9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Heather Auckram ©2024 Heather Auckram ©2024 Heather Auckram ©2024 Heather Auckram I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog 
and hit the road A night in an arboretum Heather Auckram After weeks of frost, followed by icy winds and rain, the sun finally shone. I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle and the dog and hit the road. First stop was the Alex McKenzie Park & Arboretum just 2km south of the farm-servicing town of Otautau in western Southland. The grassy area still had a film of water shining on it, so I parked on the gravel for our sleepover. Loki dog and I walked the 20 minute loop through the orchard and trees, listening to the birds and the rustle of the leaves, which was the calm we needed. The Arboretum has two clean toilets and dogs are welcome as long as they are controlled as it is a popular place for walkers and picnickers. During the drier months tents of all sizes and colour can be seen pitched in the shade of the trees. The night was dark, so we went to bed early and listened to the morepork, night birds, opossum and occasional passing truck on the nearby road while we rested. The Arboretum is cared for by volunteers and they appreciate a small donation dropped in the yellow box. ◼️ Images ©2024 Heather Auckram Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 15

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption An angler on the Tongariro River ©DOC Slab Creek Hut ©DOC Usha the ruru ©South Island Wildlife Hospital GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there DOC update DOC New licence system for Taup ō trout fishery Purchasing fishing licences for the Taupō Trout Fishery will be easier under a new licence sales system that began in June.Image:An angler on the Tongariro River ©DOC ckw.nz/trout-taupo Rare slab hut refurbishment keeps traditional ways alive A refurbishment of the West Coast’s Slaty Creek Hut has served as a catalyst for rangers to learn about wood working methods used by pioneers. Image: Slab Creek Hut ©DOC ckw.nz/slab-hut Fossicking rules broken as gold fever strikes West Coast DOC Rangers are concerned that gold fossickers breaking rules are potentially threatening the stability of the Slab Hut Creek Campsite, south of Reefton on the West Coast. There have been problems with fossickers mining into the creek bank which could result in the creek eroding into the campground. ckw.nz/slab-hut-gold Watch out for ruru/morepork DOC is reminding the public to keep an eye out for ruru with five injured or sick birds from the West Coast being cared for in the past month. ckw.nz/ruru Image : Usha the ruru ©South Island Wildlife Hospital 🏕️ Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 32

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson I am perched on the shoulder of a god On the shoulder of a god Miriam Richardson It was August when I set off from Ōtaki for a few nights on Mt Taranaki. This was before my campervan days, so I was booked in to The Camphouse, high on Mt Taranaki in the National Park. Although there is a sealed road to The Camphouse, like other DOC tramping huts I was booking just a bed and mattress in a bunk house. Apart from some late night hoons in the carpark I had the place mostly to myself. I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay. On the shoulder of a god I feel the last of the sun’s winter warmth in the macrocarpa seat Squint a little in the bright snow-light Watch my black footprints soften in the snow Listen to a drip from the roof a faint gurgle in the drainpipe corrugated iron ticking in the sun. I am so high up I see a storm ride from land to sea swallowing the broad curve of coast. I see our civilisation shrink —nothing more than a patchwork quilt moulded to the curves and hollows of the plain, dotted with bright beads and sequins. I’m perched on the shoulder of a god. Beyond, on the white plateau another god, pale pink and mauve,rides my horizon. I still struggle to accept that anything so large can so completely disappear. Thankfully Taranaki didn’t disappear on me. There are several day-walks from the hut. You must book online with DOC for this hut. Your booking gives you an unlock code, to obtain a key. There are locked boxes at the visitors’ centre below the Camphouse that hold the keys.tip: Take a torch. If you can do without your privacy for a night or two, you get an easy access, fantastic base to explore the mountain, with spectacular views, and, if the gods are kind, views of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. ◼️ More: ckw.nz/camphouse Images ©2024 Miriam Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 19

Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs Up Fire and Emergency New Zealand Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Every caravan should be fitted with a long-life photoelectric smoke alarm. Never leave children alone in your caravan. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach. Have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the exit and make sure you know how to use it. Always ensure there is adequate ventilation. Lighting and heating Use proper lighting units or torches. Don’t use candles as they may start a fire . Used fixed heaters only. Make sure furniture and fittings are at least 1 meter from any heaters. Oil column heaters or fan heaters with a cut off switch are the safest. Appliances and gas cylinders Check electrical appliances for frayed cords and other damage. Caravans should also have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness. Caravans and sleep-outs often use gas cylinders to fuel cooking. Make sure you read our tips on using gas cylinders safely to reduce your risk of fire [ see p24 for BBQ tips Ed]. Always ensure there is adequate ventilation when using a gas cylinder in or near a caravans or sleep-out. Smoke alarms Because caravans and sleepouts usually only have one door and few window openings, it’s especially important to make sure you have working smoke alarms installed, and that you’re testing them regularly. Caravans and sleep-outs are often small, so it might be necessary to install a smoke alarm near a cooking area. To avoid false alarms, use the silence feature to put the smoke alarm into a ‘hold’ status when you’re cooking. Press the button before you start cooking to silence the alarm for a pre-set period of time, between 8 and 15 minutes depending on the brand. S ource: ckw.nz/caravans © Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) More: Fire blankets More: Lithium-ion battery safety More: Do you need a permit for your BBQ? (Gas & charcoal) Up Up fire-fenz-logo-64.png fire-blanket_mw.webp fire-fenz-logo-64.png 1/2

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption From the rvbooks.co,au website From the rvbooks.co,au website © Barry Davidson © Collyn RIvers, rvbooks.co,au Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Buying used caravans Collyn Rivers Helpful tools when conducting a used caravan inspection include a torch, a damp meter, a ladder and a tape measure. If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Is your tow vehicle capable of towing this caravan? While many do so (but may then regret it) it is safer to keep the weight of the caravan to that of the towing vehicle. The first thing to check is the caravan‘s approximate empty weight. It’s so-called Tare Mass (i.e. weight) is likely to be shown on a plate attached to its chassis. It is unlikely to be accurate but gives you a rough idea. A typical caravan‘s fully loaded weight is usually 200–300 kg (440–660 lb) higher. The required tow ball mass is about 10% of that laden weight, Check if that is within your tow vehicle’s ability. More on p13, Towing your caravan Background & documentation Is the caravan‘s size, style and layout suitable for your needs? Who made the caravan — and when? What is the previous ownership history? Where has the caravan been kept and where has it been (if known)? Does the manufacturer still exist and are spare parts for this caravan still available? What documentation is provided with the caravan — you really need a weigh bridge certificate, gas certificate and electrical certificate. Does the caravan‘s VIN plate match with the documentation provided? Is there a service history and are instruction manuals for the caravan and major items available? Does it have a wood or aluminium frame? Is the caravan‘s condition reasonably consistent with its age? Checking the exterior Are there any signs of repairs, scratches, dents, hail damage, bowing, repainting? Is there any sealant around the windows (a give-away that there may be water leakage)? Check that all windows open and close and are in good condition. Check under the caravan for axle or suspension rusting or damage, cracks or deformation. Are the water tanks, wiring and lighting in good condition? Does the caravan look as though it has been off-road? Tyres: do the tyres have ample tread. How old are they (no matter if barely worn, a tyre’s maximum life is 7–10 years. If older, they will need replacing. Are the correct tyres fitted (refer to the compliance plate re their correct size). Is there a spare tyre? © Barry Davidson Checking the interior Is there any smell of dampness (or use of chemicals) to disguise that and/or other smells? Are there any signs of ants or other insects inside the caravan? Ants are a giveaway — they are attracted by damp or rotting wood. If there is any sign of ants the caravan timber may be rotting. Or there may be a water leak. Check walls, ceiling and bench tops carefully (especially around windows and ventilation hatches). Look for dampness, discolouration, bulges, scratches, indents, holes or evidence of repainting or repair. Cupboards: check for daylight between cupboards and walls, loose or missing screws, doors not opening or closing or broken latches. Check for