Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption South Island lakes: fill in the blanks Rhonda Marshall Fill in the blanks Download a printable pdf Solution Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 29

The Desert Road On our first road trip with our new caravan. We made it successfully from Wellington to Whangarei. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up The Desert Road Margaret Earle The Desert Road On our first road trip with our new caravan. We made it successfully from Wellington to Whangarei. ©2023 Margaret Earle Up Up Up New caravan 1/0

1 Spring 2022 A North Island freedom-camping adventure Up Shoshanna Shand After my South Island trip, I decided I wanted to road trip the North Island and go all the way up to Cape Reinga. For me, freedom camping in the car was the best way to do it. I found some couch cushions at the recycling centre, sewing them together formed a perfect bed in the back of the car. I folded down the back seats, leaving one side with the car seat in it. This left enough space for the baby to sleep behind. I bought a gas cooker from Mitre 10 and was set to go. I also had a “pee” jug makeshift toilet which did the trick for emergencies. I had saved up $1000 and had my regular benefit payments weekly. I was still paying rent for my flat back in Nelson but I had about $300 a week to live on for food and fuel. I booked a ferry ticket for the 8th of October. I had a six-week window to do this, with no commitments. I felt so excited, yet nervous embarking on this trip. I worried about money and how it was all going to work. I didn’t plan ahead much, the extent of my plan was to go up one side and come down the other. A week before we were booked to go on the ferry, I dropped a heavy piece of wood on my toe and broke it. Ouchies. It felt okay to walk and I had a moon boot on to protect it from wild toddler and other stuff. We drove from Nelson onto the Interislander and had a cruisy trip over. I was having to hop all over the place juggling a toddler, a broken toe and all our gear. I drove straight up to Woodville to stay with some friends who gave us a horrible vomiting bug. Great start to the trip. Once recovered we headed on up to Napier where we stayed with some lovely friends, felt so classy not camping in the car. We explored Te Mata Peak which was so beautiful. We drove to the top instead of walking because why walk when you can drive). We carried on to Taupo and found a freedom camping spot near Huka Falls. This was my first proper experience of freedom camping since the Catlins. It was a cold night. I found out the gas doesn’t work when it’s really cold, so we ended up having a half-cooked dinner. That night was so cold for Spring, I wasn’t expecting it. We explored Huka Falls which was beautiful! We then drove to Rotorua for the night. We stopped in at Kerosene Creek for a swim, it was super pretty and warm but the toddler wasn’t a fan. In Rotorua we stayed at this really cool wee dinosaur park holiday park. I needed to do washing and have showers etc so it was great to freshen up. We only stayed a night in Rotorua, I wasn’t feeling the vibe, so we left the next morning and drove up the Coromandel. We skipped the Mount; I didn’t realise it was such an iconic place. I felt anxious I wouldn’t have enough time to get up to Cape Reinga before I had to go home. Turned out in the end I had plenty of time! Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove The next day was a big one, we explored Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. If I did it again I would make sure to spend a whole day at Cathedral Cove. Being a true Kiwi, I walked down the steep track to the cove in bare feet carrying my 14 kg toddler in the carrier on the front and my backpack on the back. I ran into a couple on Cathedral Cove beach. I asked them to take photos of us. We got talking, they were so lovely and helped me carry the toddler and our stuff back up to the bus at the top of the very steep hill. One important thing to know about Cathedral Cove is you have to walk a lot more or take a bus from the car park in town. I was late finding somewhere to stay that night. I checked out the Campermate app and found some place to park up. To Auckland The next day was a beautiful one, we drove all the way up the coast admiring the amazing views. I was going to stop at a place just outside of Auckland where you can camp with self-contained or non-self-contained, the place is called Omana Clifftop Campground. When I arrived late in the day, I realised it was owned by Auckland Regional Council and you needed to book ahead and to get a key. I didn’t really know what to do because it was late, the toddler was tired out and we needed to stop for the night. At the carpark before the campground there was a freedom camping spot but only for self-contained vehicles. There was also a toilet at the carpark . So I decided to just risk it and stay the night. I felt soooo anxious about getting caught or getting into trouble over being somewhere I shouldn’t be. At around 9pm when the babe was fast asleep and I was up on my phone the security guy came around checking the car park. My heart was beating so fast and I felt like ohhh nooo im gonna get into trouble crap! He came over to my car and started writing down stuff on his phone. I got out of my car and said “hi” explaining that it got late, and I needed to stop for the night and apologised, asking if there was somewhere else I could park for the night. He was SO nice and told me I had to leave in the morning which I was happy to do of course, and let me stay the night because of the baby being fast asleep. It was such a tricky thing because I didn’t want to purposefully break any laws or rules, but it’s also dangerous to drive when fatigued and the next freedom camping spot was about half an hour away that I could find. That was quite a small but big adventure for us. We drove up to Auckland the next morning and stayed with friends exploring around Karekare and Piha. I’m not a big fan of big cities so I headed up to Whangarei heads. Whangarei You can camp at the carpark at Whangarei Heads without a