'Safe' NZ lets down round-the-world yachties

A Belgian couple on a worldwide sailing voyage let their guard down after arriving in New Zealand's welcoming waters - only to be raided by thieves.

Bernard and Dominique de Wouder sailed into Whangarei from Opua with their two young children on December 2 and began planning their stay.

They bought an old Ford Telstar, hand-painted sky blue, for $450 and booked tickets for the Cook Strait ferry, hoping to explore the South Island.

Those plans were shelved when someone stole their car overnight on Sunday.

The fact thieves would target a 19-year- old car has the visitors scratching their heads. "It's a very old car, we never thought anyone would want to steal it."

The family had visited some "pretty risky" cities during their two-year expedition, but had never had any property stolen.

They had been assured New Zealand was one of the safest places in the world. "My friends told me that New Zealand was not like any other country. It's a safe country.

"It's the first time in the whole trip something like this happened to us. We couldn't believe it."

Mrs de Wouder said another friend at the marina where they had berthed was missing a dinghy and a car belonging to another had been broken into.

The theft had upset their plans but had not dampened their view of New Zealand.

"We have met some wonderful people here," Mr de Wouder said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)