any damage to beds, mattress and storage area. Is the hob/grill/oven/microwave/fridge clean and working? If there is an ensuite check that it is in good condition, e.g. is toilet/shower/hot water working? Are there any signs of leaking, mould or poor ventilation? Pop tops: check the roof can be raised and lowered easily, that all struts are in good condition and that any canvas is not damaged or discoloured. Check the door opens, closes and locks as intended. How many keys are provided? Awning: if there is an awning, check that it opens and closes properly and check its canvas condition. Be realistic about what to expect for the van’s age, but do not be afraid to ask the seller to correct any minor matters prior to sale. If the problem appears significant, look elsewhere. There are always others for sale! What to check – general A-Frame: Is the tow hitch in good condition? Is electrical wiring present and in good condition? Is the handbrake, chains, jockey wheel present and working? If it is safely possible, inspect the roof for leaks, tree/branch, solar module and TV aerial damage. Check that all electrics (including battery) are in good condition and that all lights and appliances work. Check the condition of gas bottles, regulator and piping. ◼️ Buying used Caravan – what to check has been prepared with the kind support of the Caravan Council of Australia. Reproduced with permission. Collyn has a book on buying a caravan or motorhome. Appendix 4 includes a checklist: on Amazon Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 20

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2022 Tackle Tactics The bill is based on the flawed premise that travellers with a portable toilet are less responsible than those with a fixed toilet The controversial Nash Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill Gary Stoneley The Minister of Tourism’s (MP Stuart Nash) draconian proposals to further regulate ‘freedom’ camping in NZ is a hot topic at the moment. For two years the minister has been very vocal about what he wants to change and when it will happen. Time is getting on and finally we have a proposed bill to study. Following on from initial public consultation of the style ‘we are going to do this’, the industry has been in a state of limbo, wondering if and when any changes will take place. Stuart Nash’s proposals, should they progress, do not address the current regulatory inconsistencies and disadvantages for tent campers but move to further disadvantage ‘all’ vehicle campers who carry a portable toilet. Based on the misguided premise that travellers with a portable toilet are less responsible than those with a fixed toilet, the Minister’s proposals intend to stop all vehicles with portable toilets from being able to be certified as self contained. These proposals are harmful to our camping industry and detrimental to an inclusive society. The Ministers proposals dont address the problem of providing toilets for travellers. The lack of public facilities thorough the country is the root cause of the problem, and it affects all travellers, not just those who camp. While the Minister suggests that the government tried allocating money to provide public facilities, which has not worked to solve the toileting problem, much of this money was spent on enforcing rules, very little on actually providing public facilities. One would have to question why the Minister for Tourism with a brief to support regional economies, seems so hell-bent on restricting thousands of NZ campers from enjoying this recreational activity. The Ministers with responsibility for camping legislation, the Freedom Camping Act and Campground Regulations in NZ are Conservation, Health and Recreation and Sport. There is no doubt that NZ camping legislation is out of date and needs substantive review, but having a misguided Minister of Tourism, fiddling with our freedom camping because he seems to have a portable toilet fetish, is unhelpful. His attacks on responsible NZ campers who use portable toilets comes across as vindictive. There is no question that it is far better for a small vehicle camper, traveling and living in their vehicle, to have a portable toilet than no toilet at all. By voluntarily having this on-board, campers not only have the opportunity to use it when caught short, but are (currently) able to enjoy staying overnight at self-contained-only-sites. There is no obvious benefit in the removal this incentive for small vehicle campers to have a portable toilet on-board, and some very obvious down-sides. To be self contained a vehicle must have a ‘fixed’ toilet — consequences. The proposal to exclude portable toilets from the definition of self-contained will exclude many of NZ’s campers who have older classic caravans and motorhomes, trailer tents and outback campers, poptop caravans, vehicles with roof top tents, small vans, teardrop campers and slide on campers. Under Stuart Nash’s proposals these