CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Here is a photo of the Nugget Point lighthouse. As we saw it today. March 6. ©2025 Dave Adamson

Running off a cordless drill

Camping at CampFest. ©2025 Jo Ward

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. Ōtaki River mouth free camp. March. ©2025 M Richardson

It wasn’t the best week as we had such bad weather

Where’s summer? Crazy.
Yesterday it was 28° here, I melted.

A night at Ferry Reserve on our way to Morisons Bush. ©2025 Wayne Ravelich

Bedtime Bubbles & wash in Kaiapoi for my wee mate after 57 nights on the road without a bath. ©2025 Andrew Morton

Just got back from an adventure-filled Waiohine Gorge campsite!

Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Pūponga Farm Park, IVL tourist dollars, West Coast huts, The Great Walks. An albatross’ tale. The ten-buck-duck.

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.

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 at the Ōtaki River Mouth free camp. February 2025. ©2025 M Richardson

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.

It didn’t take long before I felt like I was at home for my four day stay.

The weather was so nice that we came out early. All that is missing is you.©2025 Linda Butler

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. 

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.

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.

For the first time we had a camp up event for those wanting to try the Havelock Mussel Festival.

The challenges of the changes to freedom camping

See if you can get to any of these camping events

Membership support, Friendly, inclusive camping events, Nationwide savings, Lobbying support for campers’ rights.

SH60 begins in Richmond, travels through Motueka and Takaka and ends after 117km at Collingwood.

Exploring SH45 along the western side of Mount Taranaki was a new coddiwompling adventure for us. South Taranaki is a freedom-camping-friendly district, with many small towns along the way offering vehicle and tent options to free camp. So we were excited to spend a few days there and back on a visit to New Plymouth.

On the road less travelled, down double-digit highways, which wind alongside the mighty Waikato and follow the western and southern shores of Lake Taupo, I find some of my favourite freedom camping sites.

At the All Points camp at Foxton Beach School over Labour weekend I asked others what they like to cook when they are camping.

Alice cooking dinner on the BBQ at Ohiwa

I’ve worked out an effective way to heat up pies.