CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

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Love spring road trips. I was going to walk to the end of the valley… On a wild beach. Four of us went camping. Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Home for the next week. Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo

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.

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.

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.

In March my bus went into the Rigs’n Things hospital for some major surgery. The operation was done by Dr Chris with the utmost care and to a very high standard.

On a recent club camp I did a wee survey of the parked vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, buses and others to observe the water supply and disposal systems.

Our friend Jean Roger said she used old plastic milk bottles to make a simple solar shower. We have just tried this on our sailing holiday and it works brilliantly.

Spring and summer bring a great array of fresh vegetables. Ingredients like fresh ginger, lime, sesame oil, red curry paste and lemon bring fresh flavours to curries, salads and side dishes.

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.

Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star.

I wanted to share some photos from my travels around the South Island last winter. I do love the winter down here, with lack of crowds and the snow on the mountains being two of my favourite things.

I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August.

We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan.

Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool.

One of the hardest things to do is to know when enough is enough, and when it’s time to pack up and leave. The very best time is just before the weather event hits.

There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend.

Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury.

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

Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold.

Enjoy the whole trip, or meet up or depart from any location along the way!

This is such a hidden gem with sculptures of dragons, a castle slide for kids, water wheel, art hiding in every corner, and all kinds of themed gardens.

Places to stay.

Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground.

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

Omokoroa is only 20km northwest of Tauranga’s CBD and 24km to Katikati.

Four mins drive to Papamoa Plaza or a 30 min walk.

I stayed here for three nights; a great spot. Every Friday night they have a Farmers market at the adjacent A&P Show grounds

There is something precious about meeting around the table. Sharing food, or in this case buying your own!

Penny was keen to put the newly learnt knowledge of how to assist someone up, into practice. Down on the floor she went!