campers will be excluded from staying at many council reserves or other government controlled land. Up until now the benefits of self-containment have encouraged vehicle campers to have a portable toilet, but this proposal removes the incentive and negates the hoped-for benefits from this proposal. Excluding some kinds of campers from public land —consequences. The bill will have an immediate effect on the more than half of NZ councils which do not have freedom camping bylaws. Camping vehicles that are not certified as self-contained when the bill becomes law, will be immeditately blocked from freedom camping on any public land controlled by a local authority. These councils will have to take on the cost of enforcing these new rules when they come into force. NZTA (NZ Transport Authority) and LINZ (Land Information NZ) will be given power to issue notices and manage freedom camping. Older classic caravans and motorhomes, trailer tents, outback campers, poptop caravans, vehicles with roof-top tents, small vans, teardrop campers and slide on campers, and other vehicles, which can (and currently do) freedom camp responsibly, are being excluded from self-containment under the new rules. Councils could well lose the patronage of these groups of campers and the economic benefits they bring. A council that wants to encourage all NZers to visit would need to expressly cater for non-self-contained freedom camping — this will necessitate the cost of developing and consulting on new policy and bylaws, create signage etc . This is a change that could well create greater inconsistency between regions. Councils that already have freedom camping bylaws have 2 years to transition their bylaws to the new rules. The costs of the changes — who pays? The increased regulation will not apply to all travellers. It is intended that the administration of self-containment be tightened, with greatly increased administrative costs collected from users and the issuing bodies. The expense and administrative burden of the proposed new law will be borne by the premium camper market, those who already have fixed-toilets. In effect, the increased regulation process will only affect those campers that are not considered by the Minister to be a problem in the first place. Small vans, poptop campers, teardrop campers and roof top tents etc. which do not have a ‘fixed toilet’ will not be eligible for, nor subject to, self-containment regulations. Currently these vehicles are eligible for and operate as self-contained, responsible travellers. Why the focus on fixed toilets? You have to wonder why the Minister is so obsessed with the “fixed toilet” issue. Perhaps he has had a bad experience. As a cyclist, he may have experienced being caught short while out on the road. Outdoorsy-types with a small camper and portable toilet at least have a toilet they can use. The Minister, out and about with his ute and his bike, perhaps (probably?) does not. Despite media hype there is very little verified evidence of poor toileting behaviour by freedom campers, and the Minister has not, when asked (by Official Information Request) been able to supply supporting evidence for his assertions. Small-camper tourists spend more You also have to wonder why the Minister is so obsessed with small-vehicle camping. The evidence supplied on his behalf by MBIE shows that tourists with small-vehicle campers spend more in NZ than their wealthier counterparts — less per day but more over their stay in NZ. NZ’s Leisure Camping Industry Made up of several different interest groups, with differing priorities, the NZ Leisure camping industry is a wide network that must work together to protect the future of recreational camping in NZ. Over the past 2 decades there have been considerable attacks by the media and point scoring by MP’s at the expense of NZ campers. In many cases these attacks on NZ campers have been targeted at campers who are seen to be at the ‘non premium’ end of the market. A perception has been created and promoted by various lobby groups and NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) that the budget camper / tourist does not contribute to our society. This could not be further from the truth. Any individual or family, only has so much disposable income. Money comes in and it is often spent on mortgages or rent, day to day living costs, purchases, medical expenses and entertainment. While it is up to each family or individual to decide how they wish to spend their disposable income, wherever they are, home or traveling that money still gets spent. People traveling NZ and camping continue to spend and the communities through which they travel are the beneficiaries of this spending. Whether a person spends $300 a week in their home town or $300 a week across the country, retailers, employees and government all benefit. A traveler in a small campervan will spend their disposable income in the communities they visit just as a traveler in a