CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson

The weather was, and will probably continue to be, good for camping. Those preparing their campers to freedom camp have better choices. Roll on summer.

Q. What’s better than a gourmet snag on some fresh Turkish bread, with relish, cooked and eaten outdoors while freedom camping?

Camping at the Eketahuna campground, April 2024 ©2024 Bette Cosgrove

“It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun” in Oamaru and Thames.

When I built the van, I knew that sometime later I would have to upgrade it.

One winter’s morning in June, my son and I spontaneously took the campervan on a road trip up the coast.

Solar power for us campers is a simple process. All you need is a solar panel, a solar controller, and a battery.

Ready for sunbathing and a book. Morrisons Bush. ©2023 Bette Cosgrove

We’d been converting campervans as a hobby for a few years and discovered we loved building and creating things together. Plus, we were tired of our dull 9–5 jobs…

Vintage caravan at a Whanganui Vintage weekend 2024 ©2024 Margaret Earle

Firstly, make sure your caravan is ready to move.

Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel

A multi-generation caravan and great great grandchild. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove

I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog and hit the road

When you are out camping you notice beautiful and obscure things. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock

Passing over a bit of road where the rumble strip had been removed but not filled in, my tyre got stuck in the rut and shredded.

Whitebaiting. Rakaia River Mouth ©2024 David Liddel

Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular.

I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay.

This winter was my first in the Otago cold— a bit of a learning curve.

Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention.

At the time of writing this, the caravan still sits empty, untouched in our back yard. We are in discussions with our lawyer.

Sitting under the awning, I enjoy a read or an ale while roasting coffee beans.

In short, I designed Fix-a-Potty™ for the campervan community to provide more affordable and compact toilet options, with the intention of helping everyone continue to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer.

While the new toilet-makers have been welcomed with interest, the Fix-a-Potty™ people were faced with severe scepticism, not to say unfair condemnation, that still continues to pop up on Facebook and confuse people.

Due out late October, the Fix’n’Rail is a heavy duty sliding rail and secure bracket that lets you slide a portable toilet in and out of its storage area

Lake Pukaki, freedom camping in Winter: I cant get enough of this place. Any season. ©2024 M Richardson

A response to a legislative challenge has brought us the compact, front-opening BlackMOA™ Cassette Toilet

Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock