Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Camping the Kiwi Way, 9, Spring 2024 Cover image: Steampunk. ©2024 Margarte Earle Editorial Come Camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Table of contents ISSUE 10 Gourmet snag Read Steampunk— from north to south and back again Read Lake Pukaki Read The re-build of my Toyota van Read Ekatahuna Read The West Coast in winter Read Solar basics for dummies Read Ready for sun Read Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story Read Caravan at Whanganui Vintage weekend Read Towing your caravan — tips, tricks and weights Read Buyer beware Read Buying used caravans Read Cautionary tyre tale Read A great great grandchild Read A night in an arboretum Read Beautiful obscure things Read A winter day on Farewell Spit Read Freedom camping Read On the shoulder of a god Read Campground at Opoutere Read Whitebaiting Read It was freezing Read Home roasted coffee beans Read Lake Pukaki Read Freedom camping and self-containment Read Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ Read A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ Read Fix’n’Rail Read Kiwi ingenuity & insults Read Toilet and shower tent Read Self-containment warrant cards Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Challenges for local councils Read North Island hot pool safari Read The Aratiatia Dam Read Making the most of your pressure cooker Read Girdle scones (aka griddle scones) Read DOC campsites 3: Central NI, game Read Lake Pukaki Read DOC update Read City dwellers: your first camp away: Stop and Stay Read Parua Bay: stop and stay Read Waikawa Bay Reserve: stop and stay Read Come camping Read Festivals Read All Points Camping Club of NZ Read More for councils and government, issue 9 Read Editorial Read Table of contents, Spring, issue 9 Read Councils & Government Freedom camping and self-containment Read Self-containment warrant cards Read Challenges for local councils Read More for councils and government, issue 9 Read Self-containment & Freedom Camping Freedom camping and self-containment Read Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ Read A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ Read Fix’n’Rail Read Kiwi ingenuity & insults Read Self-containment warrant cards Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Challenges for local councils Read View More

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Stories from summer campers around New Zealand. Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 CONTENTS PDF BUY TOC Here and there last summer The Pigroot SH85 Rabbit holes, rugby field, quirky goal posts Read More Camping at CampFest CampFest, Bulls. February. ©2025 Jo Ward. Read More Sailing through the Waiheke Channel Sailing through the Waiheke Channel on our way to the northern coast of Waiheke. The wind has finally turned to the south. Feb. ©2025 Graham Leslie Read More Wairere falls Peace, tranquility, a chance to go for a walk to the waterfall, crystal hunting or even a swim makes it worthwhile. Read More A shady spot to park I pulled into Lowburn free camp on the shores of Lake Dunstan and found a shady spot to park. Read More Canterbury, Waihora Canterbury, Waihora ©2025 Tony Knights. More p36 Read More The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Read More Whisky Gully Whisky Gully, Tapanui, Southland. Lovely views over the plains, and a great walk up the valley, and another through the bush. Read More The red lights? It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Read More St Kilda, Dunedin A lovely spot looking out over the beach towards St Clair. Dunedin allows freedom camping in non-reserve parking places. 
©2022 M Richardson Read More On the first day it rained and blew The togs never saw the light of day at this weekend’s camp at Fortrose. Read More Late Summer journey: Southland & West Coast My home for the next few weeks Read More Nugget Point lighthouse Here is a photo of the Nugget Point lighthouse. As we saw it today. March 6. ©2025 Dave Adamson Read More Interesting and tempting to purchase! Running off a cordless drill Read More Luxury camping Camping at CampFest. ©2025 Jo Ward Read More The cracks kept coming It wasn’t the best week as we had such bad weather Read More Woke to fog Where’s summer? Crazy. Yesterday it was 28° here, I melted. Read More A night at Ferry Reserve A night at Ferry Reserve on our way to Morisons Bush. ©2025 Wayne Ravelich Read More Bedtime Bubbles Bedtime Bubbles & wash in Kaiapoi for my wee mate after 57 nights on the road without a bath. ©2025 Andrew Morton Read More Late summer fishing Late summer fishing at the Ōtaki River Mouth free camp. February 2025. ©2025 M Richardson Read More

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Topics in any issue Select a topic BUY TOPICS INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Read More As the seasons change 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 Read More A short trip to some big country — Route 52 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. Read More Road trip for a mid-winter meal 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. Read More Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach 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. Read More The hospital visit for my bus 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. Read More Water water everywhere 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. Read More A simple camp shower 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. Read More Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours 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. Read More Lightning risk in RVs 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. Read More On maintenance Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Read More Travels around the South Island 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. Read More No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Read More Buyer beware update: We won! We had to go to the Disputes Tribunal regarding our leaky 9 year old caravan. Read More Butcher’s Pool Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Read More Windy Pack Down Tips 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. Read More Campfest South Island There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Read More It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More DOC Update DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction. Read More Recipes on the road Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold. Read More View More ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 9 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Summer 2023 Choose which topic to show ISSUE 6 BUY PDF INDEX Camping the Kiwi Way, 6, Summer 2023 Table of contents Editorial For councils and government Come camping Stop and Stay Contribute About Cover image: Camp oven. ©2023 M Richardson Read More Self-containment certification: Which one is yours? 