large motorhome will spend their disposable income. It is not right for us as a society to judge people on image, what they can afford to spend, or whether they choose to stay local or travel and enjoy what the country offers. It is right for us to appreciate the contribution that each member of our community makes, even if they are just traveling through. The reality is that travel camping is healthy and benefits families and communities. Summary In summary, Minister Stuart Nash’s proposals, should they go ahead, will not achieve the outcome he intends and they are not workable. There is no identified benefit to any sector of the NZ leisure camping industry or to local authorities. The increased compliance processes and costs would be a blatant waste of government money and a waste and burden on ordinary NZ campers as well as local councils. Where to from here? So where do we go from here? The Minister for Tourism Stuart Nash has now presented his draft bill in parliament. The supporting self-containment regulations will only be made available when the bill begins its readings in parliament. Both the bill and regulations will go to select committee, the public and industry for submissions and review. There is opportunity for public submissions. Until legislation is passed the current ‘voluntary’ 4-year, self containment standard NZS 5465:2001 still applies. There is currently no change. If new legislation on self containment is passed there will be a transition / implementation period. New systems take time. Keep the issue alive In the meantime, we can keep the issue alive by discussion forums and making MP’s and the public aware of the failings and implications of the bill. Online discussions, petitions and public protests are all good options. Camping the Kiwi Way has developed ‘Proud to be a Camper’ vehicle decals. BY: Gary Stoneley, Founder, All Points Camping Club of NZ Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 9

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Self-containment-which.jpg Self-containment certification: Which one is yours? Miriam Richardson Here are the different kinds of certification cards. We dont know what the green card looks like yet. For clarity: No blue card can be used for freedom camping after 6 June 2025. [Revised, Editor] Certified Blue before 6/23 (any toilet) OK to freedom camp on public land† until 6 June 2025 (or until your card expiry date, if it is sooner). [Revised 12/12/23, Editor] OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled land), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Good for 4 years or until the card expires. Certified Blue fixed toilet OK to freedom camp on public land† until 6 June 2025 (or until your card expiry date, if it is sooner). [Revised 12/12/23, Editor] OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled land), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Good for 4 years or until the card expires. Certified Blue portable toilet You may not freedom camp on public land †. OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled land), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Good for 4 years or until the card expires. NEW: Certified Green(fixed toilet only) OK to freedom camp on public land†. Lasts 4 years. (Not yet available.) OK on private or commercial properties, crown land (that isn’t LINZ or council-controlled land), club sites, organised events and anywhere payment is made. Good for 4 years or until the card expires. [We dont know what the green card will look like. Ed] Identify which kind of self containment you have, and be clear about where you are allowed to camp, so you can avoid fines and hassles The new freedom camping law specifically states that ‘short term parking’, and ‘ day-trip excursions,’ are not freedom camping. Recovering from driver fatigue continues to be allowed, and is, specifically, legally, not ‘freedom camping’. † What is ‘public land’? All land managed by district and local councils is covered. This can include land otherwise controlled by NZTA, LINZ or DOC. Currently LINZ has 5 freedom camping areas in Central Otago and the McKenzie Country, and the new law applies. As at Nov 2024 DOC has made no changes relating to self-containment: the existing standard applies (portable or fixed toilet) for sites that require self-containment.  ckw.nz/linz 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 4

