People planning a trip to New Zealand have the option of buying
backpacker travel insurance to protect themselves against theft.
The Nelson Mail reports that German tourist Johannes Hesseling is offering a $2,000 (around £720) reward for the safe return of a series of belongings that were stolen from a locked car in Nelson over the weekend.
Stolen items include epilepsy medication, a camera and a laptop containing nearly four months' worth of travel photos, the latter being the main reason why Mr Hesseling decided to offer all his savings as a reward.
Mr Hessesling had spent several months earning extra money as a fruit-picker in Roxburgh before heading to Nelson. He considered heading home to Germany after the theft but decided instead to try to reclaim his possessions.
Nelson is not known for a notable crime rate and one backpacker told the paper that he did not even feel the need to lock his dorm room at night.
Worldwide travel insurance is nonetheless an option for people planning an overseas trip.
New Zealand is a particular draw for backpackers seeking stunning scenery and extreme sports.
Downunder, experts for
great travel insurance when travelling to the land of the long white cloud.