Police warn Instagram-worthy picture of Taranaki Maunga not worth the risk
New Zealand police are warning tourists against stopping on dangerous roads to take photos of Taranaki Maunga. The behavior has led to multiple near-misses and traffic hazards, prompting calls for common sense and adherence to safety signage.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the tension between social media trends and public safety in popular tourist destinations.
Police are warning tourists and would-be photographers that snapping an Instagram-worthy picture of Taranaki Maunga on a rural road near New Plymouth isn't worth the risk of losing your life.
Senior Sergeant Matt Prendergast said motorists have reported almost hitting people who have stopped on Kent Road - some were even laying down on the road - to get photos of Taranaki Maunga.
A quick search on the popular social media site Instagram reveals dozens of pictures of people posing on the road - which had a 100 km/h speed limit - with the impressive vista of the mountain looming in the background.
Senior Sergeant Prendergast said the area was marked and sign posted "no stopping", and in parts drivers have limited visibility due to corners and humps in the road.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in