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.

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.

By the sea, only twenty minutes from Blenheim, Rarangi is an easy flat drive.

Their title: “Freedom campers pinged”. A prime example of poor and emotive reporting.

The loveliest freedom camping spot before the Cook Strait ferries.

On shanks’s pony, in kayaks, boats, bikes, cars, vans, caravans, pop tops, tear drops, motorhomes, we have spread out over the summer, loving our country.

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

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

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

Ever wondered where the nearest cell tower is?

The structure of the self containment system.

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

Uncertain times, but enjoy our country to the max.

There are new penalties and some exemptions. Are you homeless, or making a lifestyle choice? Who gets fined and how they are notified. The law is vague. Councils and enforcement officers have to make it work.

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.

The short version

With the new self-containment system in disarray, what do you do with your new build, conversion or upgrade? Four choices.

An El Niño summer gives a sterner edge to commonsense precautions. Caught in the middle or a camper upgrade? Encourage the small towns to love us.

I was incredibly lucky to be invited to visit at a ‘permanent’ summer camp run by a 4WD club, several summers ago.

Seven things to fix • Use the current standard.
• Remove the fixed toilet fetish.
• Remove the offence “preparing to freedom camp” — who can determine intentions?
• Make the delivery of offence notices fair.
• Remove the revised definition of homelessness.
• Ensure adequate facilities for all travellers.
• Differentiate between citizens and tourists.

Three national groups speak on behalf of NZ campers: the All Points Camping Club of NZ, the NZMCA, and the Responsible Campers Association

It was a winter stay by the river in Reefton, on The West Coast. We are allowed 2 consecutive nights (certified self-contained).

We gathered in Alexandra in Autumn, four of us and a dog. It’s a great season for biking in Central Otago, not too hot, and the weather is usually settled.

Identify which kind of self containment you have, and be clear about where you are allowed to camp, so you can avoid fines and hassles

Why stick to the law if you can get away with whatever takes your fancy?

When I began assembling this issue I came up against a dilemma. How to inspire without sweeping under the carpet the negative things happening for freedom camping in New Zealand?

What you can do with your particular warrant card.

We are in a transition period from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to a new ‘green’ warrant system. The transition period is set to expire 7 June ’25. There is a small possibility that the Minister might choose to extend the transition period: it could help, with so many needing to be certified by so few.

We are now in a surreal world of peculiar freedom camping rules. Every camping vehicle is now at risk of substantial fines, wherever it is parked, as the new offence of “preparing to freedom camp” is defined as “parking”.

The perfect private park out of Bannockburn. On the top of a ridge looking down to Cromwell one side, Carricktown the other, it’s a windy spot with dramatic views, dramatic weather and the history of the valley is dramatic as well.