OUR ISSUES 13 Summer 2025 11 November 2025 • A short trip to some big country — Route 52 • The hospital visit for my bus • Come camping • Emergency links on the road Read online Read A4 PDF 11 Autumn 2025 30 March 2025 • Here and there last summer • Choosing a caravan • Loading a caravan • The joys of a camp oven Read online Read A4 PDF 9 Spring 2024 1 September 2024 • Towing your caravan • North Island hot pool safari • New choices for fixed toilets • Recipes for camping Read online Read A4 PDF 7 Autumn 2024 1 March 2024 • Navigating freedom camping law changes • Hitting the road full time • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 5 Spring 2023 1 September 2023 • Grandad’s Grandad’s caravan • Pros and cons of full time family travel • Why not stop and stay awhile? • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 3 Autumn 2023 1 March 2023 • CAMP FEST • Family friendly tramping • A beautiful country but... • Saving rural communities? • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 12 Winter 2025 31 July 2025 • South Island caravan adventure; • Chilly chilly chilly camping; • Off-grid power; • A honeymoon in 1960; • Making toast. Read online Read A4 PDF 10 Summer 2024 1 December 2024 • Double-digit highways • Freedom camping • Accessible camping • Travelling with pets Read online Read A4 PDF 8 Winter 2024 1 June 2024 • We enjoyed Autumn • The dangers of carbon monoxide • Composting and coddiwompling • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 6 Summer 2023 1 December 2023 • Mavis and all her DIY • 10 tips for family camping trips • Fire safety • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 4 Winter 2023 1 June 2023 • Let’s go south for a few weeks • Winter’s here: glorious times • Before the cyclone • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF 2 Summer 2022 1 December 2022 • Take a left turn • Cycle touring • Caravan Tips • Stop and Stay • RV businesses and services Read online Read A4 PDF ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption SS-tuppence-H-entrance_5.webp SS-tuppence-entrance_5.webp SS-tuppence-number2_4.webp SS-tuppence-cabbage-dog_1.webp SS-tuppence-pirongia_3.webp SS-tuppence-wellness_2.webp SS-cafe77-H.webp SS-cafe77-map.webp SS-cafe77-sign.webp SS-cafe77 sites.webp SS-reporoa--6.webp SS-reporoa--2.webp SS-reporoa--4.webp SS-reporoa--5.webp SS-reporoa--7.webp SS-reporoa-butchers-12.webp GO TO Here & there last summer STOP and STAY Stop and Stay, Central North Island Maggie O’Rourke This summer I decided that I would go and check out some of the stop and stays on the website. What a delight discovering these places and new ones. Maggie O’Rourke and keltic star Tuppence, Pirongia One of my stays was at Tuppence in Pirongia — one couldn’t stop singing the Penny Lane song after that. I was greeted by Ursula our host and parked up and was shown where everything was, including water, recycling and compost bin. It didn’t take long before I felt like I was at home for my four day stay. I told Ursula that I was meant to have a water filter put in that day and when her husband got home from work he put my filter in free of charge and had a quick look at my tyres to see if they were okay as he works at the tyre shop in Te Awamutu. Truly blessed and grateful. They have a very entertaining dog, who quite happily stole a cabbage I was given off my lap and never gave it back. What a delight, chasing a cabbage-eating dog. Really enjoyed staying here. They have a lovely quiet rural property on the edge of Pirongia Village and are great hosts. They are 5 minutes away from the village by vehicle and about 15 minutes walk to the shops. Te Awamutu is 15 minutes away and the Mobil Station has the only dump station in the area (but no water tap). Ursula and her hubby are members of All Points Camping and have been running this park-up property in Pirongia for 10 years and have just recently put the price up from $5 to $10 non-powered, $15 powered per unit. Bookings essential. Open all year around and pet friendly. Pirongia village offers the following: a Four Square, hairdressers, bakery, cafe, the hive gift shop, book exchange at the community hall, psychic reader, colour therapist, massage therapists, acupuncture, Tai Chi, community classes, monthly and annual craft market, church, sports grounds, and river walk. The historic museum and visitors centre tells you the history of the area and famous people like Mary Scott (novelist) and the Māori wars. They have a walking map of archaeological redoubt sites in the area. Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre pirongiaheritage.org.nz . The next Annual Craft Market, which I highly recommend is on a Sunday at the end of September. There are also walks available on Mt. Pirongia which is a 15 minute drive from Penny Road at the Pirongia Forest Park. I highly recommend the nature walk for a picnic or an outing. ckw.nz/doc-pirongia The highlight of my visit was exploring the village, going to the heritage centre, the walks, seeing the future site for the Pirongia Wellness Centre where I had a picnic with my cousin, and the Sunday Food and Craft Market, on the last Sunday of the month at the community centre, where I got some fresh veggies and something crafty and small for my bus. Cafe 77, Manawaru Another great place to go to is the Community View Motorhome Caravan Park and Cafe 77 at the heart of Manawaru. It’s a lovely rural spot 15 mins from Te Aroha and 20 mins from Matamata. They have a lot of visits from cyclists doing the Hauraki Rail Trail and tourists. It was lovely seeing our All Points Camping sign on their park over property, in the cafe window and the flyers inside. They make good coffee and yo yo biscuits the old fashioned way —super yummy. Booking is essential to park in the self-contained camping area. They can fit up to 20 vehicles (for a group) but normally there are 10 spots to park-up on the grass. Open all year around. For $10 a night per unit, you have access to the toilet block, power points to recharge your bikes and wifi, as mobile reception is bad here — ask for the wifi password at the cafe. Bookings can be made at reception next to the toilet block or online. A post box is provided to pay after hours. Also on site are bike racks, a bike tool kit and an air compressor. Cafe/reception is open from 8am–3pm with the kitchen closing at 1.30pm.There’s a large event area with a climbing wall and plenty of seating onsite. Lovely spot to either stay, visit the historic old dairy company, historic churches, or have a beverage or something to eat. ckw.nz/camp-cafe77 Rosie and Brian’s, Reporoa What a hidden gem for a POP. I now know why it was recommended to me by members. Is it worth staying here? 100% yes! When I rang to book my stay I got Brian on the phone, with a huge welcome and the directions of 2 yellow vegetable signs and where to park in the 2nd paddock with the caravans. Of course his directions were spot on, but I still managed to overshoot the drive — if you’re heading either way and see the Reporoa sign you’ve gone too far. I tell you, what a welcome! I think why people stay is due to our lovely welcoming hosts Rosie and Brian. They have been operating this site in their paddocks for 8 years, back then it was a gold coin to stay and to help campers out. Brian is a master grower, not bad for 79, 80 this year. Their market vegetable shop and Rosie’s knitted clowns are for sale for cash only. It’s been a delight to stay here for a week learning about our hosts and having homegrown fruit and veges on the doorstep. People travel from Taupo to get their fresh produce here. Though not classed as organic with a certificate, it’s pretty close without that label attached. The vege shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8am– 5pm-ish. So what does this POP offer us? Well where does one start? The longer I stayed more I discovered. The cost is $5 per unit per night. ■ou need to be fully self-contained. Tents are welcome, but you need your own toilet. Generators are allowed but please be considerate. Vege shop is open to pay 7 days a week please put money in blue container if they are not in the house or garden. Open year round and no time limit on your stay. Pumice ground for winter stay overs. Potable water. Book exchange. Shelter hut and stage with a piano and couch. Compost bin. Fire pit and bbq area —firewood is available for a donation. Dogs welcome, on a lead. All ages and groups welcome (groups: book in advance). Members and non members welcome. Book your spot by contacting them by phone but please be considerate and don’t ring too late. Nearest dump stations: Rotorua, Wairakei BP (often blocked), Taupo and Kinloch. What’s in the area Fishing at the bridge or by boat on the Waikato River (Brian knows all the best spots); shopping or tourist activities in either Taupo, Rotorua or even the mountain. If you go to bookme.co.nz you may get a bargain of 20–90% off activities and food. Butchers Pool The best kept secret in the area is 19km away, towards Rotorua: Butchers Pool, a free thermal pool. It’s so secret that you think the Google Maps are wrong as there is no sign, but someone’s house numbers are on the fence. It seems the locals don’t want you to know their secret and the sign often disappears. Coming into the dirt road is like a tankers track narrow and rough, me poor girl got