self-contained vehicle so yay for us. We camped a night there and loved meeting another lovely older campervanning couple, a German guy who was camping out of his car too. I love meeting new people, especially travelers they are always so friendly. We went for a swim first thing in the morning. It was one of my favourite places in the north. On to Cape Reinga After Whangarei Heads we drove up to Paihia and stayed at the Top 10 Holiday Park which was a nice wee stop to recharge devices and do a load of cloth nappies. Then it was only a wee drive up to Cape Reinga. My goal. My dream. It felt surreal as I was driving up the last leg of the road. To the very end of New Zealand. Where the Maori believe the spirits of the dead travel on their journey to the afterlife, to leap off the headland and climb the roots of the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree and descend to the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaiki. We hung around the lighthouse for a while soaking up the surreal vibes. Eventually it was time to cruise, I found the Te Paki sand dunes and we spent the rest of the hot afternoon climbing to the top of the sand dunes and back down again, eventually the toddler got tired and requested we go back to the car. I went searching on the Campermate app for a place to crash the night. I found a DOC campground, Spirit Bay where we could camp for the night. It was FULL of campers, a long weekend I forgot about. We found a space though and parked for the night. We watched the sunset on the beach, I put the toddler to bed and jumped into the freezing cold showers that we were lucky to have at this campground. I collapsed into our car camper bed exhausted but feeling ecstatic that I had reached the Cape and survived camping with my toddler. The next day was beautiful and sunny (so blessed with good weather up in the Far North). I wanted to find 90 Mile Beach. Google maps, of course, lead me on a goose chase up a gravel road with no reception. My fuel tank was running low and I was getting stressed out. I got back onto the main road and found a fuel station to fuel up at (not many fuel stations up there so make sure if you’re going up far north to fuel up when you can). Driving back south I passed the sign for 90 Mile Beach and did a big face palm. I don’t know why on earth Google maps wouldn’t take me straight there. Oh well. 90 Mile Beach This was my favourite place I think in the north. I drove my Toyota Wish onto the sand dunes and had so much fun driving down the beach. (Definitely do not drive on the beach like me unless you’re in a four wheel drive.) I cooked up a feed of instant noodles then parked my car closer to water. That was a bit of a mistake because a wave came up and almost killed my car. I panicked and tried to drive it up the beach but it was bogged, I tried again slower and yes! It moved. Heart attack moment averted. I drove back up the beach and we had made some new friends near Cape Reinga so stayed there for a night. Next day we went to Rainbow Falls which was beautiful and crowded, long weekend vibes. Such an incredible waterfall to visit though, so highly recommend it. West coast We cut across from the east coast to the west coast and drove through the amazing kauri forest stopping in to visit big old Tane Mahuta. I found a camp for the night called Glinks Gully which was such a cool spot, no reception and right on the beach, low cost campground with hot showers available for a token and a kitchen area to use. We walked up a track to a gentle cliff overlooking the open ocean of the rugged west coast. We drove back to Auckland for a night and stayed with a new friend we made along the way. Only one night because we had booked for a Hobbiton tour, which is near Hamilton, for the next day. Hobbiton The Hobbiton tour is expensive but WELL WORTH IT. Two hour guided tour around the set, and then a stop at the wee pub for a complimentary pint afterwards. Hamilton, Kawhia We stayed in Hamilton for the night parked in someone’s driveway (they invited us to). Explored the Hamilton Gardens the next day and then drove down to Kawhia, Hot Water Beach was pretty cool. We turned up just after someone had left, so I soaked in the hot water while the toddler reminded me he wanted to go back to the car, and played in the sand. The Oparau Roadhouse hosts freedom campers so we stopped there for the night. The owners were so friendly and gave me lots of local tips and recommended we visit Marokopa Falls so we did the next day and it was amazing! Taranaki Next stop Taranaki. I had my best friend living in the Naki and we stayed with her for almost a week just recouping after a busy few weeks travelling. The mountain was amazing, we tried walking up the mountain but it was so cloudy we turned back. Then the sun came out and the clouds moved so we could see the peak. What a magnificent mountain. Southwards On to Palmerston North to stay with more good friends for a week. I quite liked Palmy. It was chilled and friendly. I had itchy feet though and didn’t wanna stay around for too long. We had our ferry booked so had to keep moving. Driving down the west coast of the north island now we stayed on Otaki beach where technically only self contained campers are allowed but according to locals everyone camps there anyways. I had my makeshift toilet to use anyways so it wasn’t a bother. We watched the sun set and just chilled out on the beach, I went for a quick swim the next morning. A local mum saw me share on my Instagram and invited me to her cafe for a chai which was so lovely. BY: Shoshanna Shand PHOTOS: ©2022 Shoshanna Shand Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS I love meeting new people, especially travellers; they are always so friendly. On the Interislander We drove from Nelson onto the Interislander and had a cruisy trip over. Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove The next day was a big one, we explored Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. If I did it again I would make sure to spend a whole day Dawson Falls On the Interislander We drove from Nelson onto the Interislander and had a cruisy trip over. 1/6

