Inexperienced hikers looking to try out walking routes in New Zealand could benefit from buying one-way travel insurance before they set off.
The Marlborough Express reports that a British hiker was found safe and well after being reported missing by the hostel where he was staying.
Originally planning to take a three-hour walk between Anakiwa and Mistletoe Bay in New Zealand's South Island, the backpacker ended up walking much further and staying overnight in another hostel without telling anyone where he was.
The owner of the Anakiwa backpackers' hostel alerted authorities in the late evening when the traveller failed to return and a search party was sent out at dawn the next day.
Bill Talbot, incident officer with Blenheim Police's Marlborough Search and Rescue, told the paper that hikers should tell people when they change their plans: "It would be really helpful and it would save mounting a search for no reason. But it's never a waste of time when you find someone safe and well."
The South Island is well known for its stunning landscapes and spectacular mountain ranges.
Worldwide travel insurance is always available for backpackers.
Downunder; experts for
great travel insurance when travelling to the land of the long white cloud.