shook up a bit (the bus not me); I was praying that no-one took us on coming the other way as there is no room to pass. Toilets, changing rooms and rubbish bins are onsite. Hot thermal pools according to my thermometer sit between 40–42°C. Beware when you climb in as the steps are slippery and pay attention to the signs saying not to put your head under (to avoid bacterial meningitis, a danger at all natural hot pools). Reporoa is 21km away. Another delight. Reporoa Valley Traders & Post Shop; Awaken cafe (8am–5pm Mon–Fri), I highly recommend their coffee and food and the staff are so welcoming and helpful — I ended up asking umpteen questions on the area. The op shop behind the playground on the main street is open 11am–4pm Thursday only. There is a fish and chip shop (11am–7pm, every day). Bake House (5am–5pm/6pm); Reporoa Food Market plus Lotto (7.30am–6.30pm, every day.) The Woolshed Tavern offers drinks, meals, a bottle store and takeaway meals (11am–8pm or 10pm, every day); there is a car mechanic, a tyre shop, police, health centre, vet, and playground. Though Taupo is the same distance from Rosie and Brian’s as Reporoa, Reporoa is not as busy, you can find a carpark, find a seat at the cafe and you can relax way more. Bliss. Plus the Butchers Pool is free just up the road. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 30

Introducing Stop and Stay, where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Why not stop and stay a while? Angela Bryan Introducing Stop and Stay, where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. NZ’s national camping club, All Points Camping, is proud to bring you their growing, nationwide, Stop and Stay listings for campers and travellers. With the NZ Government and local authorities moving to restrict camping access for both traveling NZers and for recreational campers, it is more important than ever to have recommended places to stop and stay. Finding that perfect spot to relax or get together with family and friends is getting harder and you shouldn’t have to belong to specific organisations to get access to an overnight park. Stop and Stay brings you this. It’s a free resource for NZ campers and travellers, brought to you by campers, for campers. Its free, too, for property owners to be on the list. Stop overs come recommended; some are discounted; they are scattered throughout the country: north, south, east or west there is likely to be a Stop and Stay property on your way. It might be a country pub for a meal, a rural property, a council reserve, a DOC camp; it might be a commercial campground to stay at or a unique day-stop or cafe to visit on your travels. Properties are recommended by the camping public, so you know that they are the best places for NZ travelling campers. Remember to always check with hosts first — phone numbers are provided on most listings, and keep in mind that some properties have restrictions. Dog-friendly properties are indicated on each listing, as are wheelchair accessible properties. Anyone one can access the list or make recommendations, not just club members. The listings can be accessed online on any device, they can be downloaded or printed: stopandstaynz.org Can it get any easier? Can’t find a property in the area you are travelling to? Some areas around NZ have more listings than others; we are always keen to add to the current listings, provided the property has come with recommendations from campers. Tell us about your favourite camping spot, no matter where it is, and what makes it special. Is it right off the beach for an easy fish before breakfast, is it a great spot to go camping with the family pooch, is it super family-friendly with great entertainment for the kids? We want to know. It is as easy as filling in a form: ckw.nz/add-one-now Our regional divisions:North Island: Upper NICentral NI Lower NI South Island:Upper SI Lower SI Symbols on each listing make it easy to find the property that suits you at a glance, including seaside, countryside, or mountains.If you want to fish, go boating , tramping or cycling we have pretty much covered all the options. New Zealand has so many hidden, out of the way little places that may not otherwise appear on your radar when you’re looking for that special place to Stop and Stay. If you find A SPOTdon’t keep it a secret: ckw.nz/add-one-now Some of those special places North Island Lake Aniwhenua Reserve,Bay of Plenty, Whakatane FREE This is a freedom camping area with basic toilet and shower facilities and a cooking shelter. The lake is a popular trout fishery and water ski area. Camping in non-self-contained vehicles and tents is allowed. Sites must be left clean. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Toilets, showers, drinking water Activities: Hiking, fishing, swimming, boats and water sports Vinegar Hill, Manawatu Low cost/Free Awesome campsite located right next to the river. A peaceful, council-operated campground, situated just north of Hunterville on the bypass route into the beautiful Manawatu district. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Toilets and cold showers Activities: Fishing, swimming, cycling, hiking Cost: Low cost in summer; free in winter Historic Maritime Museum & Park, Paeroa, Waikato Low cost Five minutes from Paeroa the Historic Maritime Museum and Park has beautifully laid out grounds, river boardwalks and daily boat rides. Who: Caravans, motorhomes, vans:must be self-contained Facilities: Toilets, BBQ’s, fresh water Activities: Hiking, cycling, river boat rides, museum South Island Hanmer Amenity AreaHanmer Springs, Canterbury Free Just behind the DOC fenced compound is a lovely reasonably flat camping area. There’s a stream, several walking and cycling tracks. It’s an easy walk into the town and the famous Hanmer Springs pools. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans: non-self-contained is allowed; dogs allowed. Facilities: Toilets Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, cycling Round Bush CampsiteLake Ohau, Waitaki, Canterbury Free Beautiful beech forest, hung with mistletoe in summer, grows right up to the edge of Lake Ohau. Stunning views of Lake Ohau and the mountains. It’s a gravel road from the Ohau township. Bring insect repellant. Large vehicle access. 4 nights max. DOC. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Non-flush toilet, water from stream. Activities: Boating, swimming, walks, photography. Bendigo freedom campingCromwell – Lindis Crossing Rd Free A beautiful site between the road (SH8) and Lake Dunstan looking across to the Pisa Range. Flush toilets, rubbish bins. 3 nights max. No fires. Some road noise. Who: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, vans Facilities: Flush toilets, rubbish bins. Activities: swimming, boating, walks. Up Up Up a growing, nationwide, Stop and Stay listing for campers and travellers SStay-lake ohau_1MNR218.webp SStay-ohau_MNR1133-2.webp SStay-F_lake ohau_1MNR218 copy.webp SStay-lake ohau_1MNR218.webp 1/8

BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption SS_Papamoa-_20250908_115109.webp Stop and Stay Up Up , p 30

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption ss-sanctuary-fb11.jpg GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE STOP and STAY Stopping, Staying, Skiing Angela Bryan North Island: Stopping, Staying, Skiing Sanctuary Farm 1464 Whangaehu Valley Road, Kakatahi, Wanganui Amazing peace and serenity surround you in this little out of the way spot. Enjoy time just chilling out, maybe swim in the pool or sleep in the sun. Bring your horse, there is plenty of space for them. No other pets allowed, sorry. WHO: Room for larger vehicles including horse floats and the horse. No dogs sorry. FACILITIES: Toilets. ACTIVITIES: Only 30 minutes to both Central Plateau ski fields. Enjoy free use in the evenings to soak in my super duper eco friendly wood fired steam punk spa. Sip your favourite plonk and look at the stars. Gold coin donation would be mint… Stratford A&P Park 9 Flint Road East, Stratford Basic Stop and Stay property. Town-supply water and toilets on site. A short distance to shops and cafés. Nestled under Mount Egmont/Taranaki and close to historical sites. $5 per van per night unpowered, $10 with power. Honesty box located on hall door. WHO: Dogs allowed, 3 nights max. FACILITIES: Toilets, fresh water, large vehicles. ACTIVITIES: Only 30 minutes to the Manganui Ski Area. South Island: Stopping, Staying, Skiing Terako Downs 1759 Inland Road, Lyford, North Canterbury With 6 hectares of outstanding natural landscape at Terako Downs you will wake to the call of native birds and the trickling river. Enjoy the ambience of the sweeping landscape in the evening while exploring the region during the day. Must be self contained. WHO: Room for larger vehicles, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, kitchen. ACTIVITIES: Less than 30 minutes to Mt Lyford Ski area. More on Terako Downs in Issue 10 Waiau Tavern 18 Lyndon Street, Waiau, Nth Canterbury No charge for the night, butneed to buy something in the cafe/bar. There is grassed area, where the old hotel used to be, and some hard stand. There are walks and bike rides based in Waiau, and interesting historical exhibits all year, and a cob cottage and museum that is open most of the year. The locals are very welcoming and enjoy chatting with visitors. WHO: Day trippers, cycle campers, tents, vehicles large & small, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, fresh water, food and drink. ACTIVITIES: 45 minutes to Mt Lyford Ski Area. Read more on Waiau from issue 5 Bluff Farm POP 926 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford, Canterbury Bluff farm is a working dairy farm, with access to many walks, cycle tracks and Oxford is 10 mins away. Oxford has a variety of shops, cafes, working men’s club, pool, vet, supermarket and pharmacy to name a few. More . WHO: Tenters, small and large vehicles, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, shower, fresh water. ACTIVITIES: 75minutes to Porters Alpine ski area. Advanced Upholstery Darfield 3967 West Coast Road, Darfield, Canterbury 35km west of Christchurch, Darfield is a hub for holidays focused on activities in the Canterbury region. With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, close to the Waimakariri River and the limestone landscape of Castle Hill. Walk, explore, enjoy water sports, off road adventures walk or sit back to relax and revive. WHO: Self contained, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, laundry. ACTIVITIES: 50 minutes to Porters Alpine Ski area. 🏕️ stopandstaynz.org Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 36

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption ss-sanctuary-fb11.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there STOP and STAY Stopping, Staying, Skiing Angela Bryan North Island: Stopping, Staying, Skiing Sanctuary Farm 1464 Whangaehu Valley Road, Kakatahi, Wanganui Amazing peace and serenity surround you in this little out of the way spot. Enjoy time just chilling out, maybe swim in the pool or sleep in the sun. Bring your horse, there is plenty of space for them. No other pets allowed, sorry. WHO: Room for larger vehicles including horse floats and the horse. No dogs sorry. FACILITIES: Toilets. ACTIVITIES: Only 30 minutes to both Central Plateau ski fields. Enjoy free use in the evenings to soak in my super duper eco friendly wood fired steam punk spa. Sip your favourite plonk and look at the stars. Gold coin donation would be mint… Stratford A&P Park 9 Flint Road East, Stratford Basic Stop and Stay property. Town-supply water and toilets on site. A short distance to shops and cafés. Nestled under Mount Egmont/Taranaki and close to historical sites. $5 per van per night unpowered, $10 with power. Honesty box located on hall door. WHO: Dogs allowed, 3 nights max. FACILITIES: Toilets, fresh water, large vehicles. ACTIVITIES: Only 30 minutes to the Manganui Ski Area. South Island: Stopping, Staying, Skiing Terako Downs 1759 Inland Road, Lyford, North Canterbury With 6 hectares of outstanding natural landscape at Terako Downs you will wake to the call of native birds and the trickling river. Enjoy the ambience of the sweeping landscape in the evening while exploring the region during the day. Must be self contained. WHO: Room for larger vehicles, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, kitchen. ACTIVITIES: Less than 30 minutes to Mt Lyford Ski area. More on Terako Downs in Issue 10 Waiau Tavern 18 Lyndon Street, Waiau, Nth Canterbury No charge for the night, butneed to buy something in the cafe/bar. There is grassed area, where the old hotel used to be, and some hard stand. There are walks and bike rides based in Waiau, and interesting historical exhibits all year, and a cob cottage and museum that is open most of the year. The locals are very welcoming and enjoy chatting with visitors. WHO: Day trippers, cycle campers, tents, vehicles large & small, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, fresh water, food and drink. ACTIVITIES: 45 minutes to Mt Lyford Ski Area. Read more on Waiau from issue 5 Bluff Farm POP 926 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford, Canterbury Bluff farm is a working dairy farm, with access to many walks, cycle tracks and Oxford is 10 mins away. Oxford has a variety of shops, cafes, working men’s club, pool, vet, supermarket and pharmacy to name a few. More . WHO: Tenters, small and large vehicles, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, shower, fresh water. ACTIVITIES: 75minutes to Porters Alpine ski area. Advanced Upholstery Darfield 3967 West Coast Road, Darfield, Canterbury 35km west of Christchurch, Darfield is a hub for holidays focused on activities in the Canterbury region. With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, close to the Waimakariri River and the limestone landscape of Castle Hill. Walk, explore, enjoy water sports, off road adventures walk or sit back to relax and revive. WHO: Self contained, pets welcome. FACILITIES: Toilets, laundry. ACTIVITIES: 50 minutes to Porters Alpine Ski area. 🏕️ stopandstaynz.org Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 36

