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

No end to confusion and misinformation out there about what is lawful or required to be a freedom camper. No consistency. No fair control of freedom camping.

Pippa in the hammock

We always take Pippa with us and she loves the adventures as much as we do. I thought I’d list a few of the resources I’ve found helpful on our travels with our furry family member, but this is by no means a definitive list.

This remote and extraordinarily beautiful part of the Pacific Coast Highway is fully open and welcoming campers for the summer season.

Winter nights — wouldn’t you love to be cosy and snuggled up on a wild beach listening to the wind whip the waves?

Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there.

Penultimate winter camping weekend. Thanks Carterton District Council for a multi-use, free site. Expecting 1°C tonight.

SH32, SH45, SH60: Do you know them?

Nobody knows. The Ministry has made some guesses.

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

The new regulations require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet.

When you decide to move camp to a sunnier spot mid morning. ©2024 Beverley Stoneley

Sunday morning caravan Lego with our boys, Eddie and Boston.

No, this is not about 12 weeks of coffee tasting around the South Island in a small van by a couple of over 80s

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…

Christmas at Lake Aniwhenua, with 6 others, all old friends from around the North Island

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

Got to sing with these amazing girls — Karen Clarke & Tina Turley. AWESOME.

Mavis is finally out and about on her maiden overnighter.

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

Here's Mavis hosting the family at Pahoia Beach Park. A must visit place for animal lovers. Bay of Plenty. Cheine Matheson

Mavis bringing in the New Year at Pahoia Beach, Bay of Plenty. © 2023 Cheine Matheson

Ten hours into a power cut with this cyclone .... THEN I remembered I've got full batteries in Mavis! Cheine Matheson

Winter’s not going to stop Mavis enjoying one of the many spots available at Pahoia Beach Park! 
Bay of Plenty. ©2023 Cheine Matheson

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It all started with needing a new roof hatch… well not exactly needing, but more a case of wanting. Out with the old and in with the new.

Fantastic time at the Onearo campground. Fun time with all.

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.

This trip is the adventure I’ve dreamed of my whole life. Something different that will challenge me and possibly the closest I can get to Timbuktu for now, so I’m super excited.