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 Read More Labour weekend at Mangawhai Read More What to do? With the new self-containment system in disarray, what do you do with your new build, conversion or upgrade? Four choices. Read More The freedom camping law needs to change 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. Read More Well worth the walk Wharariki Beach is a wild, magnificent, and windswept long sandy beach, home of the Archway Islands, and can be found at the northernmost point of the South Island — west of Cape Farewell Read More Teardrop camping Teardrop camping Read More Mavis and all her DIY 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. Read More You have to be here… 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. Read More Who is advocating for New Zealanders who go camping? Three national groups speak on behalf of NZ campers: the All Points Camping Club of NZ, the NZMCA, and the Responsible Campers Association Read More Biking the Waikato River Trails Here’s the exciting opportunities for your stay and cycle journey on the Waikato River Trails. Read More Dehydrated dinners Initially I bought a dehydrator to make fruit snacks for tramping. Over time, friends inspired me to use my dehydrator to make pre-cooked dinners. Read More There’s no need to rush this Summer. Is it better on the other side? The new self-containment regulations that the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board are trying to implement have more bumps, twists and turns than the North Island Saddle Road. Read More Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Read More Fire blankets Fire blankets are useful for covering cooking related fires, and for wrapping around a person to smother a clothing fire. Read More Lithium-ion battery safety Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere, from e-bikes & vapes and power tools. They are light, compact, and long-lasting, but can be a fire hazard if they are damaged, mishandled, or improperly disposed of. Read More LiFePO4 are a safe choice for a motorhome or caravan Phosphate-based batteries, like lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, offer a superior chemical and mechanical structure that does not overheat to unsafe levels. Read More The best medicine 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. Read More Electrical warrant of fitness certifications Well the holiday season is almost upon us and nearly here, and everyone will be getting their caravans, motorhomes and boats checked to make sure everything is operational. Read More Van tour of the op shops We love freedom camping, and great charity recycle shops. My vintage-clothes-obsessed daughter and I did a wee roadie and filled her with treasures (lower North Island). Read More Bus Porn at Winter Woodie Bus Porn at Winter Woodie, Woodville, June. Read More RV Fridge Basics 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. Read More NZers go everywhere to 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. Read More The worst part about going camping is coming home! Being out in nature and sitting around the fire sharing stories is my happy place as I’m sure it is for many people. Read More Ten tips for a successful family camping trip If you’re preparing to head off on your Summer family camping trip, whether it’s a short trip or a long trip, we’ve put together 10 tips to make your trip just that bit smoother. Read More Car journeys with kids No matter the age of your children, there’s always the car journey and the inevitable “are we there yet?” and “how much longer?” Read More Sunday morning flag raising Sunday morning flag raising The Bay of Plenty family camp at Paengaroa. Read More 8 days a week and 8 years to celebrate On the 31 December 2023 our inclusive, national camping club will be 8 years old. The All Points Camping Club was officially launched 31 December 2015. It’s been a journey and a half. Read More NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification authority With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure camping industry Read More Fishing Fishing. Read More MORE

Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS INDEX ISSUE 8 Camping the Kiwi Way, 8, Winter 2024 Table of contents • Editorial • Councils and government list • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Thermette. ©2024 M Richardson Up AUTUMN GOLD Autumn stories from around New Zealand Up Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? If you do not want to freedom camp you do not need the new green warrant. The existing blue standard and blue warrant is still acceptable for all other places that require certified self-containment (so far). Up Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? Certified Blue before 7/7/23, and not expired. Fixed or portable toilet. Certified Blue before 7/7/24, and not expired. Fixed toilet only. Green Warrant Up Getting your camping vehicle certified NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification. With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers Up The road less travelled: ten lessons learned on the road Three years ago we decided to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the open road. ©2024 Two Kids and a Caravan Up On the cycle trail at Bannockburn On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2023 Andrew Morton Up Folding electric bike in the middle of nowhere Just met a 75 year old lady on an electric folding bike in the middle of nowhere. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Skippers Canyon Quite happy to have taken the tour and not my truck up Skippers Canyon. ©2024 Trisha Fisk Up What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping The seven requirements Up Am I freedom camping? You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping Up Longslip Station Well, how’s this for a welcome back into the Mackenzie Basin! — Longslip Station, Lindis Pass. ©2024 Shellie Evans. ckw.nz/shellie-fb Up Fantail Martin got the winning photo of the birds last weekend. Fantail. ©2024 Martin Butler Up Fire circle Fire circle on a still Autumn night. Magical. 
