6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Bivvy Who is advocating for New Zealanders who go camping? Miriam Richardson There are three national groups that speak to government and councils on behalf of New Zealand campers: the All Points Camping Club of NZ, the NZ Motorcaravan Association (NZMCA) , and the Responsible Campers Association. Each of these has a different approach. The All Points Camping Club of NZ The All Points Camping Club supports all forms of camping in New Zealand. Their focus is on New Zealanders getting out and enjoying their country. They support tents, poptops, teardrops, tramping, motorhomes, vans, roof-top tents, car camping: if you can camp in or with it, they support it. They also support Leave no trace and Tiaki: Care for New Zealand : taking care of the environment in which we camp is as important as any vehicle certification. They host family camps, see the Events section for the camps currently on the calendar. Their membership is very much smaller than NZMCA, but it is much broader, as it includes campers other than those with motor caravans. The club is run by volunteers. The All Points Camping Club is associated with NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd, which has a network of certification officers through the country (see the business section). All Points also participated in the talks with the government while the law was being drafted and continues to work with the government’s agents who are attempting to bring the current inadequate law into force with the new form of self-containment. Many volunteer hours are called for. The Responsible Campers Association The Responsible Campers Association places the onus on the people, not the mode of camping, it is, after all, people who are either responsible or not, regardless of the facilities their vehicle has. They offer education, a test, and a certificate for individuals to prove they understand self-containment. This approach has, sadly, gained little traction with government or councils. The NZ Motorcaravan Association The NZMCA is primarily concerned with the needs of its members. It has strongly advocated for vehicle certification for self-containment, and has a national group of volunteer officers carrying out the certification checks. With over 100,000 members, NZMCA has a big voice with government and councils, it participated as the new laws were considered and participates now as they are being enacted. It continues to support the use of portable toilets and is now changing its own rules to allow members with portable toilets to still use their parks. With a big membership and relatively high annual fees, it is a wealthy club and as well as volunteer board members has a team of people employed who work alongside the board to do this advocacy work. NZMCA members have four advantages not shared by the wider camping public: (1) they mostly have larger vehicles that can accommodate fixed toilets, (2) they are better off, (3) they have a network of parks around the country, and (4) they have enough members to get big discounts at the Department of Conservation campsites. This means NZMCA members are much less restricted if they are barred from using freedom camps. NZMCA does speak on behalf of the wider camping public, but their primary focus is the needs of their members. So, those are the three organisational voices talking with government. There are other camping groups supporting their members to camp; there are others with campsites their members can share. But there are only these three engaging with the government on behalf of New Zealanders who camp. Fishing. ©2023 Darkmoon Angler Johnson Making your voice heard Do you want the government to listen to your needs as a New Zealander who camps? Make your voice heard with the NZMCA if you are a member. Throw your support behind the All Points Camping Club and get a voice for all campers heard by government. Do both. Talk to your local politicians about the impact of the new laws on your camping experience, and on your enjoyment of our country. The better they understand, the better their decision-making can be. “What do you get when you join the All Points Camping Club?” someone asked this month. They were thinking discounts, campsites, camping events. And yes, the club offers those too. But the biggest thing you get, that you cant get anywhere else, is a voice talking to the government on behalf of all campers. If you want campers’ voices heard, join up. Its priceless. Well, membership has a cost, $35, but it is a very small price for the work these volunteers do on our behalf. Add your support: join up. From Northland to Southland and All Points in between “What do you get when you join All Points Camping?” he asked. You get a voice (as well as the other things) More on Freedom camping and self-containment: The freedom camping law needs to change Self-containment certification: which one is yours? What to do? Upgrade? Wait? Editorial — Caught in the middle Who is advocating for NZers who camp? There’s no need to rush this summer NZ’s independent national network for certification Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 10

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2022 Cheine Matheson Mavis is finally out and about Cheine Matheson Mavis is finally out and about on her maiden overnighter to test all the r&m before the real camping trip in a couple of weeks. Cheine Matheson. Photo © 2022 Cheine Matheson Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 32