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Tanners Point Bette Cosgrove Up Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. At a stunning freedom camp parking spot, bush and pohutukawa boughs reach down to the water along the coastal reserve walkway. Fishers drift in to throw a line from the jetty, or putt out from the boat launch for a day on the water. An old time local wanders up the track, bare feet following his old terrier. Seniors meet to share the local gossip, retirees leisurely trek around the bay track and the clear water sparkles as the tide pulls up. Everything is greener and bluer than you've seen for ages, and the light recharges your soul batteries. Shhhhh don't tell too many people. Katikati, Bay of Plenty. Photos ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Up Up A coddiwomple to Tanners Point Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Park with a view at Tanners Point A stunning freedom camp parking spot. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Recharging at Tanners Point Everything is greener and bluer than you've seen for ages, and the light recharges your soul batteries. Shhhhh don't tell too many people. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove A coddiwomple to Tanners Point Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove 1/7

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Citreon H & Pop Top at Lake Kaniere ©2025 Graham Leslie GO TO Here & there last summer Lake Kaniere 1959 Graham Leslie Citreon & pop-top at Lake Kaniere. Stewart Leslie was a keen amateur photographer but slide film was used sparingly in 1958 or 1959 when this photo was taken. Pictured are William and Anna Leslie and Adrienne Houston (later Leslie). ©1959 Stewart Leslie Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 14

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Main street, Te Aroha. ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Main street, Te Aroha. ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Bridge over the river from Boyd Park to town. ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Adrian Worsley’s recycled metal art was a highlight. ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Adrian Worsley’s recycled metal art was a highlight. ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Adrian Worsley’s recycled metal art was a highlight. Boyd Park ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Boyd Park ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Park behind the library. ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. piakPark behind the library.o_library.webp ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. Park behind the library. ©2025 Maggie O'Rourke. GO TO Here & there last summer This adventure to Te Aroha was a delight Adventure in Te Aroha Maggie O’Rourke Being an expat of the almighty Waikato it can be strange coming back home. What an adventure this summer has been, exploring and staying at places and meeting people in my bus that I would never go to, let alone explore, if I had a car. So this adventure to Te Aroha was a delight. No longer in pain after a massage, I could walk to the (way too many) op shops in the town (I lost count after 6), have a coffee at the organic Villa Nine shop, go to the pools (find a 2nd person so you can have a soak) and walk the wetlands (1 hour return). You can walk to town from the Boyd Park freedom camp (I was surprised it only took 25 minutes), get fish ‘n chips (walking distance from Boyd Park) and sit down and enjoy an ice cream and watch the Mokena geyser: hot-day bliss. ckw.nz/mokena-geyser Okay this was done over four days. I am not superwoman. When you have a freedom camp that says “stay for 4days” what do you do? You stay and explore. River bridge from Boyd park to town The town does have two freedom camps. The in-town one is behind the library but a city council staff member told me its not a very safe place to stay for a single traveller and it isn’t a long-stay park like Boyd, as you have to work in with the council timetable, see sign (bottom right). The bonus for the library camp is the library WiFi, town is only 2 minutes away and the pool 10. Being a creative artist that loves metalwork, walking around the streets of Te Aroha and seeing Adrian Worsley’s recycled metal art was a highlight. On my walk back to Boyd Park I discovered his gallery. He is only open on special days or for tour groups: group bookings of 10 or more at $20 each is the normal fee (minimum charge $160). This would make a great camp or rally for a group visiting Waikato. adrian-worsley.com Big shout out goes to Matamata-Piako District Council for providing great freedom camping options. I am currently in Morrinsville, my home town, and loving my stay at the recreational grounds for my four day stay. If you go to the information centre they have a booklet on where to stay in their district or go to their website ckw.nz/mpdc-free-camp My next adventure awaits. Have a grand old time. Op Shop finds, Te Aroha. ©2025 M Richardson Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 6

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption car-games-8_mw.webp Car journeys with kids Rhonda Marshall No matter the age of your children, there’s always the car journey and the inevitable “are we there yet?” and “how much longer?” You can Google “how to entertain your child on a long car journey” or similar questions and find plenty of ideas, but here are a few ideas just to get you started. Screen activities Many parents are now opting for electronic devices such as iPads or smart phones with suitable apps downloaded and tailored for their individual child. This is definitely a winner with most children but raises other questions about screen time for children. Depending on the length of your journey and the time of day that you are travelling e.g. in the dark, parents will come to their own conclusions about how much screen time their children should have. Did you know in New Zealand all local libraries can give you access to a free app called Libby? (pictured). Also you can find out more online at overdrive.com . If you have a library card already you can pop into your local library and they will set you up. Libby gives you free access to books you can read, similar to a Kindle, but also has dozens of audiobooks for your listening pleasure including a range of children’s books. Looking out the window There are the usual games such as “I Spy” but these can be fraught with dangers such as something your child saw in the last town which was a good fifteen minutes ago! Depending on their eyesight and ability to read number plates quickly you can play “Hunt the Alphabet” where you go through the alphabet locating A to Z or find the letters to spell out names. Set a task of counting something like yellow cars, caravans, trailers or motor homes. Have a guess as to how many you might count before reaching a certain destination. Quiz games There’s the “I am thinking of something” which allows players to ask you a range of questions in which you can only respond yes or no until they will narrow down their questions to identify the “something” you were thinking of. Asking quiz questions is a great way to help build your children’s general knowledge. Again, you can Google something like “Quiz questions for children”. Number games You can ask passengers to add up the numbers displayed on number plates. When I was a child my parents often used car journeys as a time to learn and practice our times tables or similar. My brother, as the eldest, was learning his 7x; I was learning my 5x; whilst my younger sister was learning to count to 100. We took it in turns and once a mistake was made the turn passed to the next child. Downloading game sheets If you have time to prepare and access to a computer and printer, try searching “things to do activity pages for children” and narrow your search to images. There are commercially available activity books for children but selecting and printing your own from the internet can be faster.  n Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 22

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly_H_portobello-3.jpg GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 9

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Have you been there? Small town New Zealand: Find the words Puzzle Rhonda Marshall Have you heard of all of these places? They are considered (mostly!) small towns of New Zealand. With a mixture from North and South Islands see how many you recognise — or better yet, have visited and maybe stayed at. For a bit of a laugh you could decide if they are located in the North or South. Once you have identified all of the towns in the grid there are 24 remaining letters. Working from left to right and top to bottom you will discover a three-word phrase! Click for a fullscreen view. Download a pdf of the puzzle. Solution Download a pdf of the solution page Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 22

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Quinney's Bush ©2024 All Points Camping Club All Points Camping Club of NZ All Points Camping ALL POINTS CAMPING CLUB of NZ We are proud to sponsor this issue of Camping the Kiwi Way Brought to you by NZ’s inclusive, friendly, camping club, for your reading pleasure. Family membership to the All Points Camping Club gives you: ✶ Membership support ✶ Friendly, inclusive camping events ✶ Nationwide savings ✶ Lobbying support for campers’ rights. You don’t have to have a self-contained vehicle to join.You don’t have to be a member to come to our events.It ’s more than just a club, it’s like one big family. Come along to one of our events near you.Bring the tent, bring the kids. Image: ©2024 Margaret Earle Join now only $35NZ’s national camping club Join here: www.allpointscampingnz.org ✶ When the benefits far exceed the cost you’d be crazy not to take it up. ✶ Our values: compassion, inclusion, support and encouragement Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 40

