Hitchhiking is not without risk in any country and the same applies in New Zealand. New Zealand has crime like any other western country. New Zealand only has 4 million people, so the number of criminals is lower than the USA or the UK. Use the same discretion getting into a car with a stranger in NZ as you would anywhere in the world.

Don't try to hitch hike in Auckland, the main way out is the motorway, and it is illegal to walk or stop on any motorway (except in case of emergency).

In the country outside of the main centres you are more likely to have luck getting lifts, especially in the South Island.

Wear your pack (to make it obvious you are a tourist)

Look clean and tidy - try to avoid the wild-mountain man look

Let people know where you are planning to go.

Don't accept lifts from anyone you don't feel comfortable with.

Handle things in the car (to leave your fingerprints in case something does go wrong).

If you are staying in hostels, you may well get lifts from there anyway - some hostels have a 'carpool list' where people with free space in the car write down their destination and departure date/time.

Hitch hiking can be a great way of learning about New Zealand and meeting new people. If you get lucky you can find out about great local "treasures ? from the local people or you could be told of the cheapest and/or best place to stay at the town you re heading too.

Be careful, take note of the points above and your trip should be entertaining and enjoyable.