2 Frenchies and a freeloading American
yes, that is dry underwear. such a good system.
A quick recap: I made my way down to the south island of New Zealand on Saturday, snagged a ride with a camper-vanning Frenchman, then met up with another French girl (also with a van). We spent the next 5 days fishing on the beach, sleeping in the van, cooking in the van, drinking in the van, and taking it upon ourselves to exclusively camp where in locations where it is strictly forbidden.
I’d rather see a bunch of pictures with captions than a wall of words – and I assume you would, too – so enjoy these shots and I’ll be updating more frequently from now on. 
That's Emile on the left, showing how to cook an amazing french breakfast on a single gas burner.
Victoire and her van, Simone. We are lost at this moment, but smiling!
Both Emile and Victoire smoked like... well, french people. We all got a good laugh out of this tobacco warning, though!
we had lunch on the beach in kaiteriteri and met an israeli girl. She taught me how to make HUMMUS the proper, Haifa way!
Evening on marahau beach, just south of Abel Tasman National Park. Emile was kayaking through here 2 hours before, during high tide, and lost his sunglasses, so we went out to find them. Emile has the best photo poses.
we never found the sunglasses, but - hell - it was still paradise, so we were ok
The next day, we began the Abel Tasman track from Totaranui to Wainui. You can hardly call this hiking - its too beautiful. And we saw maybe 5 people the entire day.
- yeah!
After the "hike" we came back down toward Nelson, and picked up two more hitchikers - twin kiwi girls - heading to Wellington to help their family sell vegetables. Hi Katrina and Liza!
New Zealand is an amazingly small place, especially among the community of travelers. You’re immediately thrown into a van and hitting the road, meeting folks from all around the world (tons of germans), and having the time of your life. More to come very soon!
-Ryan