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption event-morisons-grahamleslie_mw.webp event-motukarara_mw.webp event-campfest.webp event-campfest04722_mw.webp event-mtsomers_mw.webp event-MWF+Fest+2023_mw.webp event-orton_mw.webp event-oxford_mw.webp event-waikato_mw.webp event-waimate2_mw.webp event-whanganui_mw.webp EVENTS — Camping Editor Join up with others and go camping. Oxford Pre-xmas Farm Stay 8–10 Dec, Fri, Oxford, Nth Canterbury Run away with us. Avoid the Christmas shopping a little longer (or see if the Oxford Farmers Market will fill out your list). Children and pets welcome. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/oxford-xmas | ckw.nz/oxford-rsvp Pre Christmas Fun 8–10 Dec , Fri, Arapuni, Sth Waikato Relax before the craziness of Xmas. Kayaking, swimming, bush walks, cycling, glow worms, campfires and more. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/arapuni-camp   |   ckw.nz/arapuni-rsvp Christmas/New Year in the Park 24 Dec–2 Ja n, Motukarara, Canterbury Come for a cuppa, a day, a night, relax for a week at Waihora Domain! All welcome. Water, toilets, playground, rail trail, horse racing 29th. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/motukarara-xmas | ckw.nz/motukarara-rsvp Whanganui Vintage Weekend camp 19–22 January , Fri, Wanganui, Region Markets, vintage car display, bands and other events. Camp in the city. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/vintage23-camp | ckw.nz/vintage23-rsvp Waimate Getaway! 26–28 Jan , Fri, Waimate, Sth Canterbury Join us at this hidden jewel, Knottingley Park & Arboretum. Pet friendly. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/waimate-getaway | ckw.nz/waimate-rsvp Camp at Morison’s Bush 2–6 Feb , Fri, Martinborough, South Wairarapa Camp under manukau trees by the Ruamahanga river for Waitangi weekend. Swimming, fishing, visit the Martinborough Fair. Dogs on leads. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/morisons-feb23 | ckw.nz/morisons23-rsvp Campfest 2024 9–11 Feb , Fri, Bulls, Rangitikei An incred-i-bull family venue: join us for a fun camping weekend with a market, walking distance to shops and cafes. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/campfest-24 | ckw.nz/campfest-24-rsvp Marlborough Wine and Food Festival Camp 9–12 Feb , Fri, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough Camp the weekend and visit the biennial wine and food festival on Saturday, just a 15 min drive away. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/waihopai-camp | ckw.nz/waihopai-rsvp A weekend at Orton Bradley Park 23–25 Feb , Fri, Charteris Bay, Canterbury Cast a line, have a round of golf or tennis or just relax at Charteris Bay, at the lovely Orton Bradley Park. No pets. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/orton-feb23ckw.nz/orton-feb23-rsvp Mount Somers in Summer 22–24 March , Mt Somers, Canterbury Explore this picturesque region from the Holiday Park. Dogs on leads. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/mtsomers-mar23ckw.nz/mtsomers-mar23-rsvp For more camps keep an eye on l allpointscampingnz.org/events l ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 35

