Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped.

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

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

Secured a magical spot beside the lakes edge at Kingston freedom camp and went fishing.

We grab any chance to pack the Toyota Estima and the dog and just go.

I woke to a misty morning at Mavora Lake camp. I repacked the Toyota Estima and drove the dusty gravel road to Walter Peak Station.

I rode on a trailer being towed along a long sandy beach. I squashed a few sandflies and went to bed blissfully happy each night.

I was invited to spend the New Year with friends at their crib at Papatowai.

The new Driftaway camping ground at Frankton in Queenstown. I have stayed in a car, and in a tent. Dogs are welcome. There are bbqs, a playground, breathtaking views, swimming in the lake and a hot tub for adults.

After the chaos of Christmas our frazzled nerves needed restoring. We threw a few supplies into the campervan and headed for the healing calm of Papatowai.

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

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

If you are travelling along the Southern Scenic Coast then 10 minutes out of Riverton, turn off Highway 99 and follow the Thornbury Gropers Bush Road.

The togs never saw the light of day at this weekend’s camp at Fortrose.

Rabbit holes, rugby field, quirky goal posts

I pulled into Lowburn free camp on the shores of Lake Dunstan and found a shady spot to park.

Oh no! After all the rain in the deep south the gravel track had turned to slush

Woke to a -4˚ frost in Southland this morning. Slept with my woolly hat and socks on and was cosy enough. I also have a good diesel heater and a warm dog.

I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains?

It had been quite some time since I had been to Canterbury and the thought of meeting up with fellow club members, that I hadn’t seen for many months, appealed.

I thought people might find this useful — I always struggle to pull pegs out…

I figured Heather and John had put lots of time into thinking into how best to manage a toilet cassette as they developed their Dump Mate, so I asked them to share their best tips with us. Editor

It’s four years now since John first decided to do something to make emptying our toilet cassette easier and cleaner.

Our morning view, heater on. Ruapehu. Hoping for warmer when we get to Kimbolton today. ©2023 Helen Garthwaite

Our first night away in Scampi.

Spring still sends cold weather our way. Consider these winter tips, and don’t be daunted.

I thought this would be the answer to the plastic drive up ramps many use.

Our very first Fiat Ducato owners rally was held in Rotorua, late 2022. A chance for owners to help one another with problems, issues and share experiences and knowledge.

Sometimes the best medicine you need is going somewhere with no phone signal so you can spend the whole day just giving each other shit.

Being out in nature and sitting around the fire sharing stories is my happy place as I’m sure it is for many people.