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lorraine Middleton Lorraine Middleton It all happened quickly and all I can say is thank goodness for roadside assistance… Cautionary tyre tale Lorraine Middleton I own a 1960 Pop Top, these tyres looked to be in good condition, no cracks etc, passed WOF at VTNZ no problem. Passing over a bit of road where the rumble strip had been removed but not filled in, my tyre got stuck in the rut and shredded. I had been warned about this bit of road but the rut had to be passed over. It all happened quite quickly and all I can say is thank goodness for roadside assistance as my son didn’t think it was safe to use the car jack on the poptop. I have since learnt from my tyre man: That tyres should be under 15 years of age and should have a date printed on them or you can google the serial number. (if you can’t find any information on the age of your tyres they are probably too old and only suitable as a spare). Tyres with tubes can pop and deflate quicker than modern tubeless tyres. Nitrogen in tyres helps stop them overheating and are less likely to have slow leaks (the gas is denser than air). I ended up replacing tyres and rims as it wasn’t that much more expensive than buying just tyres and tubes for the old rims. They are ones made for large jetski trailer and work well and don’t look out of place and we did have a nice roadside picnic while waiting for the AA. ◼️ Editor: My tyre man offers a more conservative story. Seven years max (or 70,000km). If you remove the tyre from the rim and inspect the insides, you can discover if it can go on longer, he told me. Collyn Rivers on p20 suggests 7–10 years. Photos: ©2024 Lorraine Middleton Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 16

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption waihora_H-Linda-7.webp ©2025 Linda Butler waihora_tony-5.webp ©2025 Tony Knights waihora_Linda-1 2.webp ©2025 Linda Butler The Motukārara Races held their annual New Year event on 29 December. We positioned our chairs in a semi-circle to watch the cars arrive. ©2025 Linda Butler The Motukārara Races held their annual New Year event on 29 December. We positioned our chairs in a semi-circle to watch the cars arrive. ©2025 Linda Butler Caroline, Penny and I went for a short ride on the Rail Trail. Me on my scooter and she on her bike. ©2025 Linda Butler Pets are allowed at Waihora. ©2025 Tony Knights a base for exploring the nearby Banks Peninsula New Year at Waihora Domain Linda Butler This venue is our favourite go-to for Christmas due to its proximity to everything. If you are travelling or want company for Christmas next year, do consider joining us. Motukārara is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Christchurch. Toilet, fresh water, BBQ, playground. $10 per vehicle per night. Pets okay. It is a perfect location as a base for exploring the nearby Banks Peninsula (Akaroa, Okains Bay) Little River, Lincoln and more. It is the gateway to the Motukārara Rail Trail leading to Little River, passing Birdlings Flat along the way. The trail to Lincoln is in the opposite direction. Lincoln or Halswell are the nearest for groceries and laundry. There is also a swimming pool at Halswell. Dump stations are located at Rhodes Park in Tai Tapu or Rolleston. We enjoyed 2 weeks here where we met up with members from as far away as Taranaki, Oxford, Ashburton and many from Christchurch. Some stayed a night or two, others a week, another couple the entire 2 weeks. We also welcomed a lot of day visitors this season, met new members and welcomed others to the club. Christmas Day, Denise and Kelvin from Taranaki joined us for lunch. Yes, we even had some pudding. (A couple of others were staying but went home to families for lunch due to the close proximity of the camp to their homes). Boxing Day saw a few more campers staying and we had a combined tea with the main drawcard being the roast lamb cooked by Parky and Liz. We all contributed something to the table. It poured with rain but the gazebo kept us kind of snug. We spent a large part of our time sitting around chatting and camp watching (as we do). Caroline, Penny and I went for a short ride on the Rail Trail. Me on my scooter and she on her bike. We only went 4 kilometres in as the winds were a bit harsh. Still, we enjoyed the little we accomplished. Over the next few days some of the group enjoyed day trips to neighbouring towns including popular Little River, Akaroa and nearby Birdlings Flat. I have fond memories of there as a child fossicking for precious stones. Some of us also went ‘around the block.’ It is 4 kilometres on a mix of shingle and sealed roads. Ray took advantage of a moment for a teaching lesson (p11) on his new water bladder and a water pump which runs off his cordless drill. Interesting and tempting to purchase! The Motukārara Races held their annual New Year event on 29 December. We positioned our chairs in a semi-circle to watch the cars arrive. Most went through the gate on the boundary of the race track. The domain soon filled with parked cars. A few just stayed around their vehicles or the trees and picnicked while making their bets and listening to the race over the loud speaker. New Year was reasonably quiet for us. I do not think any of our group stayed up to see it in. Yes, we are party poopers… lol! The weather was mean to us this season. It was temperamental. Vicious hot sun one day, pouring with rain the next. We did enjoy an old movie in the caravan awning, but I think a projector would give us a bigger screen. Not on the urgent list to purchase. Now we look forward to next year! n Images: ©2025 Linda Butler and Tony Knights. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 36