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Freedom camping at Bendigo, Lake Dunstan ©2024 Andrew Morton Remember JUNE 6: 2024 & 2025 So you want to freedom camp Miriam Richardson We are in a transition period from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to a new ‘green’ warrant system. The transition period is set to expire 7 June ’25 † . There is a small possibility that the Minister might choose to extend the transition period; the law allows this until 7/6/27 † . It could help, with so many needing to be certfied by so few. Some (but not all) can freedom camp with their blue warrants during the transition period ( more ) . At the end of the transiton period green warrant cards will be required for anyone freedom camping. See note at the end for more on ‘blue’ and ‘green’ warrants. Can you actually go green? The new system is not yet ready to do the job. As at Feb ’24 only 29 can do this work in the whole of the country . This is so spectacularly inadequate, that it has been estimated that those 29 would need to certify 260 vehicles a day to get everyone through before the 2025 end of the transition period. Further, the rental motorhome fleets all have to be recertified before 7 Dec this year, which will leave little opportunity for us. When can you or I choose to re-certify for a green warrant? Unknown. Might your blue warrant expire before you have a chance to get a green warrant? This is a distinct possibility. Check your expiry date and give that some thought. What upgrades must you do? We are faced with making bizarre and expensive modifications before we can be certified green. It is possible, but not at all certain, that some of these regulations might fall to commonsense, in a revision process that could take as long as 6 months ‡ . There is an advantage if we can delay upgrading and going green until the outcome is clear. It is worth considering renewing your blue warrant before 7 Jun ’24 to extend your personal transition time to the maximum, a transition-end date of Jun ’25 (or later, if the transition period were to be extended). 7 June: A last chance for new blue or renew 7 June ‘24 is the last day you can renew (or get a new) blue warrant with a fixed toilet, and use it for freedom camping during the transition period. After that, only a new green warrant can be issued for freedom camping. Which is you? What are your choices if you want to freedom camp? Self-contained with a blue warrant and a fixed toilet Upgrade and GET A GREEN warrant before your blue warrant expires or transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements ( ckw.nz/go-green ). RENEW YOUR BLUE warrant before 7 Jun ’24 to maximise the transition time, and in case your blue warrant expires before you can get a green warrant. THEN do any upgrades required and GET A GREEN warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Self-contained with a blue warrant and a portable toilet Once your blue warrant expires you cannot freedom camp with a portable toilet ‡ (you need a blue warrant, issued before 7/6/23, not yet expired). You need to install a fixed toilet ‡ (true for blue, probable for green ‡ ) Upgrade to a fixed toilet and RENEW YOUR BLUE warrant before 7 Jun ’24. THEN do any other upgrades required to GET A GREEN warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Upgrade and GET A GREEN warrant before your blue warrant expires or transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements: ckw.nz/going-green ). Fixed toilet, not yet self-contained GET A NEW BLUE warrant before 7 Jun ’24. This will allow you to freedom camp until transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). THEN do any other upgrades required to GET A GREEN warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Upgrade and GET A GREEN warrant now. A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements: ckw.nz/going-green ). Portable toilet, not yet self-contained You need to install a fixed toilet ‡ (true for blue, probable for green ‡ ). Upgrade to a fixed toilet and get a new blue warrant before 7 Jun ’24. This will allow you to freedom camp until transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). THEN do any other required upgrades to get a green warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Upgrade and get a green warrant now. A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements: ckw.nz/going-green ). Why extend your transition time There are too few certifiers and inspectors to meet the current need. There may be no inspectors in your area. If your blue warrant expires before you can get a green warrant, you are barred from freedom camping. The regulations might be updated in the next 6–8 months to change requirements; wait until it is clear. There might be so many people wanting parts and services at the same time that upgrading may be both difficult and slow. The transition period might be extended as long as 2 years. It will be so expensive! Another year before paying the new fees is a bonus. Just get it done! Get it off your mind, and go freedom camp. Save the cost and effort of an interim blue warrant. Get ahead of the rush for the parts and the professionals to install them. Get ahead of any last minute rush for certification. Accept that the upgrade costs might turn out to be unnecessary. Important dates 7 June ‘24 Last chance for a new or renewed blue warrant you can use to freedom camp. TRANSITION-END 7 June ‘25 ( unless it’s extended) 7/6/25 is the intended end of the transition period. GREEN WARRANTs ARE then required But the transition-end could be delayed. 7 June ‘27 is the end of the longest possible delay. NOTES Certified blue: a blue warrant card; certified to the NZ Standard, Self containment of motor caravans and caravans (NZS 5465:2001. The old, existing system. (pdf). Certified green: a green warrant card; certified to new regulations ( ckw.nz/go-green ). The new system. ‡ Efforts to overturn the ‘fixed toilet’ regulation continue. This was promised by National on the campaign trail. References here to the need for a fixed toilet for a green warrant will become obsolete if these efforts succeed. † The transition period started 7 Jun 2023 and is set to expire 7 Jun 2025 (transition-end: 7 Jun ‘25). The legislation allows for the transition period to be extended. The Minister can set any length extension, to, at the latest, 7/6/27, an extra 2 years (transition-end would be 7 Jun ‘27). Given the logistical problems in the implementation of the new system, the Minister might choose to do this. Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 8