Soliciting Hitchhikers
Posted on 25 January 2009 by Natalie
However, one evening while driving to the lodge (aka work) we noticed a backpacker on the side of the road. He turned out to be a friendly German, and was trying to hitch hike to the Milford Sound. We could only drive him as far as Fiordland Lodge because we couldn’t be late for work.
As a result of our continual frustration regarding our inability to pick up hitchhikers, we decided to solicit for them instead.
Tomorrow, I am going to walk to 2 of the local “backpackers” (New Zealand terminology for hostel) and post a small handwritten flyer on the notice board. My “Queenstown or Bust” flyer will have the date we are planning to leave Te Anau to drive to Queenstown (about a 3 hour drive). The flyer will make it clear who we are and how many seats we have available. Included on the flyer is that we will only charge $10 (NZ) for petrol, which is the equivalent to $5 gas money in the States. Since I’m posting it on a bulletin board, it will have the customary tear off phone number, with both our NZ cell number as well as www.nomadbackpackers.com so they can ensure we aren’t crazy people. Well… that depends on your definition.
I think this is a good idea for budget travelers that have either rented or purchased a vehicle for use while traveling in a certain country. It should be a creative way to save a little gas money, but the real motivating factor is the opportunity to meet new people and share a segment of travel together.
We will have to let you know how things work out. A lot of backpackers show up in Te Anau with a camper van or a car of some type. Who knows if anyone will read my flyer and respond? As we continue to travel in NZ for a while longer, I’ll make a few flyers and/or ask others if they need a ride, before departing most cities we leave.
Have you hitch hiked before? Picked up a hitch hiker? (I know you have…) Comment on your experience!
UPDATE: Unfortunately, Justin and I were unable to transport anyone to Queenstown. It seems that in the backpackers (hostels) in Te Anau many individuals have cars or camper vans. The others that are seeking rides, didn’t want to leave Te Anau with us that morning.
As we drive we will continue to be on the lookout for fellow backpackers seeking rides. Just the other day Justin was able to offer Jessie from Colorado a ride to Te Anau Downs (the trail head for the Milford Trail).
However, at this point, if we are really looking to offer a ride to a backpacker in need. We could use an even more direct approach. Daniel just emailed me about his great site ShareYourRide.net which enables people to do just that, and share in transportation needs.
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Tags | New Zealand
I have hitched back in California many times and would pick many hitch-hikers and give them a ride.
All a person wants is a ride, although many people are fearful because what the public/media teaches that it is dangerous.
I did some hitch-hiking in Turkey and Israel and will be in Greece and Eastern Europe.
Uhh… Sorry, I don’t usually comment ’cause I get the emails and just read them.
1) This one time I picked up a hitchhiker on the freeway in Missouri. He looked nice enough and I figured he was going far ’cause he was on the freeway. After finding out where I could take him (just 3 exits up) I asked where he had come from. “I just got released from jail,” he replied. YIKES! It turned out that his arrest was a mistake, and I had a good convo with him!
2) I leave in 2 weeks for a 7 week 7,000 mile road trip and I hope very much to pick up some hitchhikers and meet some interesting people for the first time. Exciting!
@Shawn – I am sure that California (being such a large state with so many people) led to several opportunities to offer others rides.
You’ll have to keep us posted on your time in Greece and other parts of Eastern Europe. Hitchhiking seems to be a globally recognized (rather) acceptable practice. Hope you get to meet some fun locals and get to where you are trying to go!
@Cup – That’s such a funny story!!! Can’t wait for your road trip to begin. It will be so much fun – Cup the nomad – but try to avoid picking up too many convicts. That’s such a funny story!!!
Im confused about something you said and would like you to clarify if you can… ‘Queenstown or Bust’?
Here in New Zealand when you talk about a bust you are refering to a ladys chest, is that what you are talking about?
if not what are you talking about?
and if you are, I dont think that makes any sense!
@Cathryn – Ah Cathryn! Lets see… you are 100% correct. A bust does refer to a woman’s chest, especially when referring to clothing sizes and measurements.
However, “something or bust” implies that it’s that something, or forget about it! For example, the phrase “Queenstown or bust” implies that the individual only intends to go to Queenstown. If you are not going to Queenstown, forget it. Don’t pick them up.
Therefore, if an individual was standing on the side of the road, with a sign that read, “Queenstown or bust”, it doesn’t translate to “Queenstown or breasts”. They are not seeking FREE boobs, although New Zealand does have the most liberal prostitution laws in the whole world.
Thanks for the fun kiwi question. Keep them coming!