©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. Up Clydesdales at Erewhon A fabulous Clydesdale wagon ride one winter at Erewhon. ©2024 M Richardson Up Greg's Eye at Rays Rest Friday evening and Saturday morning at Rays Rest. It never disappoints. © 2024 Greg Lokes. More on FB: Greg's Eye: ckw.nz/gregs-eye Up Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how The new regulations require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet. Up Got run off the road Got run off the road last weekend. ©2024 Vanessa Parkinson Up Ballooning in Canterbury Today was an early start to ballooning in Canterbury. ©2024 Tony Knights. Ballooning Canterbury Up The top of Dansey’s Pass The top of Dansey’s Pass (935 metres) looking out toward Oamaru 50 kms in the distance. ©2024 Tony Kissel Up Rugby at Mt Somers Campers enjoying a local rugby game at Mt Somers. See p31. ©2024 Linda Butler Up Keeping up with self-containment Articles from this issue and earlier issues on self-containment and freedom camping: changes, what to do, what to be ware of. Up Beautiful vintage buses and trucks Lots of beautiful vintage buses and trucks in the morning mist ©2024 Rv and Tiny House Living NZ Up To the top of the Ahuriri Valley A nice walk to the top of the Ahuriri Valley, I had the place to my self. ©2024 Tony Kissel Up A wrap Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up My stew is bubbling My stew is bubbling on the fire... ©2024 RV and Tiny House Living NZ Up Composting and coddiwompling I’m about to swap out my portable toilet for a composting waterless toilet in my camper van. Up Hakataramea Pass ©2024 David Liddall Up Only getting in 123 Watts Well some days it makes no difference at all how much solar you have on the roof. ©2024 Allan Henderson Up View More

Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 10, Summer 2024 Cover image: Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes Editorial Come Camping Stop and Stay Contribute About TESTING DYNAMIC ISSUE 10 Table of contents Double-digit highways Next SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo Next SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Next SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman Next Butchers Dam aurora Next We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Next And people wonder why I like camping Next Springing Next What a difference a day makes Next Waitaki first day Next Ōtaki Rivermouth Next NIWA summer forecast Next Camp Fest ‘25 Next All roads lead to Camp Fest Next I really like the Waiouru Army Museum Next Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Next Freedom camping news Next Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Next But I am not freedom camping… Next A roof-top tent Next Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail Next What is out there Next This is the summer to visit Queenstown Next The Wairau Next Getting your camping vehicle certified Next Dealing with a caravan flat Next Sunday morning caravan Lego Next Old Blue Next Kea attack Next First time out with my new tent Next Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Next Temple Stream Next Marfells Beach Next Exploring Clandyboye Next Being able to get out into nature Next Making camping more accessible for everyone Next Caravan tales Next Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Next What a view to wake up to Next Danseys Pass Next From rugby to pets — How Covid19 started the tail wagging on HELPP VET Next Pippa in the hammock Next Planning to camp with your pet? Resources Next My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Next The Slow Road Next My day at Ferrymead Next NZ Cheese Festival Next A long weekend on the Waikato River Next Safe toilet chemicals Next The fairy forest walk Next Teeming at Terako Downs Next Terako Downs entrance Next Up, up the Waiorongomai Valley Next Favourite and quick camping meals Next Alice cooking dinner on the BBQ Next Heating a pie Next Ordinary cycle Next Fishing in the snow Next Trying out my new quilt Next GAME: DOC campsites 4: Lower North Island Next HOBBIES: Disc golf Next Stop and Stay: City dwellers: 2nd camp: more adventurous Next Lake Poaka Next Rays Rest Next DOC update Next Uretiti Next King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu Next Foxton Beach Next Three nights at Conway Flats Next Fantastic time at the Onearo campground Next Come camping Next Festivals Next The All Points Camping Club of NZ Next A summer of content: editorial Next Councils & Government Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Read Safe toilet chemicals Read A summer of content: editorial Read Self-containment & Freedom Camping Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read Freedom camping news Read Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Caravan tales Read Safe toilet chemicals Read View More

