CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

A small, North Canterbury, gem of a town, with friendly, welcoming locals, walks, exhibits, cycle rides, shops and free overnighting. Perfect for a couple of nights. Or more.

I have found that it is the obscure, forgotten little places that hold the most interest and subject material for paintings and rewarding experiences.

Baby Bear, Mama Bear and Papa Bear campers

Geraldine Classic Caravan Club

No more sloppy grinds in the bottom of the waste bucket. No more looking for bushes to throw them under.

Ever wondered where the nearest cell tower is?

The saying goes that everything you take in your motorhome should have 2 uses.

I’ve always dreamed of travelling around my own back yard in a van and I finally did!

We visited New Zealand’s smallest church.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference to quality of life.

Camping events coming up

Festivals and shows coming up

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I’ve been turning our food scraps into compost for many a year now, and there’s no way I’m sending them to the landfill now. We chose to use bokashi buckets in our housetruck, as we already had them. A worm farm could also work, though bokashi is possibly more forgiving and takes all food waste — bones and shells included.

Camps and camping occasions this Winter.

These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details.

We headed to Raglan along some back country roads.

Here are some suggestions on how to go about attracting campers to your town.

I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights away per year and mountain bike as much as I can in other regions.

Winter’s not going to stop Mavis enjoying one of the many spots available at Pahoia Beach Park! 
Bay of Plenty. ©2023 Cheine Matheson

The really good news: only 47 infringements issued: 0.03% of the freedom campers.

‘Let’s go South for a few weeks.’
‘How many weeks?’
‘Eight.’ 
‘How about six?’ 
‘OK. let’s see how it goes.’

We’ve had heaps of people have asked us for feedback on our caravan and why we chose it so here it is.

Societal harm caused by the new self contained motor vehicles legislation. With change there always consequences. While some changes are positive and beneficial sometimes consequences cause a degree of harm.

I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights per year & mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Teardrop. © 2023 Andrew Morton

Left Auckland 34 days ago, halfway through my 73 days traveling the South Island. Now in Cromwell then Arrowtown on the weekend. Noticed that it’s getting colder. Now I appreciate my diesel heater. ©2023 Roland Jones

Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack that I got sewn into the awning. Keil MacDiarmid ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid

It was cold at Mavora Lakes. Plenty of snow around.
I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year

How do you make winter camping more comfortable?
Here’s a few favourite tips and tricks for keeping warm, dealing with cold, wind, rainy days, and embracing the colder months outdoors for enjoyable winter camping trips. It just takes a little extra preparation and the right gear.

A commercial and a DIY (metal) version of a peg for windy weather.