The hitchhiker arrived in Punakaiki, home to just 70 residents. The village has no shop and very little in the way of public services.

After waiting for four days, he reportedly flew into a rage according to police.

He allegedly attacked the Welcome to Punakaiki sign with a rock, threw road signs into the river and abused motorists with bad language and gestures.

According to the police, the hitchhiker was standing in a location where cars can’t stop and he could have walked to the nearest town within a day.

He has had his passport seized and been charged with intentional damage. He is out on bail.