Articles from Spring campers around New Zealand. Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS TOC Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 CONTENTS PDF BUY INDEX Springing Your camping stories from spring. Tents. Weather. The night sky. Places to go, places to stay, things to do. Butchers Dam aurora How small are we in this world? Not us but another caravanner oblivious to the skies above. Read More Ōtaki Rivermouth Ōtaki Rivermouth Read More What is out there It’s amazing what is out there to be seen when you are tucked up in bed Read More First time out with my new tent So far I’ve had gale force winds and 30mm rain in the last 24 hours… Read More Exploring Clandyboye All Points Camping enjoyed craft shopping, toasting marshmallows in the fire pit and Devonshire teas at the Milford POP. Read More My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Don’t miss local A & P shows when you travel the country. Read More A long weekend on the Waikato River Cooked my favourite breakfast when camping: pancakes with boysenberry jam Read More Fishing in the snow Fishing in the snow. Ohau B canal. Spring Read More King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu There were stars out on Saturday night, but Sunday dawned overcast with a cool breeze. Read More Fantastic time at the Onearo campground Fantastic time at the Onearo campground. Fun time with all. Read More What a difference a day makes What a difference a day makes Read More I really like the Waiouru Army Museum I really like the Waiouru Army Museum as a safe place to park up for the night. Read More The Wairau After a peaceful night’s sleep a hearty breakfast on the Wairau river is always a good way to start the day Read More Temple Stream A nice relaxing weekend at one of my favourite spots, Temple Stream DOC Campsite. Read More What a view to wake up to What a view to wake up to this morning. National Park, Waiouru Read More My day at Ferrymead My day at Ferrymead Heritage Park, Christchurch. Read More Terako Downs entrance Terako Downs entrance, Labour Weekend Read More Trying out my new quilt Slept in it last night on the lounge floor with all the windows open. Read More Foxton Beach All sorts of campers at the Foxton Beach Spring Fling camping weekend. Read More Waitaki first day Another pilgrimage to the Waitaki lakes this morning, marking the start to the camping season. Read More A roof-top tent A roof-top tent captured at the Ōtaki Rivermouth freedom camp as the sun was going down. Read More Kea attack Setting up my tent this weekend I noticed about a dozen little holes in the roof. Read More Marfells Beach Marfells Beach is a DOC camp (pay online, whew, there is mobile coverage this time) has wild silverbeet. Read More Danseys Pass While we were exploring the geosites in the Waitaki Valley, we saw several signs to Danseys Pass. Read More NZ Cheese Festival Besides a great selection of well-priced food venders, there was also a variety of specialty foods including cheese, mushrooms, paté, cured meats, sweet treats, wine, beer. And we had ‘Music on the Green’ to relax to. Read More Ordinary cycle Staying in Oamaru after attending a cycle event at the Waimate velodrome organised by the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club. Read More Uretiti Stayed for two nights at the Uretiti DOC campsite (Northland). for the first time. Read More Three nights at Conway Flats A Pacific-blue sea and sky. Sleeping to the sound of the sea. Read More ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 10 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

A magazine by and for campers in New Zealand Topics from all issues Choose which topic to show INDEX Stop and Stay Places to stay. Read More Camping the Kiwi Way, 13, Spring 2025 Read More Frustration continues over QLDC’s freedom camping approach 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. Read More Bette Cosgrove Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? Find out which warrants are valid for freedom camping, Summer 2025/26. Read More Butcher’s Pool Tucked away on a side road off SH5 (near Reporoa), is this free hot pool. Read More Miriam Richardson Editorial Your stories are our stories. Take the photos, and tell us all the small stories as well as the big ones. Changing to 3 issues a year. Read More Miriam Richardson A short trip to some big country — Route 52 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. Read More Christine Batt As the seasons change 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 Read More Various Love spring road trips Considering the forecast I got off lightly with no rain, (Mon–Thu) but there were 30km/h+ winds off Lake Wanaka so I did not put up my 270° Batwing awning this trip. 35,000 steps and some cold sunny days. Love spring road trips. Ice on the windscreen overnight. ©2025 Andrew Morton Read More Andrew Morton I was going to walk to the end of the valley I was going to walk to the end of the valley but I forgot to pack my tramping boots, the avalanche warning signs kind of put me off as well. Temple Valley. ©2025 Tony Kissel Read More Tony Kissel On a wild beach Winter nights — wouldn’t you love to be cosy and snuggled up on a wild beach listening to the wind whip the waves? Read More Bette Cosgrove Four of us went camping. We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Still plenty of skin left for them to feast on tomorrow. Wooded Gully, North Canterbury. ©2025 Linda Butler Read More Linda Butler Happy Friday. Who’s camping? Penultimate winter camping weekend. Thanks Carterton District Council for a multi-use, free site. Expecting 1°C tonight. Read More Bette Cosgrove Home for the next week Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings. Read