St Kilda, Dunedin
A lovely spot looking out over the beach towards St Clair. Dunedin allows freedom camping in non-reserve parking places. ©2022 M Richardson
A camp oven is much more than just a pot
Camp ovens are designed for cooking on a fire, but they can also be used on gas burners. You can use a camp oven to cook everything from stews and curries to roasts, bread, cakes and puddings.
Recipes for camping
Hot cross buns, Lentil and eggplant stew with gnocchi, Pork and vegetables in hoisin sauce.
On the first day it rained and blew
The togs never saw the light of day at this weekend’s camp at Fortrose.
Stop and Stay, Central North Island
Tuppence, Pirongia, Cafe 77, Manawaru, Rosie and Brian’s in Reporoa
Nugget Point lighthouse
Here is a photo of the Nugget Point lighthouse. As we saw it today. March 6. ©2025 Dave Adamson
Hobby: Fishing and Diving
My introduction to fishing as a child: I recall being taken to the Waimakariri river and using a string hand-line with red meat as bait, I don’t recall any success .
Fishing as the sun goes down
Fishing as the sun goes down. Ōtaki River mouth free camp. March. ©2025 M Richardson
A night at Ferry Reserve
A night at Ferry Reserve on our way to Morisons Bush. ©2025 Wayne Ravelich
Bedtime Bubbles
Bedtime Bubbles & wash in Kaiapoi for my wee mate after 57 nights on the road without a bath. ©2025 Andrew Morton
DOC update
Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Pūponga Farm Park, IVL tourist dollars, West Coast huts, The Great Walks. An albatross’ tale. The ten-buck-duck.
Loading a caravan safely
There is a common and very dangerous belief held by many caravan owners that it is fine to have a heavy load at the rear as long as it is balanced by a similar load at the front. That is virtually a recipe for jack-knifing.
Campfest
A huge draw card, was the stage and music, talent contest, open mike time and the bands which played on to 9pm. This brought a carnival atmosphere to the camp.
Late summer fishing
Late summer fishing at the Ōtaki River Mouth free camp. February 2025. ©2025 M Richardson
20-odd years
One thing I learnt after travelling full-time for 20 odd years: It doesn’t matter so much where you are, as long as you are present where you are. Mind you, I still struggle with that at times, wanting nature and just the sounds of nature. lol.
Tuppence, Pirongia
It didn’t take long before I felt like I was at home for my four day stay.
We came early
The weather was so nice that we came out early. All that is missing is you.©2025 Linda Butler
New Year at Waihora Domain
This venue is our favourite go-to for Christmas due to its proximity to everything. If you are travelling or want company for Christmas next year, do consider joining us.
Cafe 77, Manawaru
It’s a lovely rural spot 15 mins from Te Aroha and 20 mins from Matamata.
They have a lot of visits from cyclists doing the Hauraki Rail Trail and tourists.
Rosie and Brian’s
I tell you, what a welcome! I think why people stay is due to our lovely welcoming hosts Rosie and Brian. They have been operating this site in their paddocks for 8 years, back then it was a gold coin to stay and to help campers out.
Havelock Mussel Festival
For the first time we had a camp up event for those wanting to try the Havelock Mussel Festival.