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Then our nightmare started. Buyer beware Anonymous I have chronic persisting back pain. I cannot last more than about 5 minutes doing any chores before pain sends me to a chair. Sometimes I can do the supermarket run easily, other times it’s agony. When we go camping I can only sit and watch others go exploring when really I would prefer to join them. It is another form of a horrible cruel, disability. Buying the caravan meant we could travel with my mobility scooter inside the caravan. This meant not only could I get involved on walks with our camping group, it also meant we didn’t need to sell our car to buy a van which would have meant that I couldn’t take our young granddaughters camping with us. I know the caravan is classed as a toy hauler, but we didn’t want to use it for toys, rather as a means to improve my life. The caravan was only 9 years old. We pawed over the photos, checked questions asked, relieved to read it was water tight when asked about leaks and damages. Measurements seemed to work for holding my scooter. It had an awning which we could use to store the scooter in at night which meant we could access the bathroom area at night. So we made a phone call to the owner to discuss it further. I asked, if they kept it, what would they do to improve it. They said nothing needed doing. We asked if they could hold it for us until the following weekend however they were not keen. We were going away south that weekend and they were going away for a week. We were concerned someone local to them would look at it before we got to view. it So after considering all the information we had, and as they had answered everything in a positive manner, we chose to trust them and made an offer which was accepted. We pressed Buy Now. Vintage Wagon at a Whanganui Vintage weekend 2024. ©2024 Margaret Earle Why we didn’t do an inspection at pickup The few days before we went to collect the caravan, hubby was recovering from having put his back out. We almost cancelled the drive to collect it. We travelled the day prior to the pick up so as to break our trip. On the day we collected it, rain was coming in waves. We could only carefully follow them around the caravan as they showed us how things worked. Hubby asked if the roof was in good condition . He said yes and offered us to go up on a balcony to look, but we chose to trust him as it was a sloped section and we couldn’t afford either of us to upset our backs. I did attempt to walk up a small sloped driveway to see what I could, but it was not high enough. So, we were pleased he confirmed it was in good nick. After sheltering from a rain shower in their garage, we loaded and left. Then our nightmare started. Big leak We stayed at a riverside camp on the way home because hubby was struggling with his back. We decided to leave the caravan attached to the car, even though it meant the back of the caravan was higher than the front. It was only for one night. It poured with yet another rain shower. Then I glanced up and noticed a line of water about 10 cm wide, flowing past the shower door, past the hand basin area, reaching the toilet door. Approx a metre long. It was no small trickle. I wish we had taken a photo before we grabbed a towel to mop it up. On closer inspection, the outer corner of the caravan was soft and full of water. I had noticed a smell when we first entered the caravan, but I thought it was because the caravan had been shut up and needed a good clean and airing. We, fortunately, are not used to musty smells. We are now! The awning was stored in that part of the caravan which will be why we didn’t notice that damp corner. First thing Monday, I called a local specialist and booked it to be looked at. We had to wait til the end of the week. I burst into tears when they told us what they found. The roof was soft and is probably the main cause of water down the sides of the caravan. There were signs of repairs in many places. It has had ongoing prolonged water ingress. It will need stripping before they can see the extent of damage done. We were guttered. They took 39 photos. We also discovered earlier in the week that the awning was not the right style for the caravan either. The awning had rounded corners, (and two big rips), whereas the caravan had square corners. I contacted a firm that dealt with this style of caravan and they said the manufacturer did not recommend using this style of awning but a “pull out” model only. Warning At the time