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Free camp on Lake Dunstan. ©2025 M Richardson freecamp_MNR_0430.webp ©2025 M Richardson Transitioning to the new laws Freedom camping: need to know, 2025 Miriam Richardson New law The national laws about freedom camping changed in 2023. The law applies to all public lands in the whole country, within 200m of a ‘road’. Every statement you make about the new law requires some buts and ifs . but: ‘all public land’ means land managed by district and local councils which can include land otherwise controlled by NZTA, LINZ or DOC. ‘Freedom camping’ means: “… to camp (other than at a camping ground) within 200 m of an area accessible by motor vehicle or within 200 m of the mean low-water springs line of any sea or harbour, or on or within 200 m of a formed road or a Great Walks Track, using either or both of the following: (a) a tent or other temporary structure: (b) a motor vehicle.” ckw.nz/FC-law Must be certified self-contained Everyone freedom camping must be certified self-contained (but: DOC, LINZ or local councils can, if they want to, designate places where those not-self-contained can camp). There is now an online national register of all new ‘green’ warrants. This can be checked by enforcement officers. (but: They are called ‘green’ warrants because the new cards are green; nothing to do with the environment.)(but: Some new warrant cards don’t stay green, they turn red due to inferior quality cards.) For both green and blue warrants you have to carry the actual certificate. There is now a national regulator to handle complaints about anything self-contained (but: not for the old blue card system).The Plumbers and Gasfitters Board (PGDB) has been tasked with administering the new regulations. There is now a levy you pay the government, to help pay for the new system when you get or renew a ‘green’ warrant. Currently it is $120. Transition period We are in a transition period from the old definitions of self-contained to the new. For freedom camping, all hire vehicles must already comply with the new rules. For private vehicles we have until June 2026 to transition to the new ‘green’ system. See p2 for the complete list of self-containment cards that comply during this transition. Stickers entitle campers to nothing, they are just advertising. You must have and display a valid warrant card (blue or green) and have the certificate with you. Fixed toilets The new system irrationally requires a toilet that is fixed in the vehicle. There are several mechanisms for fixing previously portable toilets in ways that meet the new regulations. This is a source of debate amongst the people who do the certification and on social media. The certifier has the final say, and PGDB has the job of addressing any complaints. Enforcement The national laws apply through the whole country, and local areas can make bylaws to restrict or ban freedom camping at some places. There is debate about how much and what kind of restricting they can do. Local areas can enforce the national laws and their local bylaws, and collect fines. Some are doing this, some are not. Some are doing it in certain places but not everywhere. There is no consistency: you have to check the local area websites and consult local signs (and hope for the best). Enforcement officers must carry id (you can ask to see it), and can inspect your warrant cards in the window, and your warrant certificate (but: not always), they can move you on (but: only sometimes). They cannot inspect your vehicle, out or in (but: Kaikoura thinks they can). There are commonsense laws and fines for things like discharging waste, but there are now other, less obvious offences such as ‘preparing to freedom camp’ (defined as parking in the wrong place/time), impeding or getting upset with enforcement officers (eg., abusive language, intimidation), displaying fraudulent warrant cards, refusing or giving misleading/false information. Penalties include being fined ($400 to $3,000) or having your vehicle impounded. Infringement notices only have to be sent — you are in trouble even if you don’t know and never receive them. Councils may waive fines if they choose, and the courts are the final arbiter of justice about penalties. Homelessness The homeless are not restricted by freedom camping laws or bylaws. Each council decides how to define ‘homeless’. Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are good for what? Get your vehicle self-contained Official information from PGDB Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 2

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Photo: Godley Head Awaroa, at entrance of Lyttelton Harbour © Rob Suisted Photo: Australasian bittern male ©Colin O’Donnel Photo: Lake Opouahi ©DOC Photo: Cathedral Cove: ©DOC Trampers at Mavora Lakes ©Logan Penniket Photo: Kakī leaving boxes Image: Liz Brown ©DOC DOC update DOC The Great Matuku Muster a call to action “This may just be the best chance New Zealanders have of seeing or hearing a matuku in their lifetime!” One day in Sept, Oct and Nov, for up to an hour from sunset, volunteers around the country sit somewhere safe on the outskirts of their local wetland to record male matuku-hūrepo booming. The birds are highly mobile and if the count is not done at the same time across the country, some birds may be counted twice. Photo: Australasian bittern male ©Colin O’Donnel lovebittern.com | ckw.nz/matuku Two Hawke’s Bay sites re-open to public DOC has reopened Hawke’s Bay’s