Learning the meaning of signage in Castle point, NZ
Taking my camera for a walk while staying in Castle Point, New Zealand (on what turned out to be a great photography weekend) I came across this campsite. At first I didn’t think anything of it and was just about to skirt around when the ‘No Camping’ sign caught my eye. I wonder if the camper could have got any closer to the sign? Did the person not see it – or did they just not care? This raised an interesting question for me – what are our responsiblities towards our enviroment, especially as travellers in a host country? This campsite wasa innocent enough – they were two travellers following the surf and having a great time without annoying anybody.
But just a little way away, there was a sign ‘Do not fish from this rock’. In the name of fun and the hope of not going hungry we (four guys and three ladies) climbed onto the rock to fish. The ladies sat in a cozy group enjoying the sun and chatting. Mean while the guys were getting into the ‘fishing zone’. A wave came up, suddenly and aggressively. Grabbing on for life, we watched the wave wash the fishing box and tackle into the sea. Thankfully, no one was hurt but it was close. It was a scary lesson!
A lot of people have been caught out by rogue waves while fishing off those rocks.
I can now believe that. I saw a photo a little while after our incidence during a storm. The wave spray was about 4m above the rock. Anybody on it would not have stood a chance. Learnt a serious lesson that day!
Rules are made for reasons that we don’t know until something happens. Peggy’s Cove is a big tourist attraction at home. There are huge signs everywhere warning people not to stand to close to the water. Every year at least a couple are caught by a rogue wave, and most don’t live to tell about it.
Thanks for positing to Travel Photo Thursday.
Same happens here, every year we loose folks to tidal waves. Thanks for sharing, ya gave me an idea for my blog !
Lesson learned and now by posting you may save someones life who like you did not know about it.
Great info
http://networkedblogs.com/iPO3u
My favorite country! So beautiful everywhere. My photo this week is also from NZ.
Hi Nancie, personally I think a lot of people show no respect towards signs or the environment for that matter. I have seen so many times how quad bikes destroy beaches in SA. If you put a sign up they just ignore it…I don´t know why????
Interesting question. Sometimes it seems that rules are there for no reason (living in rule loving Germany I find this a lot), but other times there really is a good reason as you found out. Glad that no one was hurt.
The problem with rules is that sometimes there are too many. Some are there just because they have always been there. I’m from Germany and as Laurel pointed out above, we have many rules there
And I tend to follow them. Being with an Italian guy for so long has taught me to relax a little. For them even laws are more like suggestions! 
Looks like the gods sent a message to you fishermen
I am a rule follower so I am at a loss for an explanation why people don’t follow signs. Maybe it is because the sign just says “don’t” with no explanation!
A scary lesson, indeed! I wonder if the campers got into any trouble. Very fun photo!
I like the question you raise- what is our responsibility as travelers? Good thing no one was hurt!
Castle point! There is a camp ground there, but boy was it expensive. We’re talking the same price as a B&B for the night for a two man tent (Out of season).
I too decided to do some “freedom camping”. Shame I missed the sign, it looks like a good spot
Julian you crack me up. You are one of the few I know that would purposely go and look for a no camping sign and camp right there! Was a good spot if you didn’t mind people walking past you the whole time!