CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

After my ride from Canterbury to Southland, the next step was to continue my clockwise circuit of the Island.

Darn, we could only get the new heater up to 10ºC on that night, and woke to a -3ºC frost. We opened the oven door, lit the gas and waited for sunshine.

On my last roadie I met and chatted with four van loads of international tourists from UK, Australia and Germany who have been freedom camping around NZ in small (slider-type) hire vans from Escape or Jucy.

Can you fill in the blanks?

As we move towards summer the cabbage trees are in full and generous flower, the sign of a long hot summer to come, I am told.

Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know.

What a stunner this place was! Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

Gisborne District Council have very clear freedom camping bylaws which demand waste management, #leavenotrace principles.

We spent a few days on the coast out from Martinborough, Te Awati camping area and then back to North Tora Reserve, some very rough coastline.

Car camping allows me to still enjoy the outdoors, here at Clifden Suspension. Bridge

Cabins and RVs should have the maximum solar capacity feasible.

Do you struggle when you set up your camp or your caravan?

I slept overnight beside the Aparima River near Opio (Southland).

Ready for a family weekend away camping.

Lithium-iron batteries in RVs – they are safe to use.

Here are the issues to consider with the major legislative change which is currently proposed and going through Select Committee hearings.

It’s a thorny problem, deciding how to connect to the internet on the road — so many different choices, plans and options; so many unfamiliar concepts. Here’s a ‘simple’ guide.

This tool takes some of the pressure off the plastic lugs, that get some stress every time you open up the cassette for cleaning.

Heading up to the top of the North Island to see Cape Reinga is on most people’s bucket lists. For those who enjoy a bit of camping, finding that perfect spot to stay is an added bonus. Finding two such places is something special. Tapotupotu DOC campsite. Matauri Bay Holiday Park

So many travellers, campers, and vanlifers are recording their journeys on 'the gram' these days, sharing snippets of their lives, packaged neatly in squares or reels.

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.

Another beautiful day at Tangimoana. (Manawatu)

Except in rainy areas solar panels need cleaning from time to time.

Nobody knows. The Ministry has made some guesses.

Finally made it out to Ocean Beach in Whangarei. Mavis in her natural habitat.

Nokomai station on the way to Queenstown. We went there as kids; now we take our kids there.

The two battery types share some similarities but differ in high-energy-density, long life-cycles, and safety.