, as well as Mr Sagar's laptop and wallet.

"I just threw the keys down, I was so disappointed," said Mr Sagar, who has family in Auckland.

The friends had planned to stay in New Zealand for three weeks, travelling through the country and paragliding before continuing their trip in Australia.

But with no passport and absolutely no identification, Miss Hardie is scrambling to cancel all her credit cards and organise a new passport.

The pair said they were stunned to find out from a park security guard that there had been many cases of people breaking into vehicles at Cornwall Park.

A man who was closing up at nearby Sorrento in the Park restaurant helped the couple.

Mr Sagar said the man, named Neil, had helped to restore his faith in the true Kiwi spirit.

"He was unbelievably helpful. He had to go quickly afterwards, but he just said: 'Here's my office, you can use my phone, computer, anything. Please lock up afterwards'.

"That's what we know about New Zealand."

The pair said in hindsight they should have parked closer to where they were, however in the excitement of being in New Zealand, they failed to think about any risks.

"I think it's very sad that there are a few people who are doing this," Miss Hardie said.

"But I'm healthy and safe and in a beautiful place being cared for by good people. It can only get better now."

* Anyone with information should call Auckland police or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.