What to Do If There Is an Earthquake in New Zealand?

Although earthquakes of such intensity are not very common, it is important to be prepared for minor quakes. The Earthquake Commission provides public education and information on earthquakes regularly.

In my 3 years in New Zealand, I am glad to experience minor earthquakes only twice. The first time was in 2006, I was alone in my room doing assignment when the ground started shaking. As I have never experienced earthquake before, I thought I was having a giddy spell. Luckily, it was quite minor and only last for about 15 seconds.

The second time happened when I was at my friend’s place for a gathering. As there were heaps of New Zealanders there, everyone knew it was an earthquake instantly. We just remain seated at the living room and kept an eye out for hazards until the quake was over in less than 30 seconds.

How I prepared for earthquakes?
1) Always keep a bottle of potable water within reach at all times (this habit stays till today).

2) Note the things that might fall during earthquake. I never put books or anything heavy on shelves on top of me at all times. The lights in my room are either normal bulb or fluorescent light tube.

3) After my first experience, I did a research what to do during an earthquake that night.

During earthquake:

If indoors, take cover under a bed or strong table. Stay away from windows, doors or anything that could fall.

If outdoors, stay in open area and keep away from buildings, streetlamps, fence, trees, utility wires, etc.

If in vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay inside. Of course, park safely away from buildings, streetlamps, fence, trees, utility wires, etc.

If trapped under debris, cover your nose and mouth with clothing. Tap on pipes or wall so rescuers can locate you. Do not shout.

The high-risk zones are Wellington, Napier, Hastings and Fiordland. In fact, based on Geonet website, I think earthquake should have hit every single part of New Zealand since the beginning.

Where is the safest place during earthquake?
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington! The building sits on 150 shock absorbers, made of rubber and lead, to protect the entire structure from earthquake movement. This allows the building to move up to half a metre in any direction during an earthquake. To top it off, before construction, 30-tonne weights were dropped on the ground 50,000 times to stabilise the site.

Unless you happen to be in Te Papa Museum during an earthquake, do not attempt to rush there!

Copyright 2010 Doris Chow

About the Author: Doris Chow is an blogger on http://www.FunNewZealandTravel.com. The blog shares about Doris’ experiences and lessons learnt in her 3-year stay in New Zealand.

Take a Trip to New Zealand

Auckland: Sailors paradise

On the North Island of New Zealand you’ll find Auckland, a large city set around stunning inlets and bays. Not surprisingly, most of the Auckland’s most celebrated activities are to do with water. These include dinner cruises in the harbor and swimming with dolphins.

Transport: how to get there and around:

New Zealand’s main international airport is situated in Auckland. This makes it accessible to direct flights from the US, Australia, Asia and Europe. Flights also run domestically from the South Island to Auckland.

Auckland city covers a wide area so it is recommended to get around using a bicycle or taxi. To reach other towns and attractions, there are bus and rail services.

Weather

Owing to its location in the southern hemisphere, summer in New Zealand is from November to April. In summer temperatures are around 20 C and the winter is fairly mild as it doesn’t usually freeze.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Auckland.

Attractions & Events

There are events held all year in Auckland, although the city really comes to life in the summer time.

*Sports fans can enjoy January with the Open Tennis Championships and the Captain Hobson Anniversary Day Regatta.

*In March, Western Springs holds the Pasifika Festival with Polynesian music and performances.

*Auckland Botanical Gardens have a show in November called the Ellerslie Flower Show.

Wellington: Attractive city of views

The capital city, Wellington is surrounded by hills and offers some splendid views of the Harbor. Home to the main government buildings, Wellington also has a bustling cafe and entertainment culture.

Transport: how to get there and around:

Domestic flights from Auckland and Christchurch as well as other destinations connect with Wellington airport. A ferry also makes it possible to reach the south island town of Picton.

A major bus route runs from Auckland to Wellington. To get around in and around the city itself there are local train and bus services, as well as taxi’s.

Weather

Situated on the coast, Wellington can suffer from windy weather.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Wellington.

Attractions & Events

Many sporting and cultural events take place in the capital city, here are just a few.

*During January, the city hosts Wellington Cup Week with fashion, live music and of course horse racing.

*The Arts Festival is held in January with International artists taking part.

*The Jazz festival and Fashion Festival are both during October.

Christchurch: Have fun with nature

From Christchurch you can access nature and have fun on New Zealand’s plains, lakes, mountains and beaches. Being the largest city in the Southern Island, there are always attractions for visitors such as the Antarctic Centre, wildlife showcases, gondola trips and more.

Transport: how to get there and around:

The international airport of the South Island is in Christchurch, connecting with Australia and several other destinations. Air New Zealand serves other domestic locations. Getting around is simple with the city’s cost effective bus service and reliable rail network.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Christchurch.

Attractions & Events:

*An international festival of flowers is held in Christchurch during the month os February.

*Fine music, food and wine can be enjoyed during Augusts International Jazz Festival

Tips for traveling around New Zealand

A word of advice: there is no such thing as paranoia while traveling !Crucial during travel is the possession of a passport and visa or permit to visit the country which should have at least a six month validity just to be on the safe side.

New Zealand has strict visa schemes (most recently a woman was denied a resident’s visa because the government felt her obesity would ‘put a strain on the country’s resources’) However, there are a number of countries the residents of which do not require a visa permit to travel or stay in Kiwi land for a period of three months or less as long as they have valid passports. Some of those countries are France, Brazil, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Malaysia etc.

Keeping copies of all documents ready in case the originals are misplaced or stolen is a necessary precaution. Inform a relative or friend to be ready to fax or e-mail you copies of any documents necessary in case the situation arises. Traveler’s insurance is a must and can be claimed in case any luggage is lost or stolen. As a side note there is no need to worry about snakebite kits, as the country has no snakes!

People wishing to travel the length and breadth of the country are well advised to backpack across it and stay at the simple yet affordable youth hostels of the International Youth Hostel Federation located in most areas (and can be booked via the Internet). Rent a caravan or other inexpensive vehicle to drive across if walking won’t suit you (though be warned that the cost of petrol does add up) since looking to public transport to travel everywhere will cause quick cash outflow.

There are beaureaux de change and foreign exchange kiosks in most places. Major credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted across the country so carrying cash isn’t necessary. For students the possession of an international student I card will get you discounts on entry fees at a large number of museums, theatres, movies etc.

Eating well especially if you’re on an adventure holiday or backpacking is recommended but having every meal at a restaurant is not .It will cost approximately- a head per meal. Preparing your own food is the best option. Youth hostels generally allow guests to cook for themselves in their kitchens. Shop for necessities at small local shops, not big department stores where rates are higher. In case there isn’t a kitchen to cook your own meals in the vicinity buying snacks off roadside vendors is another good way to eat well within a budget while experiencing local flavor. The country is very clean and any such food is reasonably hygienic. Avoid expenditure on alcohol, Internet, camera film etc as it adds up substantially.

Summertime is the busiest and most expensive. It’s smarter to visit during the off seasons. The climate is cool so carrying warm clothes (but not too many) is a good idea. Remember, while traveling packing light is the golden rule especially if backpacking or any kind of walking is on the agenda. Heavy trunks and suitcases full of unnecessary accessories are not the way to go. Do not carry pair upon pair of shoes. Wear a sturdy pair and your feet (and back!) will thank you.