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Opoutere Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel. Stop and Stay Campground at Opoutere Opoutere campground Campground, Opoutere, Stop and Stay, Coromandel. Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 13

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mountains have their own fingerprints Outdoorsman Dave The mountains have their own fingerprints and by understanding what the contour lines represent, may help you to determine the terrain ahead of you or where you might actually be on a topographic 50 map next time you are lost! ©2023 Outdoorsman Dave facebook.com/outdoorsman.dave Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 38

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption It’s a very looooong flat beach. Long. Flat. ©2024 M Richardson The Farewell Spit The inside of the spit The 4wd bus started on the inside of the spit, skirting inner mudflats. ©2024 M Richardson The inside of the spit The 4wd bus started on the inside of the spit, skirting inner mudflats. ©2024 M Richardson A winding track across the spine of the spit to our first stop on the outer side. ©2024 M Richardson The 4WD really matters on the dunes and the beach. Coming out on the otherside of the spit. ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson Nikau palms that thrive in this microclimate ©2024 M Richardson We got to explore the rock formations ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson Unstuck The sand defeated the 4WD: we had to get out and push to get back on our way. ©2024 M Richardson It’s a long flat beach. 
 Long. Flat. ©2024 M Richardson Birds. Most of the resident birds decamp to the northern hemisphere for our winter. ©2024 M Richardson Dunes. ©2024 M Richardson The lighthouse; there in the distance; the orange dot. ©2024 M Richardson Heading from the beach to the lighthouse. ©2024 M Richardson A lighthouse and a lighthouse keepers’ house ©2024 M Richardson From the lighthouse ©2024 M Richardson Another light house keepers’ house The light house keepers’ houses are still there. ©2024 M Richardson A lot of green A lot of grass and green from that original garden effort. ©2024 M Richardson Heading back we got to stop and climb a sand dune. ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson It’s a very looooong flat beach A winter day on Farewell Spit Miriam Richardson Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular. The spit is 25km long, and a highly protected area. Only the first 4km is open for public access. It’s a world-recognised bird sanctuary for about 90 species, though most birds decamp to the northern hemisphere for our winter. There’s the long beach on the outer side, high dunes along its spine, and shifting swamps and lakes on the inward side. I imagine it is not just the variety of habitat that is good for the birds, but the lack of people, dogs and other predators. The 4wd bus started on the inside of the spit, skirting inner mudflats, until turning down… a winding track across the spine of the spit to our first stop on the outer side. The 4WD really matters on the dunes and the beach. We got to explore the rock formations and admire the nikau palms that thrive in this microclimate. This beach is open to the public, but you have to walk there. The sand defeated the 4WD: we had to get out and push to get back on our way. It’s a long flat beach. Long. Flat. Birds. Dunes. The lighthouse; there in the distance; the orange dot. The spit got its first lighthouse in 1870. There is still a light house, but it is now automated. The light house keepers’ houses are still there, we had our lunch in one, and conservation workers stay in the others. One of the early lighthouse keepers carried out soil, bag by bag, to create his garden. Macrocarpa and pine were the windbreak tree of choice. A lot of grass and green from that original garden effort. Heading back we got to stop and climb a sand dune. From the top of the sand dune you can see the swamp and lakes on the inner side of the spit, and beyond to the hills on the other side of Golden Bay, around Port Tarakohe. It was a long way back down to the bus. Then it is a long and flat drive again, following our earlier wheel tracks to be sure to avoid any quick or soft sand. Our finale took us westwards, to Cape Farewell. Collingwood campground Then we returned to base in Collingwood, where I had a prime spot at the campground: a winter bonus. ◼️ Images ©2024 Miriam Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 17