Opouahi Scenic Reserve and White Pine Bush sites to the public. They have been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle which broke the 3.3 km predator-proof fence around the Opouahi Kiwi Creche. Fences needed repair, stock had to be removed, predators trapped, bridges rebuilt, some track rerouted and others resurfaced. Photo: Lake Opouahi ©DOC ckw.nz/opouahi Awaroa/Godley Head reopen]s This popular site near Christchurch, has reopened to the public after a successful remediation of contamination. It offers outstanding sea views and great walking or mountain biking. There is an overnight camp site as well as tracks. Keep dogs on leads as all digging is prohibited. ckw.nz/awaroa Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track: ckw.nz/godley-track Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite: ckw.nz/godley-camp Photo: Godley Head Awaroa, at entrance of Lyttelton Harbour © Rob Suisted Te Araroa Trail Pass this summer This summer, walkers need to register their walks through the Te Araroa Trust and buy a Trail Pass to use in DOC huts and get discounts along the way. Te Araroa is one of the world’s most diverse long-distance walking trails, at 3012km. From the northern cape of Te Rerenga Wairua, to the southern bluff of Motupōhue, Te Araroa spans the length of Aotearoa.Around 2,000 walkers complete the full trail each year, though others do different parts of the trail at a time. Photo: Trampers at Mavora Lakes ©Logan Penniket ckw.nz/te-araroa Mautohe Cathedral Cove track The walking track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Coromandel was closed in February ‘23 after it sustained significant damage during Cyclone Gabrielle. The alternative McHand’s Lookout track has now closed too while remedial work is carried out. Accessing Mautohe Cathedral Cove is a marine-only experience until December, when the car park and track are expected reopen. Te Pare Pa remains open. This coastal landscape is prone to storm damage, landslides and rockfalls making it a challenging track to maintain. Photo: Cathedral Cove: ©DOC ckw.nz/cove-1 | ckw.nz/cove-2 Successful kakī season sees bumper release 80 birds were released at Lake Tekapo/Takapō and another 78 into the Tasman Valley, Mackenzie Country, since August. This past season saw the highest recorded number of breeding pairs in the wild with 41 pairs producing eggs. Ten years ago, that number was just 17 pairs. photo: Kakī leaving boxes. Photo: Liz Brown ©DOC ckw.nz/kaki ◼️ Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 38

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption staying-safe-H.webp Staying safe as you travel Editor Roads Check out the road before you travel. NZTA provides maps with current road closures, dangers, warnings, road works. ckw.nz/highways Weather Get a weather app on your phone: NIWA and the Met Service both provide weather warnings as well as forecasts. (Pictured, the Windy.com app on a phone) Fire danger NIWA gives regional guides on the current fire danger. Check before you strike the match. fireweather.niwa.co.nz Electrical warrants Required by campgrounds, these warrants also ensure there is no electrical danger to you or your family. Renewed every 4 years. More Gas safety check These are not required, but recommended every 2 years. With the vibrations of travel even well constructed gas setups can develop leaks over time. Some people have gas sniffers so they can check their own space as they travel Fire safety Have a fire extinguisher, and be mindful where it is placed. Shake it up every month. A fire blanket works for different kinds of fires (more). Can you break a window to get out if there is a fire? With what? Alarms • Smoke, • Sudden heat, • Carbon monoxide, • LPG. Get the right ones in the right place with the right batteries / power. Check them regularly:perhaps as daylight saving changes. Personal Locator Beacons Stay safe when out in the wilds. More on p25 Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 38

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Camp site I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Morning sun I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Campsite I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Cycling at Lake Mavora I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Misty morning I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Misty morning I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Mist rising I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Mist rising I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Sundown I could live like this forever. Mavora Lakes. ©2024 Nigel Henry Camping at Mavora ©2024 Nigel Henry I could live like this forever Nigel Henry I could live like this forever. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 7

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A wrap Stephen Wood A wrap. Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 15