Hitchhiking New Zealand: Days 1-20 : “Sleep Spots”

Before I share all these hilarious photos of where Misha and I have been sleeping over the past month, I’d like to throw something out there for everyone.

In my opinion, the number one thing that makes New Zealand so iconic is a thing called “freedom camping.” I LOVE IT. Freedom camping or free camping is the practice of putting up tents or parking up campervans in public areas not designated for camping. Free camping typically means that freedom campers cannot access facilities such as clean drinking water, toilets (either flushing or long drop) and waste disposal facilities. In New Zealand, freedom campers tend to use laybys, picnic areas and very remote spots. I want to let everyone reading out there know that freedom camping has recently led to a very serious problem with the amount of trash and waste that backpackers/tourists leave behind while visiting this country. There is a small amount of the tourist population that does not respect the land or people or the rules and regulations of freedom camping. They sleep where ever they want, go to the bathroom where ever they want, and leave trash where ever they want. But it’s just a small population of the millions of travelers visiting this amazing country.

And that is why, I want to let everyone know that I am Aware of this small population of travelers. And I want to PROUDLY let everyone know out there that Misha and I RESPECT THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE FULLY! We have sworn to live by the “TIAKI Promise” (picture below). Also, when tenting in public places, we wait to set up the tent until right at dark and have it packed at sunrise the next morning. No Trace Ever Left Behind

Great! Now for the Fun Part! Here’s some pictures of where we’ve slept over the past month! I’ve noticed that you can really tell the kind of traveler/person that you are when you look at the pictures of the places you slept when traveling. Kind of funny actually. Let me know what you think! I wish I could have captured all the spots, but I’m forgetful sometimes. And when you’re having so much fun sometimes you forget to take pictures. Enjoy!

One Love, Mitchy