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Hydraulic lift Charly means “free man” or “valiant” — giving wheelies the freedom to travel. ©2024 Milner Mobility NZ’s first wheelchair accessible campervan Designed and built by ACM Motorhomes on an IVECO cab and chassis. ©2024 Milner Mobility Accessible kitchen ©2024 Milner Mobility Travelling up front The No.1 condition was that the wheelie got to travel up front! ©2024 Milner Mobility Accessible kitchen ©2024 Milner Mobility Within reach ©2024 Milner Mobility NZ’s first wheelchair accessible campervan Designed and built by ACM Motorhomes on an IVECO cab and chassis. ©2024 Milner Mobility giving wheelies the freedom to travel Charly the campervan Milner Mobility New Zealand’s first wheelchair accessible campervan, CHARLY, will soon be available for hire. Launched in January by Milner Mobility it has been designed and built by ACM Motorhomes with the assistance of wheelies, on an IVECO cab and chassis. Charly means “free man” or “valiant” — giving wheelies the freedom to travel. The No.1 condition was that the wheelie got to travel up front! It has an accessible bathroom, can be driven with hand controls, and has an hydraulic lift. 60% of each rental is donated to its sponsors CatWalk and the NZ Spinal Trust . More: Milner Mobility Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 18

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally Gary Hitchcocks teardrop over 30 retro caravans A weekend at the Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally Gary Hitchcock Great weekend in Geraldine at the Geraldine Classic Caravan Club Rally which included over 30 retro caravans. June 2022. Gary Hitchcock. Photos: © 2022 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 17

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Murchison, Labour Weekend Marty Ireland An All Points Camping gathering at Murchison, Labour Weekend. Marty Ireland. Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 44

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption matariki_H_3-marty.webp GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there an almost spring-like day in the shadow of the snow-covered Kaikōura ranges STOP and STAY Matariki weekend camp Marty Ireland Marlborough / Canterbury; Donegal House, Kaikōura Early in the year a camp for Matariki weekend was planned for Marlborough and Canterbury campers to meet up at Donegal House, Kaikōura. We arrived on the Thursday to an almost spring-like day under the shadow of the snow-covered Kaikōura ranges. This is an historic homestead boasting 30 powered sites with water supply and a host of unpowered sites, just minutes out of Kaikōura. Its packed chip hardstand, pet friendly, with good ablution rooms. Its in a very rural scenic setting with several small lakes, having an Irish-themed bar and restaurant with reasonably priced and generous meals. This is a Stop and Stay park over property. Suffice to say those who attended enjoyed coffee, some drinks and food by the large open fire. Friday was another fine day and later in the afternoon we gathered in a paddock to try chipping golf balls in closest to the pin and played quoits for prizes of bags of lollies. Some went to a close-by 9-hole golf course, others socialised in chat and coffee groups. There was a local musician and a wedding to add to our entertainment over the weekend. A little grey cloud cover and a few spots of rain didn’t really dampen the event on Saturday, and a good frost but fine day ushered in our final day on Sunday. Another long weekend and reason to camp experienced and recorded in our log books. 🏕️ Photos ©2025 Marty Ireland stopandstaynz.org Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 32