More Tony Kissel Final winter camp at Lake Tekapo in August Happy until ‘severe weather’ hit at 5am this morning. Snow on mountains, not on my tyres, which is how I like it. -5.7°C. Snow on Monday night, stunning days to walk 40,000 steps, up to the Mt John Observatory & back a couple times. Spring camping here I come. Read More Andrew Morton Water water everywhere 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. Read More Marty Ireland A simple camp shower 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. Read More Graham Leslie No snow down low: winter camp 3/3 I am having one winter camp each winter month. This was my third, in August. Read More Andrew Morton The hospital visit for my bus 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. Read More Kelvin Watson Travels around the South Island 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. Read More Susan Wood Windy Pack Down Tips 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. Read More Jonathan Collins Road trip for a mid-winter meal 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. Read More Heather Auckram Campfest South Island There is something happening for the entire family over this family-orientated weekend. Read More Linda Butler On maintenance Here are my whimsical maintenance tips from my bus Keltic Star. Read More Maggie O’Rourke It’s not always sunshine & roses Nine severe weather forecasts in Canterbury. Read More Andrew Morton Lightning risk in RVs 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. Read More Collyn Rivers DOC Update DOC charges for parking at four South Island sites. Do your bit for nature. Remediated mine becomes a Reefton attraction. Read More DOC Recipes for camping: Fresh flavours 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. Read More Margaret Earle Recipes on the road Lucy’s gluten-free scones, crustless quiche, zero carb chicken bread loaf , home made butter: Kiwi gold. Read More Various Athenree hot springs and campground Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground. Read More Maggie O’Rourke MORE

WINTER 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Index ISSUE 4 Camping the Kiwi Way, 4, Winter 2023 Table of contents • Editorial • For councils and government • Come camping • Stop and Stay Contribute • About Cover image: Punakaiki. ©2023 Two Kids and a Caravan Read more Let’s go south for a few weeks’ ‘Let’s go South for a few weeks.’
‘How many weeks?’
‘Eight.’ 
‘How about six?’ 
‘OK. let’s see how it goes.’ Read more Winter’s not going to stop Mavis Winter’s not going to stop Mavis enjoying one of the many spots available at Pahoia Beach Park! 
Bay of Plenty. ©2023 Cheine Matheson Read more Small town friendly Here are some suggestions on how to go about attracting campers to your town. Read more Why we chose our Swift Sprite Quattro caravan We’ve had heaps of people have asked us for feedback on our caravan and why we chose it so here it is. Read more One hundred nights a year I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights away per year and mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Read more Greenies on the road: Managing food scraps I’ve been turning our food scraps into compost for many a year now, and there’s no way I’m sending them to the landfill now. We chose to use bokashi buckets in our housetruck, as we already had them. A worm farm could also work, though bokashi is possibly more forgiving and takes all food waste — bones and shells included. Read more 8 degrees of harm Societal harm caused by the new self contained motor vehicles legislation. With change there always consequences. While some changes are positive and beneficial sometimes consequences cause a degree of harm. Read more Self containment changes in brief What you need to know if you are currently self-contained, currently certified self-contained, planning to be self-contained, not self-contained, or wanting to freedom camp, now the law has changed. Read more A stove jack Best mod for camping so far, a stove jack that I got sewn into the awning. Keil MacDiarmid ©2023 Keil MacDiarmid Read more It was cold at Mavora Lakes It was cold at Mavora Lakes. Plenty of snow around. I think the Mrs thought I was a bit crazy suggesting a night away in the van this time of year Read more Winter’s here… How do you make winter camping more comfortable? Here’s a few favourite tips and tricks for keeping warm, dealing with cold, wind, rainy days, and embracing the colder months outdoors for enjoyable winter camping trips. It just takes a little extra preparation and the right gear. Read more Pegs for tough weather A commercial and a DIY (metal) version of a peg for windy weather. Read more I am on track I am on track with my original goal of 100 nights per year & mountain bike as much as I can in other regions. Teardrop. © 2023 Andrew Morton Read more Get on Ya Bike For the novice cyclist, the historical Karangahake Gorge cycle/walking track — along the old railway embankment— is a safe and gentle way to introduce an inexperienced cyclist. Read more Two long blacks and a cheese scone No, this is not about 12 weeks of coffee tasting around the South Island in a small van by a couple of over 80s Read more I did it! My very first solo camping and tramping trip! 
Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Read more Gold miner Wattie Thompson I came across this derelict house built by Wattie Thompson who had panned the river for gold for over 50 years. Read more Before the cyclone: Freedom Camping, Eastern Hawke’s Bay, Winter 2022 We feel so privileged and fortunate to have made this journey a year ago, gathering such beautiful memories of the landscape as it was. Read more Winter at Nokomai Station Winter at Nokomai Station on the way to Queenstown. ©2023 Dallas Hibbs Read more CampFest — Bulls, 2023 Several hundred campers, locals and visitors met at Bulls Domain in March for the first CampFest. An inclusive camping event for all types of camper with live music and market stalls. Read more Kiwi Burn Hut Loop Track, Mavora Lakes Many trampers have vouched that Kiwi Burn Hut is a popular and great option for families, so we thought we’d check it out and put it to a true family-friendly test. With my toddler (and his dada) in tow, we set out to do the full Kiwi Burn Loop Track and spend one night at the hut halfway through. Read more Waikato west coast road trip We headed to Raglan along some back country roads. Read more Camping as a young family Our story begins in December of 2022 shortly after the birth of our second child, we decided that now was as good of a time as any to dip our toes into the world of caravanning. Read more Quinneys Bush Family Holiday Camp Looking for a one stop camp for the family with the dog as well ? Then Quinneys Bush is the place to go. Read more Our morning view, heater on Our morning view, heater on. Ruapehu. Hoping for warmer when we get to Kimbolton today. ©2023 Helen Garthwaite Read more Vege nachos: Recipes for camping This recipe is easy to make. It uses mostly tinned foods so is a great meal to make when you are running low on fresh foods or if you have no fridge. Increase or decrease the quantities of the ingredients depending on how many people you are feeding. Read more Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 The annual festival is a mix of small to very large artworks, sculptures with mainly a rural theme, put together using all manner of bits and pieces from shearing blades to bike tyres. Read more Fill in the grid: campers in winter Each of the underlined words below should be recorded into the list on the left. Place each word according to the number of letters in the word. Then transfer the words into the Fill-it-in-grid. Read more Halfway through my 73 days traveling Left Auckland 34 days ago, halfway through my 73 days traveling the South Island. Now in Cromwell then Arrowtown on the weekend. Noticed that it’s getting colder. Now I appreciate my diesel heater. ©2023 Roland Jones Read more View More

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 12, Winter 2025 Editorial > Come Camping > Stop and Stay > Contribute > About > Cover image: Honeymoon: by the time they got to Lindis Pass they had snow to deal with. ©2025 Graeme Leslie Table of contents ISSUE 12 Read CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Read South Island caravan adventure Read Wāhine on Water | Sea Kayakers (WoW SK) Read Love Taupō Read Now we have the power to go off-grid Read Just some more pics from Onearo Read Portable power stations Read Stuck! Read Mains electricity & your caravan, for dummies Read SIx days in the high country Read Campfest is coming to the South Island! Read The Camping Train Read The All Points Camping Club of NZ Read Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level Read Self-containment warrant cards Read Winter camp, Portobello, June Read Parking brakes and perils Read Rollercoaster Read Winter camp Invercargill, July Read Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers Read Winter tramping food Read A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 Read Weather, climate and camping: editorial Read DOC update Read Colac Bay Read Warming winter food Read Making the toast off-grid – use gas Read Frost Read Stopping, Staying, Skiing Read Things that go bump in the night Read Vulnerable roads… Read New Zealand Lifestyle Camping Read Bluff Farm Read Matariki weekend camp Read Come Camping Read Winter at Miranda Holiday Park Read HUH ! Cracked it! Councils & Government Read Self-containment warrant cards Read Love Taupō Read Vulnerable roads… Read Weather, climate and camping: editorial Read Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level Self-containment & Freedom Camping Read Self-containment warrant cards Read Love Taupō Read Weather, climate and camping: editorial Read Stuck! Read Colac Bay Read Now we have the power to go off-grid Read Things that go bump in the night Read Bringing the caravan up to the new self-containment level Read Portable power stations Read A honeymoon, in a caravan, in winter, in 1960 Read The Camping Train Read New Zealand Lifestyle Camping

