A pair of Americans travelling around New Zealand say they are overwhelmed with Kiwis' kind offers after having their campervan windows smashed by teenagers.
The Colorado couple, Dorit Liss, 27, and her partner, 29, arrived in New Zealand at the end of October, and told Newshub on Wednesday they had been victims of bullying, harassment and vandalism since their arrival.
However, since going public, they say they have received several kind gestures and apologies from Kiwis on behalf of those responsible for shattering their road trip dreams.
It comes after the couple claim they have also been yelled at and endured several encounters with whom they describe as "rude and angry" Kiwis.
While legally camping in Christchurch's Red Zone, the pair said one event traumatised them.
"We heard something that sounded like smashing but we just thought perhaps they had maybe been throwing bottles at the RV (recreational vehicle)," Liss said.
"It wasn't until my partner jolted out of bed that he told me they had got the windows. I just immediately had a panic attack; I immediately woke up.
She said she saw a group of teenagers quickly drive away in a vehicle.
"We couldn't believe someone could hate us that much to violate our home while we were sleeping," she said. "I just cried and cried into my partner's arms."
Since sharing her story, Liss said dozens of people have been messaging her with supportive words.
"It's been really overwhelming," she told Newshub. "It's nice to see a different side to people.
"I've been really taken aback by all the comments on my social media. Obviously, most of the comments and messages are nice, but it's always the rude ones that stick to you.
"There have been so many people offering us their homes and places to park our RV which is just so nice.
"Some people in Christchurch have even told us we can stay with them for as long as we want."
She said several people have said they are embarrassed on behalf of New Zealand.
"Lots of people say they are shocked at what happened," she said. "People have messaged me apologising and have explained that not everyone behaves this way in New Zealand."
Liss said she and her partner are pleased to see people offering to help them.
"Having issues with our van and no windows, this is just the thing we need right now," she said. "The kindness is honestly all we could've asked for."
One woman suggested the pair could park their campervan on her 10 acres of land near Rangiora and could have access to any power or water they needed, Liss said.
"This is all just so kind, I have had so many people extending their resources to us."
Several embarrassed people have also shared their condolences to the pair on behalf of New Zealand on social media.
"Horrified and saddened to read of your experiences in New Zealand," one man said. "Sounds like you have unfortunately managed to meet all the idiots we have here in our country.
"If you find yourself back in Auckland before you depart New Zealand, I would love to meet up with you both," he added.
"Really sorry to hear about your experience here in New Zealand. It's certainly not how most Kiwis are and it's increasingly become an issue towards tourists," another man said.
"Anti-social behavior and crime has skyrocketed and you don't deserve to be on the other end of it.
"Wishing you all the best and hope you end up visiting again! Kia Kaha," he said.
Liss said their RV repairs are "coming along" and hopes to have new windows in place by Thursday so they can get moving.
She said the pair are exhausted but are taking each day left in New Zealand at a time.