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Cycle camping: Part 3: completing the South Island circuit Stephen Wood My ride from Rangiora around the South Island had been interrupted near Hokitika, but I was determined to restart it. I chose to do that at Sheffield and head west from there. Leaving Springfield, heading for the alps. It was a persistent nor’wester as I cycled up past Springfield to the start of Porters Pass. The approach to Porters Pass Porters is a long haul on the bike with the steepest part nearer the top. I felt safer walking beside my bike on the twisty climb, due to the lack of visibility around corners. Nearing the top of the pass was a section of road with a road work crew working on one side and temporary traffic control. I told them once I was past the main work site that I could stay in their work lane and didn’t mind oncoming traffic in the free lane, which they thought was a good idea. From Porters I cycled by Lake Lyndon, Castle Hill and Craigieburn. I had hoped to have got to Klondike Corner, but with wind slowing me down decided that the DOC campsite at Lake Pearson was more achievable. It was a basic campsite and the only water supply was to boil lake water. The next day it was 35km before getting to Arthur’s Pass village. From the village its a short climb to the pass itself. The descent required caution due to its steep gradient but is so much nicer with the viaduct bypassing the old zigzag route. After a brief refreshment stop in Otira I pushed on to Jacksons, where I had to decide which way to proceed based in where I could find a camp. I booked at a campsite in Kumara and made it there at 7pm, one of my longer days. I had the campsite to myself. The next day I cycled through Greymouth and on up the coast road. The campsite at Punakaiki make a good resting spot, and surprisingly there is now a bar and restaurant close by, as well as other accommodation options. More surprises the next day — a coffee cart at Fox River and a new café and tourism venture at Charleston. I wasn’t tempted to head into Westport, but instead pushed on up the Lower Buller gorge passing Hawks Crag to Berlins where the pub had set up a basic campground. I got an early start the following day before the forecast rain, but by the time I got to Inangahua it was definitely raining. It was a slow plod continuing up the Buller through to Murchison. Although I got there very early afternoon, it was still raining solidly so I stopped at a backpackers, giving me time for a bit of washing and drying out. A fresh start the next day was in better weather, passing Owen River, Kawatiri junction. I wasn’t sure whether to head to a friend’s place near Mapua or a relative in Nelson, or even whether I could get to either that day. I climbed over Hope Saddle and down to Kohatu. For a cyclist crossing Spooners there is now access to the Spooners rail tunnel, which was cool, literally. An easy coast down to Wakefield where I found my first open food outlet for the day — a bakery. While sampling the delights of the bakery I decided that the location near Mapua was achievable. After a quick visit to the Rutherford memorial in Brightwater I navigated across to my friends’ place. I’d decided that since that had been a long day I’d make it a short day and visit my in-laws in Nelson the next night. Since I was actually closer to Stoke than central Nelson, an early start had me riding in commuter traffic into Nelson’s CBD and then on to the Wangamoa Saddle. Once again l felt safer walking up the twisty climb, even though the speed limit had been lowered to 60 km/h. Grazing stops in Rai Valley and Pelorus got me to Havelock, with time to shop for dinner and set up camp. There were a couple of other cycle tourists that had just come off the Queen Charlotte track. The next day took me through Blenheim and a bit of retail therapy. From there, possible campsites seemed limited — Seddon would mean a very short day, so I was pushing on and hoping to get to Kekerengu. However, the wind was building and slowing me down, so when I spotted that a motel in Ward welcomed campers, I decided that was for me. From here I’d figured that to get home to Rangiora should only take me 3 days. The first was down the coast to Kaikoura, much of it on the highway that was rebuilt after their earthquake, including some interesting art installations telling a version of the Māori creation story. I found a campsite right in the centre of Kaikoura, despite a lot of accommodation being booked out for a weekend event. The next day involved a short bit down the coast to Oaro before turning inland. I was fortunate in getting through most of the Hundalee Hills before rain started, but by the time I got to Cheviot it was raining steadily and I was pretty wet. That prompted a stop in the tearooms, refuelling, and deciding I would get a cabin at the campground instead of camping. It was a good call, meaning I could dry my riding clothes a little before setting off the next morning. I was within 100 km of home! The next day started wet but I was dressed for it and made it through to a welcome café stop in Greta Valley. Although there were several possible stops on the way home, I decided I didn’t need to eat at them all. A second stop at Amberley was in brightening weather so it was a pleasant ride down the road and turning at Waikuku to get home to Rangiora. 12 days riding, 960 km. This is the 3rd part of Steven’s SI cycle tour. Earlier parts: Part 1 | Part 2 Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 21