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Steampunk HQ ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk gates ©2024 Margaret Earle Harbour Street ©2024 Margaret Earle In the machine ©2024 Margaret Earle In another machine The gusty wind on Saturday created several costume challenges. I gave up on my wig after less than a minute and spent much of the day clutching or chasing my hat — I hadn’t realised how aerodynamic it is. ©2024 Graham Leslie Mechanical botanical This year’s theme for the festival was ‘mechanical botanical’. ©2024 Margaret Earle Mechanical botanical parade ©2024 Margaret Earle Tea dwelling ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk HQ ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames St the Sunday market ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Kids activities at the Sunday market ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Waiting for the Saturday morning parade to start. ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Saturday morning parade ©2023 Margaret Earle A chance to get dressed up and have some have fun. Steampunk— from north to south and back again Margaret Earle “What is Steampunk?” asked the woman I was chatting with on the verge of State Highway 1 south of Ashburton. We’d been waiting in a queue at roadworks for nearly an hour and so had got out of our cars to stretch our legs. While I was trying to think of a suitable answer, my partner Graham succinctly said, “It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun”. A more precise description is “Steampunk is a quirky and fun genre of science fiction. It is often set in an alternate, futuristic version of 19th century Victorian England steam powered devices — the ‘world gone mad’ as Victorian people may have imagined.” Two New Zealand towns hold annual Steampunk festivals. Oamaru is known as the ‘Steampunk Capital of the World’ and has been the hub of Steampunk activities for about 15 years. This includes a festival over King’s Birthday weekend. The town of Thames in the Coromandel has also embraced the Steampunk genre and holds its Steampunk festival in November. Graham and I first went to Steampunk the Thames in 2018 when we saw it as a camping event on the All Points calendar. We put together really basic costumes, turned up and had a fun time. We have been to the Thames festival several times since and each year have added new things into our growing assortment of Steampunk costumes. This year was the first time we had ventured south to Steampunk in Oamaru. The fact that it is held in the middle of winter tended to put us off. But this year we had a family event in Dunedin around the same time, so it seemed like the ideal time to put our virtual toes in icy water and work out how to make our Steampunk costumes warm enough for June in Oamaru. We were lucky with the weather in Oamaru; it was very mild. However, the gusty wind on Saturday created several costume challenges. I gave up on my wig after less than a minute and spent much of the day clutching or chasing my hat — I hadn’t realised how aerodynamic it is. The other Steampunkers in Oamaru were friendly and made us feel welcome. This year’s theme for the festival was ‘mechanical botanical’. There were some inspired costumes depicting this theme in ingenious ways. During the festival there were a range of paid evening events and also free activities, a market and a parade on the Saturday morning. Going to a Steampunk weekend is fun even if you don’t dress up and join in. But dressing up makes it much more fun. You can put together a very basic costume — a hat you’ve bought from a second-hand shop with a pair of steampunk goggles and some dress up clothes. You can then add to this for future events. Going to a Steampunk weekend without a costume is a bit like going to the beach without your togs: You can have fun, but you don’t get to join in the swimming. Steampunk the Thames We are planning to head north in November for this year’s Steampunk the Thames. This is being held from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 November. Steampunk the Thames All Points Camping has arranged to use Thames Sea Scouts as a campsite for the weekend. This site is suitable for all forms of camping. There is grassy space for tents, room for camping vehicles, a toilet, shower and kitchen as well as hall space. However, the camping area is not extensive, so it you want to join us at this event it is important that you RSVP in advance at rsvp: ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-rsvp about the event: ckw.nz/steampunk-thames ◼️ Images ©2024 Margaret Earle Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 5