of writing this, the caravan still sits empty, untouched in our back yard. We are in discussions with our lawyer. Victims don’t seem to have many rights these days. There is lots of protection for the seller though. Good and bad ones. So, do get your vehicle checked so no one can pull the wool over your eyes. More On investigation we discovered that not many firms want to do a pre-purchase inspection anymore. If anything is missed or not able to be seen (come on, they can’t take it all apart!), the firm takes the hit — purchasers try to make it a financial one to avoid having to pay for it themselves. So I guess we can’t blame them for not wanting to do inspections. I heard this from a number of firms I contacted. Google ‘caravan pre-purchase inspection’ for someone near the seller. The best advice I was given was don’t buy it before seeing it. If the owner won’t hold it— there could be a reason… ◼️ The writer has chosen to be anonymous. See page 20 What you need to look for… for a checklist from Collyn Rivers. Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 21

Uncertain times, but enjoy our country to the max. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Editorial Miriam Richardson For those of us camping in tents, or with vans, buses or motorhomes with fixed toilets, the recent law changes are having little immediate impact. Those with portable toilets, and those planning self-containment in their vehicle, are living through a long, slow time of uncertainty while they wait for clarity so they can choose how and whether to upgrade their setup and or pursue other camping options. Let’s encourage our councils to make space for campers of all stripes; they can do it if they have a will. As we enjoy Spring and get ready for the Summer it is time to make the most of our camping opportunities, whatever they are. Share what you know This issue we have featured Stop and Stay, a free listing of recommended places (p12). Add your recommendations for free camping spots, campgrounds, DOC sites or private places that allow people to stay. Those of you camping with dogs, let others know which places are great for you and your pets. Which places are great to take teenagers? toddlers? grandchildren? Where are the places where the fishing is good; or kyaking, cycling, or other pursuit? Love small towns This issue we feature Waiau, a tiny town in North Canterbury with a lot to offer (p23). What small towns have you visited that welcome campers? Let us all know: add their overnight spots to Stop and Stay. We want the small towns to welcome and love us: lets stay some nights, spend some dollars, add some value, explore and enjoy the place. And let’s leave the remote and beautiful places just as beautiful when we leave as when we arrive. Tiaki mai. Miriam Richardson Up Up Up make the most of our camping opportunities, whatever they are 1/1

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Editorial: The good news Miriam Richardson Up The really good news came from the Westland District Council in January this year. In their peak Christmas/New Year season, there were about 170,000 camper-nights in their region, and only 47 infringements issued (0.03%). Small towns can take heart, as they welcome freedom campers to their area. Most campers are able to contain their rubbish and all waste products for 3 days and are able to stay and leave no trace (cycle campers and some car campers will plan their route around public toilets). We use to call this ability to contain waste ‘self-containment’ but we need a new word now our parliament has decided a toilet screwed to the floor is a necessary part of ‘self-containment’. Keeping the focus on leaving no trace, ‘tiaki — care for New Zealand’, is the way forward for small towns, campers of all kinds, and for regional and district councils, as they consider how to welcome visitors to their areas. Self containment changes in brief This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping . Up Up Until Jun 6 2023 we called the ability to contain your waste for 3 days ‘self-containment.’ 1/1 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Editorial: A long hot summer Miriam Richardson Up Miriam Richardson 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. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to get out and enjoy our country. Take the kids or the grand-kids with you (see Freedom Camping, 1964). Try out all the freedom camping spots along your way, spend a night or two at a motor camp while you explore the area. Have a dip in the sea or the river. Explore the far-flung and out of the way places. After these years of turmoil, make the most of this summer break. Our horizon has some troubling clouds. Freedom camping is under threat, rocketing fuel prices make the miles more expensive, climate excesses are taking out roads, and there is some question if all of them can be reinstated, particularly in the more remote places. So this summer: get out there and enjoy it . A very beautiful country is right on our doorstep. Waiting for us. This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping. 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. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to get out and enjoy our country. Take the kids or the grand-kids with you (see Freedom Camping, 1964 ). Try out all the freedom camping spots along your way, spend a night or two at a motor camp while you explore the area. Have a dip in the sea or the river.Explore the far-flung and out of the way places. After these years of turmoil, make the most of this summer break. Our horizon has some troubling clouds. Freedom camping is under threat, rocketing fuel prices make the miles more expensive, climate excesses are taking out roads, and there is some question if all of them can be reinstated, particularly in the more remote places. So this summer: get out there and enjoy it . A very beautiful country is right on our doorstep. Waiting for us. This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping. Up Up Explore the far flung, out-of-the-way places this summer 1/1

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption editorial_H_quinney's-after.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there The impact of our changing weather. Weather, climate and camping: editorial Miriam Richardson Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather. Both Kaiteriteri’s Bethany Park in Tasman and Quinney’s Bush (also in Tasman; above) face a big cleanup after 2 once-in-100-year floods in a fortnight. A mini-tornado destroyed one camper and upturned another in Tauranga Bay in Northland. The damage from Cyclone Gabriel is still being remedied 2 years later, and some of the devastated campsites seem unlikely to reopen. Narrow winding roads through our steep mountains and hills, leading to more out of the way places are very vulnerable to slips and reinstatement is not quick, and each time raises question about the economics of repair. Read Vunerable Roads National funding for extreme weather events has been repurposed for things this government considers more important so the energy, effort and costs of recovery as well as of future-proofing for changing weather is left to famillies, businesses, and local councils. How, as campers, can we support affected campgrounds? If we want to keep camping facilities alive in remote and beautiful parts of the country, what can we do? 🏕️ Tiaki mai, tiaki atu, Miriam Richardson, Editor Above photos: ©2025 Quinneys Bush Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 4

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption editorial-MNR_0991_H.webp ©2024 M Richardson GO TO Autumn Gold keep warm, keep camping, keep enjoying Editorial Miriam Richardson I have been enjoying following along on Facebook the many campers who aren’t intimidated by the season and are planning to continue camping in Winter. I have been perched at the campground in Glendhu Bay, plugged in to power while I work on this magazine, enjoying day after day of beautiful weather and stunning views, while the North Island has been cloudy, buffeted by wind, and fairly damp. I am not sure if this is a charmed spot or I have just been lucky. It has been a pretty grim time for people who want to freedom camp, having to work hard to find practical solutions within the flawed regulations. You will find some articles here on how to meet the toilet requirements for the new green warrant. There is a possibility there might be relief from the bizarre requirement to drill a hole in your toilet cassette and your vehicle. Holding off might save $ (and defer payment of the $120 government self-containment levy). There are more vehicle inspectors for the green warrants, though still not enough. You might be lucky enough to find one in your area. The government has announced an increase in the visitor levy on tourists. So far it has wasted all it collected this way on enforcement — if it created more facilities the need for enforcement would be less, but there is no impetus, either locally or nationally to improve or increase facilities for these, our most lucrative tourists. As we head in to winter, keep warm, keep camping, keep enjoying and caring for our lovely country. Tiaki mai. Miriam Richardson Image: Glendhu Bay, Wanaka, ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 4