A beautiful and remote part of the country. Our flying trip, which covered many kilometres, left a real appetite to head back into this fascinating area.

Except in rainy areas solar panels need cleaning from time to time.

Cabins and RVs should have the maximum solar capacity feasible.

Lithium-iron batteries in RVs – they are safe to use.

The two battery types share some similarities but differ in high-energy-density, long life-cycles, and safety.

Three helpful articles on electrics.

An explanation in detail of every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability.

Here are 10 tips for safe towing: caravans and their tow vehicles have much the same accident rates as other forms of motor transport, their main type of accident, jack-knifing, however, is different.

Most fridges are essentially pumps. They move heat from where it is not wanted to where it does not matter. All work like this. They differ in how they do it — and also how well they do it. This article covers the basics.

To make caravan fridges work as claimed, and draw less energy, is cheap, simple and easy. Many can be transformed. This article shows how.

The problem is that RV owners are not taking risks sufficiently seriously. Here’s the facts.

Easy, effective and safe, relatively affordable and easy to self-install.

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

Safe toilet chemicals are essential, but some toilet chemicals kill essential bacteria in septic and environmental systems: some are toxic — this article explains all.

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.

Lightning frightens, but lightning risk in RVs is very low. That risk however is far from random. Here’s how to reduce it yet further.

With an electrically powered ventilator, SOG removes odours coming from the toilet eliminating the need for toilet chemicals.

Well. There we were. Bogged.

I am currently helping my daughter build her own camper as she wants to take a gap year and see our beautiful country. Crispian

Coromandel , Hector’s dolphins, Kaimai tracks, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, The Heaphy Track, Pike29 Memorial Track , southern tracks, Hump Ridge Track

Clean your gear. Works underway to reopen Morere Hot Pools. More than 10,000 wild goats removed in a national competition. Nature as therapy is the focus of a new guide. DOC report shows short adventures trending for travellers. Ōparara Basin waharoa unveiled. A sea lion/pakake mum swam 60 kilometres inland. Checking a week-old Albatross chick, Tairoa Heads.

Recent news from the Department of Conservation

Recent news from the Department of Conservation.

Latest news for campers from DOC

New licence system for Taupō trout fishery, Rare slab hut refurbishment keeps traditional ways alive, Fossicking rules broken as gold fever strikes,Watch out for ruru/morepork

DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction.

Be aware of the risks. Check fireweather.

Nokomai station on the way to Queenstown. We went there as kids; now we take our kids there.

Winter at Nokomai Station on the way to Queenstown. ©2023 Dallas Hibbs

If the idea of camping via sea kayak appeals to you, meet other like-minded women kayakers in our WoW SK community