CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Camping the Kiwi Way, Autumn 2025

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Here and there last summer

Stories around the country.

The Pigroot SH85

Rabbit holes, rugby field, quirky goal posts

Adventure in Te Aroha

The town has two freedom camps.

Op shop finds

Op Shop finds, Te Aroha. ©2025 M Richardson

Camping at CampFest

CampFest, Bulls. February. ©2025 Jo Ward.

Camping at the museum

You can wander around and even have your dinner in the picturesque gardens that surround the museum buildings.

Sailing through the Waiheke Channel

Sailing through the Waiheke Channel on our way to the northern coast of Waiheke. The wind has finally turned to the south. Feb. ©2025 Graham Leslie

Wairere falls

Peace, tranquility, a chance to go for a walk to the waterfall, crystal hunting or even a swim makes it worthwhile.

Choosing your next camping vehicle is not always easy

After close to 30 years of camping, firstly with a NZ-made 1970’s classic caravan followed by a luxurious UK Bailey Senator, it was a hard choice to get a caravan that would meet our needs.

GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island

Fill in the spaces.

A shady spot to park

I pulled into Lowburn free camp on the shores of Lake Dunstan and found a shady spot to park.

First time on the ferry

As Mainlanders, living in Blenheim we decided, part way thru 2024, to try a ferry crossing with car and caravan and go to an APCNZ event in the North Island.

Canterbury, Waihora

Canterbury, Waihora ©2025 Tony Knights. More p36

Fitting Auto levellers

I thought this would be the answer to the plastic drive up ramps many use.

Far from flat

Many not-to-be-missed freedom camping spots are far from flat. Pines, Lake Pukaki. ©2019 M Richardson

Camping at the Mohaka River Farm

We chose a spot right with a commanding view of the river and wind farm in the distance.

A good day’s camping starts with a thermette

A good day’s camping starts using a thermette to boil the water for coffee and for its small fire to then make toast.

Before you light a fire

Be aware of the risks. Check fireweather.

Fireplace at Mangaweka

Fireplace at Mangaweka camp, riverside picnic area. ©2012 M Richardson

Re-building my Toyota van part 2

I became aware of some shortcomings in the design

Made it to Campfest

Roland made it to Campfest, Bulls, March.©2025 Jo Ward.

Freedom camping: need to know, 2025

What you need to know about freedom camping.

Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what?

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But I am not freedom camping…

I’m just waiting to get a freedom camping fine as some official will decide that I’m camping when I’m actually parked using my RV as my means of transport, particularly in busy places like Queenstown, Tekapo or Wanaka.

Getting your camping vehicle certified

An independent national network for self-containment certification

The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu.

The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu.

Whisky Gully

Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush.

The red lights?

It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one!

Back on the boat (our caravan that floats)

It’s been nine years since we had a sailing holiday in our trailer yacht, Quasimodo.